Inductive Coupler Wireless Power Transfer for ESP Well Intervention

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Solution Overview

Problem

The presence of electric submersible pumps (ESPs) in completion systems hinders efficient and safe actuation of valves and collection of measurement data, particularly in subsea well applications, due to lack of through-bore access and high costs associated with running intervention tools.

Innovation Solution

A system incorporating a string with an electric pump and inductive coupler portions for inductive coupling with a completion section, enabling wireless communication and power transfer between the string and the completion section, allowing for interventionless data collection and control of downhole devices like formation isolation valves.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If an ESP is installed in a completion system, then fluid production capability is improved, but access for intervention and measurement below the ESP becomes blocked

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefluid production capabilityVSAvoidaccess for intervention and measurement

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses inductive couplers as intermediary devices to transfer power and data signals between the surface and downhole equipment without requiring physical access through the ESP. The first inductive coupler on the production string and the second inductive coupler on the completion section create a wireless power and communication bridge, enabling valve actuation and sensor readout through electromagnetic induction rather than mechanical access.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces mechanical intervention tools with an electromagnetic field-based system. Instead of running physical intervention tools through the ESP to actuate valves or read sensors, the system uses inductive coupling to transmit power and data signals wirelessly, substituting mechanical access with electromagnetic field interaction to achieve the same functional goals.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Measurement precision

If conventional intervention tools are used to access below the ESP, then measurement data can be collected, but operational costs increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewell characteristic data collectionVSAvoidoperational cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The system enables self-service measurement by having sensors and electrical devices in the completion section powered and communicated with through inductive coupling. The completion section can independently collect and transmit measurement data without requiring expensive intervention tools to be run into the well, making the system self-sufficient for monitoring and control functions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The inductive couplers serve as an intermediary power and communication bridge that eliminates the need for expensive intervention tools. By transferring energy and data wirelessly through electromagnetic induction, the system provides a cost-effective alternative to conventional mechanical intervention methods for collecting measurement data.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Ease of repair

If the upper completion section is removed for ESP workover, then ESP repair access is enabled, but fluid flow control becomes difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveESP workover accessVSAvoidfluid flow control

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of repairVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary action by providing continuous power and communication to the formation isolation valve through inductive coupling before the upper completion section is removed. This allows the valve to be actuated in advance or during the workover process to isolate the wellbore, ensuring fluid flow control is maintained even when the upper completion section is pulled out for ESP repair.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The inductive couplers provide an intermediary power and control link that remains functional during workover operations. This wireless power and communication bridge allows the formation isolation valve to be controlled independently of the upper completion section, enabling reliable fluid flow control even when the upper section is removed for ESP maintenance.

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

Facilitates efficient and safe operation of wells by enabling interventionless communication and control of downhole devices, reducing operational costs and complexity, especially in subsea environments.

Implementation Method 1

The production string includes a first inductive coupler portion... The completion section includes a second inductive coupler portion for inductive coupling to the first inductive coupler portion

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS7775275B2Providing a string having an electric pump and an inductive coupler

Publication Date: 2010.08.17 SCHLUMBERGER TECH CORP

AI summary

A system for use in a well includes a string for placement in the well, where the string including an electric pump and a first inductive coupler portion. A completion section is deployed in a zone of the well to be developed, where the completion section includes a second inductive coupler portion for inductive coupling to the first inductive coupler portion. An electrical device is electrically connected to the second inductive coupler portion.