Inductive Coupler for Sensor Power in Sand Control Completions
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Solution Overview
Problem
Deployment of sensors in wells with sand control systems is challenging due to the need for effective particulate material management and reliable communication and power transmission in harsh environments.
Innovation Solution
A completion system with a sand control assembly and an inductive coupler that allows for real-time monitoring of downhole parameters, using a two-stage deployment method with inductive coupling for communication and power between the sensor assembly and uphole components, enabling continuous data transmission and power supply.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If sensors are deployed in completion systems with sand control assemblies, then real-time monitoring of downhole parameters is enabled, but reliable communication and power transmission become difficult due to harsh environments with particulate material
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an inductive coupler as an intermediary device that enables wireless power and data transmission between the sensor assembly and the surface equipment. The inductive coupler consists of a transmitter coil positioned in the wellbore and a receiver coil positioned outside the wellbore, creating a magnetic field coupling that allows energy and information transfer without physical contact, thus avoiding interference from sand particles and other harsh environmental factors.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical electrical connections with an inductive coupling system. Instead of using physical wires or conductive pathways that would be disrupted by sand control assemblies and particulate material, the system uses electromagnetic induction to transfer power and data. This substitution of mechanical connection with electromagnetic field-based transmission resolves the reliability issues in harsh downhole environments.
2Device complexity
If traditional electrical connections are used for sensor power and communication, then simple wiring is sufficient, but sand and particulate material interfere with signal transmission
Solution Approach 1:
The inductive coupler acts as an intermediary that bridges the gap between the sensor assembly and surface equipment without requiring direct electrical contact. The magnetic field coupling through the inductive coupler plates provides a reliable transmission path that is immune to interference from sand particles, while maintaining relatively simple system architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent eliminates the need for physical wiring through the sand control assembly by using inductive coupling. The transmitter coil generates a magnetic field that couples with the receiver coil, enabling power and data transmission without mechanical electrical connections that would be vulnerable to sand interference.
3Measurement precision
If sensors are positioned close to sand control assemblies for effective monitoring, then measurement accuracy improves, but exposure to harsh particulate environments increases
Solution Approach 1:
The inductive coupler serves as a protective intermediary that allows sensors to be positioned close to sand control assemblies for accurate measurement while shielding them from direct exposure to harsh particulate environments. The magnetic field coupling enables communication and power transmission through the sand control assembly without requiring the sensors to be in direct contact with the harsh environment.
Solution Approach 2:
The inductive coupler plates act as thin, flexible magnetic coupling elements that allow field penetration through the sand control assembly. These thin film-like magnetic couplers enable the sensors to be positioned close to the sand control assembly for accurate measurement while the inductive coupling mechanism protects against direct exposure to harmful particulate material.
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
Enables real-time monitoring of various parameters such as temperature, pressure, and flow rates, ensuring reliable data communication and power supply to sensors, even in environments with particulate material presence, thereby improving well operation and maintenance efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a second inductive coupler portion to communicate with the first inductive coupler portion to enable communication between the sensor and another component coupled to the second section
Data Source
AI summary
A completion system for use in a well includes a first completion section and a second section. The first completion section has a sand control assembly to prevent passage of particulates, a first inductive coupler portion, and a sensor positioned proximate to the sand control assembly that is electrically coupled to the first inductive coupler portion. The second section is deployable after installation of the first completion section. It includes a second inductive coupler portion to communicate with the first inductive coupler portion, to enable communication between the first completion section's sensor and another component coupled to the second section.