Gauge Assembly Guide Member for Downhole Sensor Deployment
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Solution Overview
Problem
In the resource exploration and recovery industry, adding or repairing sensors and communication devices downhole requires withdrawing production tubing, which is costly due to manpower, tool expenses, and lost production time.
Innovation Solution
A gauge assembly deployable from a surface system into a subsurface system, featuring a device housing with a guide member and control line, allowing sensors and communication devices to be positioned downhole without withdrawing tubulars, using a tapered guide member for deployment into a tubular string.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of repair
If sensors or communication devices are added or repaired by withdrawing production tubing, then device replacement or repair is achieved, but operational time is lost and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the tubular string into segments, allowing a self-contained gauge assembly to be deployed independently into a specific section of the tubular string without withdrawing the entire production tubing. This segmentation enables localized sensor replacement while maintaining continuous production in other sections.
Solution Approach 2:
A gauge assembly serves as an intermediary device that can be deployed through the tubular string via a deployment vessel. This intermediary carries the sensor or communication device and can be positioned at the desired location without removing the production tubing, thus avoiding production downtime.
2Ease of repair
If production tubing is withdrawn for device maintenance, then sensor repair is enabled, but operational costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system allows independent deployment of a gauge assembly containing the sensor or communication device into the tubular string. This segmentation eliminates the need to withdraw the entire production tubing for maintenance, reducing manpower and tool costs while enabling targeted device replacement.
Solution Approach 2:
The gauge assembly is designed to be self-contained with its own housing and deployment mechanism, allowing it to be inserted and positioned independently without requiring withdrawal of the production tubing. This self-service capability reduces dependency on expensive tubular withdrawal operations for routine maintenance.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a gauge assembly is deployed into the tubular string, then device installation is achieved, but deployment complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The gauge assembly is nested within a deployment vessel that is introduced through the tubular string. The gauge assembly can be positioned at the desired depth and then deployed from the deployment vessel. This nesting approach simplifies the overall deployment process by using a standardized vessel that can accommodate different gauge assemblies.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of bringing the deployment system up to the device, the invention inverts the approach by deploying the gauge assembly down through the tubular string to the desired location. This inversion simplifies the deployment process by using the existing tubular string as the deployment pathway rather than requiring complex extraction and reinstallation operations.
Data Source
AI summary
A gauge assembly deployable from a surface system into a subsurface system includes a device housing having a first end, a second end, and an intermediate portion extending therebetween. The intermediate portion includes an outer surface and an inner surface that defines a device receiving zone. A device is arranged in the device receiving zone. The device includes one of a pressure sensor, a temperature sensor, and a communication device. A control line is connected to the device and extends from the second end of the device housing to the surface system. A guide member is mounted to the first end of the device housing. The guide member includes a tapered end section that promotes deployment into the subsurface system.