Inductive Coupler for Borehole Sensor Signal Transfer

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing monitoring systems for well parameters, such as cement curing and integrity, are limited in their ability to provide real-time data from outside the tubing/casing in a borehole, as they typically rely on internal communication lines and do not effectively utilize sensors positioned outside the casing for external parameter monitoring.

Innovation Solution

An array of sensors is positioned outside the tubing/casing within the borehole wall, coupled to a surface control system via an inductive coupler system with both an outside and inside inductive coupler member, enabling real-time signal transfer and monitoring of external parameters like cement curing and integrity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If sensors are positioned outside the tubing/casing to monitor external parameters, then measurement capability for external events is improved, but signal transmission to surface becomes difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemonitoring capabilityVSAvoidsignal transmission system

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an inductive coupler system as an intermediary between the external sensors and the internal communication lines. The first inductive coupler member receives signals from sensors outside the tubing, and the second inductive coupler member transmits these signals to the interior where communication lines are located. This mediator enables signal transmission across the tubing barrier without direct physical connection, resolving the transmission difficulty while maintaining external monitoring capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If internal communication lines are used for signal transmission, then signal transmission reliability is improved, but monitoring of external parameters outside the tubing becomes limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesignal transmissionVSAvoidexternal parameter monitoring

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the monitoring system into two functional parts: external sensors positioned outside the tubing for detecting external parameters, and an inductive coupler system that bridges the boundary between external and internal zones. This segmentation allows the system to maintain reliable internal communication while extending monitoring capability to external parameters, achieving both transmission reliability and monitoring versatility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The inductive coupler acts as a mediator that connects the external sensor world with the internal communication infrastructure. By placing the first inductive coupler member outside and the second inside the tubing, it enables seamless signal transfer from external sensors to the reliable internal communication lines, thus maintaining signal transmission reliability while enabling external parameter monitoring.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Measurement precision

If sensors are placed outside the tubing to monitor cement curing and integrity, then monitoring coverage is improved, but signal transfer across tubing wall becomes difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemonitoring coverageVSAvoidsignal transfer

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The inductive coupler system serves as an intermediary that simplifies signal transfer across the tubing wall. The first inductive coupler member positioned outside the tubing receives signals from cement monitoring sensors, and the second inductive coupler member inside the tubing transmits these signals to communication lines. This intermediary mechanism makes signal transfer across the tubing wall easy and reliable, enabling comprehensive monitoring coverage of cement curing and integrity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 configuration allows for real-time monitoring of external events and parameters, enhancing the ability to verify cement curing and integrity, and facilitating continuous monitoring of well operations, including seismic and cross-well applications.

Implementation Method 1

an inductive coupler system having a first inductive coupler member located at an outside position and a second inductive coupler member located at an inside position with respect to the tubing/casing

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS10519761B2System and methodology for monitoring in a borehole

Publication Date: 2019.12.31 SCHLUMBERGER TECH CORP

AI summary

A technique facilitates monitoring of parameters along the exterior of a tubing/casing deployed in a borehole. An array of sensors is positioned outside of the tubing/casing and within a borehole wall. The array of sensors is coupled to a surface via a communication line routed through an inductive coupler system. The inductive coupler system has a first inductive coupler member located at an outside position and a second inductive coupler member located at an inside position with respect to the tubing/casing. The arrangement enables real-time monitoring of events outside of the tubing/casing.