Inductive Coupler Well Completion Power Transmission
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing completion systems in wells face challenges in efficiently communicating power and data with electrical devices such as sensors and flow control valves once they are deployed, as traditional methods can be cumbersome and prone to damage during installation.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a completion system that utilizes inductive couplers, where an electric cable outside the well liner or tubing communicates power and data to electrical devices inside the well through inductive coupling, eliminating the need for the electric cable to be run inside the well and reducing the risk of damage during installation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the electric cable is run inside the well liner, then direct electrical connection is achieved, but the cable is prone to damage during installation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the electric cable from the interior of the well liner and relocates it to the exterior. The cable extends outside the liner and communicates power and data to electrical devices through inductive coupling, eliminating the need for the cable to be run inside the well and thereby removing the damage risk associated with internal cable placement during installation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces inductive coupling as an intermediary mechanism between the external electric cable and the electrical devices inside the well. This intermediary allows power and data transmission without direct physical connection, enabling communication while protecting the cable from damage during installation.
2Ease of operation
If traditional power communication methods are used, then electrical devices can be powered, but the system becomes cumbersome and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical connection system (physical cable runs inside the well) with an electromagnetic field-based system. Inductive coupling enables power and data communication through electromagnetic fields, eliminating the need for complex mechanical cable routing and connection systems, thereby simplifying the overall installation and operation.
3Reliability
If the electric cable is positioned outside the liner, then damage risk is reduced, but power transmission efficiency may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses inductive coupling as an intermediary to bridge the gap between the external cable and internal devices. This intermediary mechanism maintains efficient power transmission despite the cable's external positioning, as the inductive coupling creates a magnetic field that efficiently transfers energy without requiring direct physical contact.
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 solution enables efficient and reliable power and data communication with downhole devices, reducing the risk of cable damage and providing a convenient mechanism for delivering electrical energy along the well length, facilitating remote operation and data collection.
Implementation Method 1
an inductive coupler communicates electrical energy between the electric cable and the electrical device
Data Source
AI summary
A completion system for use in the well includes a liner for lining the well, where the liner has a first inductive coupler portion. An electric cable extends outside an inner passage of the liner. The completion system further includes a second inductive coupler portion and an electrical device inside the liner and electrically connected to the second inductive coupler portion. The first and second inductive coupler portions enable power to be provided from the electric cable outside the inner passage of the liner to the electrical device inside the liner.