Flexible Device Subassemblies for Downhole Conduit Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
In the resource recovery industry, deploying sensory and communication systems with downhole strings is time-consuming and costly due to the challenges of managing conduit length and securing devices, often requiring excessive conductor or cutting, especially when sheaves have smaller radii and devices need to bend through them.
Innovation Solution
A flexible device composed of subassemblies with connectors and links for signal connection, allowing for spooling and deployment with a device anchor/access point that secures devices based on conductor length, reducing bending moments and connection angles, and featuring optional strength members and overmolding for protection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If devices are disposed in line on a spooled conduit, then the conduit can be managed in an organized manner during deployment, but the small radius of sheaves and spools creates excessive bending moments that damage the devices
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into multiple subassemblies (first subassembly, second subassembly, etc.) connected by flexible links. This segmentation allows each subassembly to be smaller and more flexible, enabling the device to navigate tight bends through sheaves and spools without excessive bending moments while maintaining organized deployment through the spooled conduit system
Solution Approach 2:
The device structure transitions from rigid to flexible by incorporating flexible links and multiple subassemblies. This parameter change in structural rigidity allows the device to adapt to the bending requirements of small-radius sheaves and spools while maintaining operational integrity during spooled deployment
2Reliability
If conductor terminations are made at each device as the string is run, then secure routing is achieved, but the deployment process becomes time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
Conductors are pre-attached to the device subassemblies during manufacturing, eliminating the need for field terminations. The flexible device with pre-connected conductors is spooled and deployed as a complete unit, allowing rapid installation without time-consuming termination operations while maintaining reliable conductor routing through the flexible connection design
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple functions are combined into the flexible device structure: the subassemblies, flexible links, and conductor attachments are integrated into a single deployable unit. This merging eliminates separate termination operations and allows the entire system to be installed in one continuous operation, significantly improving deployment productivity
3Stability of the object's composition
If sensory devices are installed at predetermined positions in subs, then the string configuration is secure, but excessive free conductor remains between devices requiring cutting or splicing
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible device with its articulated subassemblies and flexible links can dynamically adapt its configuration during deployment. The device bends and flexes to navigate through sheaves and spools, and the flexible conductor connections accommodate varying lengths between devices without requiring cutting or splicing, eliminating conductor material loss while maintaining stable string configuration
Data Source
AI summary
A flexible device including a plurality of subassemblies, a connector depending from each of the subassemblies, a link connected to the connectors supplying a signal connection between the subassemblies.