Inductive Coupling for Down-hole Wireless Data Transmission
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Solution Overview
Problem
In petrochemical wells, existing methods for monitoring B-annulus parameters like pressure and temperature are hindered by the need for hard-wired connections, which are impractical due to potential tubing withdrawal, debris, and obstruction risks, and require costly and intrusive cabling.
Innovation Solution
A wireless inductive coupling system using coils of different diameters, where one coil is on the production tubing and another on the casing, enabling data and power transmission across the annular space without the need for physical connections, with the coils being coaxially disposed to facilitate efficient power transfer and data communication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If hard-wired connections are used to communicate with B-annulus sensors, then reliable data transmission can be achieved, but the system becomes vulnerable to damage from tubing withdrawal, debris, and obstruction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical hard-wired connection system with an electromagnetic field-based wireless communication system. Two coils are positioned in the A-annulus to create an inductive coupling that transmits power and data signals to sensors in the B-annulus without physical contact, eliminating vulnerability to mechanical damage from tubing withdrawal, debris, and obstruction while maintaining reliable communication
2Ease of operation
If cabling is run from topside to the B-annulus sensor position, then power and data communication can be established, but the system becomes complex and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediate electromagnetic field coupling system consisting of two coils positioned in the A-annulus. This intermediary mechanism enables power and data communication between the production tubing and B-annulus sensors without requiring direct cabling from topside, thereby reducing system complexity and cost while maintaining full communication capability
Solution Approach 2:
The coil system in the A-annulus serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides both power transmission and data communication to the B-annulus sensors through inductive coupling, eliminating the need for separate power and signal cables and thereby reducing overall system complexity
3Adaptability or versatility
If production tubing is equipped with additional cabling for B-annulus communication, then sensor communication is enabled, but the cost increases due to existing cabling infrastructure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the existing cabling infrastructure on the production tubing serve a dual purpose: its original function plus wireless power and data transmission to B-annulus sensors through the inductive coupling coils. This eliminates the need for additional dedicated cabling for B-annulus communication, thereby reducing manufacturing costs while enhancing adaptability
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 allows for reliable, efficient, and cost-effective wireless data and power transmission across the annular space, reducing the risk of damage and maintenance challenges, with passive or active transponder and sensor operation, and maintaining high power transfer efficiency even with misalignment, suitable for long-term down-hole operation.
Implementation Method 1
a pair of coils of different diameters adapted to be inductively coupled in a generally coaxial disposition
Implementation Method 2
means for applying a time-varying current to the first coil, means for modulating the load on the second coil, and means for detecting consequent amplitude modulation of the voltage across the first coil
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatus for the wireless transmission of data, and preferably also of power, across a space between a length of production tubing and a surrounding casing in a petrochemical well, includes a pair of inductively-coupled coils, a first of which is located on the exterior of the production tubing generally coaxially therewith, and the second of which is located on the interior of the casing generally coaxially therewith. This may be used in particular as part of a system for transmitting power and data to/from a sensor monitoring the pressure and/or other environmental conditions within the “B” annulus B of a sub-sea well.