Flow Characterization Tool with Extendable Sensor Members

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Solution Overview

Problem

Accurate flow characterization in wells is hindered by barriers such as sand screens and well tubing, which obstruct the measurement of flow geometry and lead to erosion, material failure, and blockages, making it difficult to optimize well production and prevent equipment failures.

Innovation Solution

A flow characterization tool with extendable members and mechanically sensitive sensors, such as vibration sensors, is used to measure impacts on barriers, providing detailed mechanical measurements of forces and vibrations, and includes friction-reducing elements to enhance sensitivity and accuracy across barriers.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If barriers such as sand screens and well tubing are installed to separate solid and fluid flow, then flow separation and protection are achieved, but measurement accuracy of flow geometry deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveflow separation and protectionVSAvoidflow geometry measurement accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses an intermediary mechanism where sensors measure flow characteristics on one side of the barrier and transmit this information across the barrier to characterize flow on the other side. This mediator approach allows accurate flow characterization without direct sensor exposure to the harsh flow environment, resolving the contradiction between protection and measurement accuracy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The flow characterization system is divided into separate functional segments: sensors positioned in protected zones, signal transmission components across the barrier, and processing systems. This segmentation allows each component to perform its function optimally without being compromised by the presence of barriers, maintaining both protection and measurement precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Measurement precision

If sensors are positioned close to flow to improve measurement accuracy, then flow characterization accuracy improves, but exposure to erosion and material failure increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveflow characterization accuracyVSAvoiderosion and material failure

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system employs barriers as intermediaries that physically separate sensors from the erosive flow environment while still allowing flow characterization through measured parameter transmission. This mediator barrier protects sensors from harmful factors while maintaining measurement capability through the barrier interface.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces direct mechanical sensor exposure to flow with indirect measurement through barrier transmission. Instead of mechanically exposing sensors to erosive forces, the system uses acoustic, vibrational, or pressure wave transmission through the barrier to obtain flow characteristics, substituting direct mechanical interaction with indirect field-based measurement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Object-affected harmful factors

If barriers are present between flow and sensors, then protection from erosion is achieved, but flow characterization accuracy deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprotection from erosionVSAvoidflow characterization accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The barrier itself is used as an intermediary measurement interface. By measuring parameters on the protected side and transmitting them through the barrier characteristics, the system maintains both protection and measurement accuracy. The barrier becomes part of the measurement system rather than just an obstacle.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system measures and accounts for changes in physical parameters (acoustic properties, vibrational characteristics, pressure transmission) as they pass through the barrier. By monitoring and compensating for these parameter changes, the system maintains measurement accuracy despite the presence of the protective barrier.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The tool increases the diagnostic capabilities for detecting irregularities and erosion, improving the accuracy of flow characterization, reducing the risk of equipment failures, and optimizing well operations by providing precise measurements of forces and vibrations across barriers.

Implementation Method 1

A mechanically sensitive sensor is mechanically coupled to the extended member... measuring the vibrations and forces transferred to the extended member from the barrier

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectVibration: Vibration

Implementation Method 2

measuring the vibrations and forces transferred to the extended member from the barrier

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical Force: Mechanical Force

Data Source

PatentUS11499418B2Flow characterization tool

Publication Date: 2022.11.15 HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES INC

AI summary

An apparatus includes a central body having a longitudinal axis and a first extended member attached to the central body, wherein the first extended member extends away from the longitudinal axis. The apparatus also includes a first mechanically sensitive sensor mechanically coupled to the first extended member.