Inspection Tool Multi-Chamber Cooling for Oil Wells

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing inspection tools for oil and gas wells face challenges in maintaining component functionality due to high temperatures, as they lack sufficient cooling mechanisms for heat-generating components like processors and camera electronics, limiting their operational time in high-pressure environments.

Innovation Solution

The inspection tool is designed with multiple insulated chambers, where image sensors are cooled using passive means and processors using active Peltier thermoelectric cooling, allowing for independent cooling of each component to extend operational time and prevent damage from high temperatures.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If inspection tools with extended sensor capabilities are introduced, then inspection functionality is improved, but heat generation increases causing hardware damage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinspection functionalityVSAvoidhardware temperature

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

The inspection tool is divided into multiple separate chambers, each housing specific heat-generating components. The first chamber contains the camera sensor, the second chamber contains the processor, and the third chamber contains the lighting means. This segmentation allows each component to be cooled independently according to its specific thermal requirements, preventing overheating while maintaining full inspection functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different cooling strategies are applied to different chambers based on the specific thermal characteristics of the components they house. The camera sensor chamber uses one cooling approach, the processor chamber uses another, and the lighting means chamber uses a third. This localized quality approach ensures that each component receives the appropriate cooling treatment tailored to its heat generation characteristics.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Device complexity

If passive cooling means are used, then device complexity is reduced, but cooling effectiveness is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecooling system complexityVSAvoidcooling effectiveness

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The cooling system merges both passive and active cooling means within the inspection tool. Passive cooling elements are incorporated into all chambers, while active cooling elements are specifically added to the processor chamber and lighting means chamber. This combination provides sufficient cooling effectiveness for high heat-generating components while maintaining overall system reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

Different cooling strategies are applied to different chambers based on the specific thermal characteristics of the components they house. The camera sensor chamber uses one cooling approach, the processor chamber uses another, and the lighting means chamber uses a third. This localized quality approach ensures that each component receives the appropriate cooling treatment tailored to its heat generation characteristics.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Adaptability or versatility

If more active components and electronics are introduced, then inspection capabilities are enhanced, but temperature sensitivity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinspection capabilitiesVSAvoidtemperature sensitivity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The inspection tool is divided into multiple separate chambers, each housing specific heat-generating components. The first chamber contains the camera sensor, the second chamber contains the processor, and the third chamber contains the lighting means. This segmentation allows each component to be cooled independently according to its specific thermal requirements, preventing overheating while maintaining full inspection functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Cooling elements act as intermediaries between the heat-generating components and the external environment. These cooling elements transfer heat away from the sensitive electronic components, mediating the thermal interaction and protecting the components from temperature sensitivity while allowing the enhanced inspection capabilities to function.

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

This multi-chamber cooling system effectively extends the operational time of inspection tools by managing temperature differences across various components, ensuring accurate and prolonged inspections in high-pressure environments.

Implementation Method 1

the second chamber comprises the one or more processors and is provided with one or more active cooling means

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPeltier thermoelectric cooling: Peltier Effect

Implementation Method 2

at least a first and a second chamber being insulated from each other

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal insulation: Thermal Insulation

Data Source

PatentUS9909995B2Inspection tool

Publication Date: 2018.03.06 VISION IO

AI summary

An inspection tool for inspecting oil and/or gas production and/or injection wells and pipes is provided. The tool comprises at least an image sensor, one or more processors or chips and one or more power supplies. The tool further comprises at least a first and a second chamber being insulated from each other. The first chamber comprises the image sensor and is provided with one or more passive cooling means, and the second chamber comprises the one or more processors and is provided with one or more active cooling means. Further, a method for cooling such inspection tool is provided.