Helical Distributed Sensor for Continuous Wellbore Monitoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current downhole sensing technologies in the oil and gas industry face challenges in building durable sensors for harsh environments, providing reliable power, and obtaining continuous, real-time flow property profiles along the wellbore length and circumference without interfering with production, as they often provide limited and discrete measurements.
Innovation Solution
A distributed sensor is installed in a helical shape within the wellbore, supported by friction, allowing it to maintain contact with the inner surface and provide continuous monitoring of fluid properties such as pressure, temperature, and flow rate across the entire circumference and length of the wellbore.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If discrete measurements are used at several points in the well, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision and information completeness deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The sensing system is segmented into multiple discrete measurement points distributed along the wellbore, each providing localized data. This segmentation allows the system to maintain relatively simple individual sensor designs while collectively providing comprehensive flow profile information through the aggregation of multiple measurement points.
Solution Approach 2:
A fluid conduit serves as an intermediary medium to transport the distributed sensor line through the wellbore. The conduit enables the sensor line to reach measurement locations without requiring complex direct installation mechanisms, thus maintaining device simplicity while enabling precise distributed measurements.
2Measurement precision
If a distributed sensor line is pumped through a hydraulic conduit, then measurement coverage is improved, but sensor reliability deteriorates due to potential damage from loads and viscous fluid requirements
Solution Approach 1:
A viscous fluid is used as the pumping medium to transport the sensor line through the hydraulic conduit. The fluid's viscosity provides cushioning and protective forces during installation, reducing mechanical loads on the sensor line while enabling it to reach distributed measurement locations throughout the wellbore.
Solution Approach 2:
The viscous fluid provides beforehand cushioning to the sensor line during the pumping installation process. This cushioning effect protects the sensor line from mechanical damage before it is deployed to measurement locations, thereby maintaining both measurement coverage and sensor reliability.
3Measurement precision
If the sensor is wrapped circumferentially around the pipe, then complete circumference coverage is achieved, but device complexity and installation difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor line is configured in a helical (curved) shape rather than a straight linear arrangement. This curvature allows the sensor to wrap circumferentially around the pipe, achieving complete circumferential coverage while the helical geometry naturally accommodates the pipe's cylindrical shape, reducing installation complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor line transitions from a one-dimensional linear arrangement to a three-dimensional helical configuration around the pipe. This dimensional change enables circumferential coverage along the pipe's circumference while maintaining a relatively simple continuous sensor line design without requiring multiple separate sensors or complex assembly.
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
This method enables comprehensive, real-time monitoring of fluid properties, enhancing operational decision-making by providing detailed flow profiles and improving sensor durability and reliability, while minimizing interference with production processes.
Implementation Method 1
allowing the distributed sensor to become at least partially supported by friction at the inner surface
Data Source
AI summary
A method for monitoring fluid properties with a distributed sensor in a wellbore having an inner surface, a top and a bottom comprising causing the distributed sensor to assume a helical shape, pulling the distributed sensor towards the bottom of the wellbore, while retaining the helical shape of the distributed sensor, feeding the distributed sensor into the wellbore so that the distributed sensor is in substantially continuous contact with the inner surface, and allowing the distributed sensor to become at least partially supported by friction at the inner surface.