Hybrid Cable Connecting Device Unsmooth Surface
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing technologies for monitoring parameters in oil and gas exploration, such as distributed acoustic sensing (DAS), face limitations in precise location measurement and directional blindness, and require improved methods for accessing signals from hybrid cables used in high-temperature environments.
Innovation Solution
A hybrid cable system with a connecting device that encloses both electrical and optical fibers, featuring an unsmooth external surface for swaging armoring elements, allowing for accurate signal extraction and improved coupling with the well casing, enhancing measurement precision and directional accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If an optical fiber is used for distributed acoustic sensing (DAS) in high-temperature environments, then the temperature resistance is improved, but the measurement precision and directional accuracy deteriorate due to linear continuous structure without dedicated sensing points
Solution Approach 1:
The optical fiber is segmented into discrete sensing sections by introducing reflecting elements at specific intervals along the fiber length. These reflecting elements create distinct sensing zones that can be individually addressed, transforming the continuous linear fiber into a segmented array of discrete sensors with precise location identification capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
Reflecting elements are introduced as intermediary components between the optical source and the distant sensing points. These elements reflect optical signals back toward the source, enabling bidirectional communication and precise location identification of events occurring at specific positions along the wellbore.
2Measurement precision
If traditional electronic sensors are used for monitoring well parameters, then the measurement precision is improved, but the temperature resistance deteriorates in high-temperature environments
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the advantages of both electronic sensors and optical fibers by combining discrete electronic sensing elements with optical fiber transmission. Electronic sensors provide high-precision measurements of temperature, pressure, and other parameters, while the optical fiber carries signals from these sensors to the surface, enabling operation in high-temperature environments where pure electronic systems would fail.
3Ease of manufacture
If a smooth connecting device is used inside the hybrid cable, then the ease of manufacture is improved, but the mechanical strength and coupling with well casing deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The connecting device features an asymmetric surface profile with external protrusions or knurling patterns. This asymmetric geometry provides enhanced mechanical interlocking with the wellbore casing and improved grip for deployment tools, while the internal surface remains smooth to facilitate easy insertion of the optical fiber and electronic components during assembly.
Data Source
AI summary
A hybrid cable for collecting data inside a well includes an electrical cable extending along a longitudinal axis of the hybrid cable, an optical fiber extending along the longitudinal axis, an armor that extends along the longitudinal axis, and encircles the electrical cable and the optical fiber, and a connecting device extending along the longitudinal axis, to enclose the electrical cable and the optical fiber, and to be enclosed by the armor. The connecting device has an unsmooth external surface.