Remotely Actuated Fluid Clamping for Borehole Seismic Sensors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current borehole clamping mechanisms for seismic sensors face challenges such as high drag during installation, limited clamping force-to-weight ratio, reliance on electrical power, and susceptibility to high temperatures and pressures, particularly in fiber optic down-hole seismic sensors where electronics and power are unavailable.
Innovation Solution
A remotely actuated fluid-based clamping device with a pressure-compensated actuator that uses a chamber isolated from ambient pressure, featuring a piston and connecting rod assembly to engage the borehole surface, allowing for actuation with reduced fluid pressure independent of borehole pressure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If passive bow spring clamps or magnetic clamps are used, then clamping force-to-weight ratio is reduced, but drag force during installation increases and weight at bottom of sensor array is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The clamping mechanism transitions from static passive clamps to a dynamic remotely actuated system. The actuator can be positioned in retracted state during lowering to minimize drag, then extended to engage the clamp when needed, allowing the system to adapt its state based on operational requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The clamping function is separated from the sensor array weight system. The clamp is actuated by a separate actuator mechanism that can be controlled independently, allowing the clamp to be engaged or disengaged without adding permanent weight to the sensor array bottom.
2Force
If electric motor and lead screw arrangement are used, then clamping force is high and design is simple, but electrical power is required in borehole and sparks may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The electrical motor and lead screw system is replaced with a fluid-based actuation system. The actuator uses hydraulic or pneumatic pressure to generate the clamping force, eliminating the need for electrical motors, lead screws, and associated electrical infrastructure in the borehole environment.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention employs a fluid-based actuator that utilizes pneumatic or hydraulic pressure to generate the necessary clamping force. This replaces the electrical motor system, providing a reliable mechanical actuation method that does not require electrical power in the borehole and avoids spark generation risks.
3Force
If hydraulic actuation is used, then no electrical power is needed and clamping force is high, but hydrostatic effects of wellbore fluid and fluid height must be overcome
Solution Approach 1:
A gas-filled chamber acts as an intermediary between the external pressure system and the clamping mechanism. The chamber contains a piston that separates the high-pressure fluid actuation zone from the clamping zone, allowing pressure transmission while isolating the clamp from direct exposure to borehole hydrostatic conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The actuator utilizes gas pressure instead of liquid hydraulic pressure, changing the fluid parameter from incompressible liquid to compressible gas. This allows the system to overcome hydrostatic effects more effectively, as gas pressure can be applied independently of the borehole fluid column height.
4Force
If high pressure gas is used to actuate down-hole clamp, then clamping force is sufficient to overcome down-hole pressure, but gas pressure must be extremely high (tens of thousands of psi)
Solution Approach 1:
The pressure transmission system is segmented into distinct zones: the gas-filled chamber, the piston separator, and the clamping mechanism. This segmentation allows pressure to be applied in a controlled manner through the piston, distributing the force over a larger area and reducing the peak pressure requirements compared to direct actuation.
Solution Approach 2:
The piston serves as an intermediary that translates gas pressure into mechanical clamping force. By using the piston's surface area and mechanical advantage, the system generates sufficient clamping force with much lower gas pressure than would be required for direct actuation of the clamp.
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 solution provides a high-performance clamping system with reduced drag, increased mechanical coupling, and operation at various pressures and temperatures without the need for down-hole electronics or electrical power, enhancing data accuracy and system reliability.
Implementation Method 1
The fluid based actuator includes a chamber configured to be kept at a pressure that is isolated from an ambient pressure of the borehole. The fluid based actuator also includes a piston within the chamber. The chamber receives a pressurized fluid to move the piston within the chamber to actuate the clamping mechanism.
Data Source
AI summary
A remotely actuated clamping device for a borehole seismic sensing system. The remotely actuated clamping device includes a clamping mechanism configured to engage a surface of a borehole by actuation of the clamping mechanism. The remotely actuated clamping device also includes a fluid based actuator configured to actuate the clamping mechanism. The fluid based actuator includes a chamber configured to be kept at a pressure that is isolated from an ambient pressure of the borehole. The fluid based actuator also includes a piston within the chamber. The chamber receives a pressurized fluid to move the piston within the chamber to actuate the clamping mechanism. The pressure used to actuate the clamping mechanism is independent of the ambient pressure of the borehole. Also disclosed are methods of operating the device.