Downhole Inductive Data Transmission via Non-Magnetic Tubing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for obtaining real-time data during well construction activities, particularly in deviated wellbores, face challenges such as difficulty in verifying the correct setting of sealing devices like packers and the need for cumbersome and prone-to-damage electric cables for data transmission.
Innovation Solution
A method and downhole assembly that utilize a magnetic field generating device and fluid pressure pulse generating device to transmit data from sensors without the need for surface cables, using inductive coupling and fluid pressure pulses, allowing real-time monitoring of parameters like pressure and temperature within the wellbore.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If electric cables are used for data transmission from downhole sensors to surface, then data can be transmitted in real-time, but the cables are prone to damage and require cumbersome handling
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the electric cable from the system entirely, extracting the data transmission function from mechanical cable connection and replacing it with electromagnetic induction through the tubing wall. This eliminates cable damage risks and handling complexity while maintaining real-time data transmission capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical cable-based data transmission system with an electromagnetic field-based system. The magnetic field generating device creates alternating magnetic fields that induce currents in the tubing, which in turn generate electromagnetic fields detectable at surface, substituting mechanical cable connections with field-based communication.
2Reliability
If weight is applied to set the packer in deviated wellbores, then the sealing element can be deformed into sealing abutment, but it is difficult to apply sufficient weight and verify correct setting
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback system where sensors monitor parameters such as axial load on the packer, pressure differential across the seal, and position. This real-time data is transmitted to surface, allowing operators to verify correct packer setting and make adjustments if needed, transforming an unverifiable operation into a monitored, controllable process.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces sensors and electronic systems as intermediaries between the packer setting operation and the operator at surface. These intermediaries provide indirect measurement of packer setting status through monitored parameters, making the setting process observable and verifiable without direct downhole inspection.
3Reliability
If non-magnetic tubing sections are used to allow magnetic field penetration, then inductive coupling can occur, but the tubing structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the tubing into magnetic and non-magnetic sections. The non-magnetic sections are strategically placed at specific locations where magnetic field penetration is required for inductive coupling, while the rest of the tubing remains magnetic for structural integrity and corrosion resistance. This segmentation enables data transmission functionality without requiring the entire tubing structure to be non-magnetic.
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 reliable real-time data transmission from downhole sensors to the surface without the need for surface cables, improving the accuracy of well construction monitoring and reducing the risk of cable damage, especially in deviated wellbores.
Implementation Method 1
A magnetic field generating device is provided which can be positioned within the non-magnetic tubing section. The field generating device is activatable to inductively couple the device to the sensor
Implementation Method 2
A fluid pressure pulse generating device is provided in communication with the magnetic field generating device, the pressure pulse generating device being adapted to generate pressure pulses in a fluid in the wellbore to transmit the data to the surface
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a method for obtaining real-time data relating to a well construction activity, and to a corresponding downhole assembly. The invention also relates to a downhole tool assembly for such a use. In one embodiment, a method of obtaining real-time data relating to a well construction activity is disclosed, the method comprising the steps of: locating wellbore-lining tubing (18) comprising at least one non-magnetic tubing section (38) in a wellbore (12) of a well; measuring at least one downhole parameter at a location (43) external of the wellbore-lining tubing using at least one sensor (40, 42) associated with the non-magnetic tubing section; positioning a magnetic field generating device (44) within the non-magnetic tubing section and activating the device to inductively couple the device to the at least one sensor; transmitting data relating to the at least measured parameter through the non-magnetic tubing section to the magnetic field generating device by means of the inductive coupling; and transmitting the data retrieved from the at least one sensor to surface using a fluid pressure pulse generating device (46) associated with the magnetic field generating device.