Downhole Leak Detection Tool Cup Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for detecting leaks in wellbore tubing strings are complex and involve numerous moving parts or expensive electronic components, making them inefficient and costly.

Innovation Solution

A leak detection system comprising a tool with a cup having an outside diameter matching the tubing string, propelled by fluid pressure differential, using sensors to detect changes in pressure, temperature, and weight to locate leaks by monitoring fluid flow through the tubing string.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If complex detection methods with numerous moving parts or expensive electronic components are used, then leak detection capability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveleak detection capabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the essential leak detection function from complex electronic systems and implements it using a simple cup-based mechanical device that relies on fundamental fluid pressure principles, eliminating the need for sophisticated electronics while maintaining detection reliability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The cup component is designed as a simple, inexpensive, disposable element that can be easily replaced, eliminating the need for expensive electronic components and complex moving parts while achieving reliable leak detection

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

2Measurement precision

If expensive electronic components are used, then leak detection accuracy is improved, but cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveleak detection accuracyVSAvoidcost

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The invention replaces expensive electronic sensors with a simple cup mechanism that detects leaks through basic fluid pressure changes, achieving adequate detection accuracy at minimal cost

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses the well's own fluid pressure and flow characteristics to detect leaks, eliminating the need for external power sources or expensive electronic measurement devices while maintaining detection accuracy

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

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 method provides a robust, simple, and economical means to detect and locate leaks in wellbore tubing strings, reducing production losses and operational issues by using a minimal number of components and reliable parameters.

Implementation Method 1

The leak detection tool is propelled through the tubing string in a downhole direction by pumping a fluid down the tubing string such that a fluid pressure uphole of the cup is greater than a fluid pressure downhole of the cup

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFluid pressure differential: Pressure Gradient

Implementation Method 2

Detecting the flow of the fluid from uphole of the cup through the leak includes detecting a change in fluid pressure in the interior of the tubing string uphole of the cup

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPressure change detection: Pressure Gradient

Implementation Method 3

Detecting the flow of the fluid from uphole of the cup through the leak includes detecting a change in the temperature of fluid flowing in the interior of the tubing string uphole of the cup

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectTemperature change detection: Temperature Gradient

Implementation Method 4

Detecting the flow of the fluid from uphole of the cup through the leak includes detecting a change in a weight on the line

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectWeight change detection: Gravitation

Data Source

PatentUS11560790B2Downhole leak detection

Publication Date: 2023.01.24 SAUDI ARABIAN OIL CO

AI summary

A leak detection tool is positioned in in a tubing string that is disposed in a wellbore. The leak detection tool is attached to a downhole end of a line and includes a cup. An outside diameter of the cup is substantially the same as an inside diameter of the tubing string. An uphole end of the line is attached to a spool disposed proximate to an uphole end of the wellbore. The leak detection tool is propelled through the tubing string in a downhole direction by pumping a fluid down the tubing string such that a fluid pressure uphole of the cup is greater than a fluid pressure downhole of the cup. A flow of fluid from an interior of the tubing string uphole of the cup to an exterior of the tubing string through a leak in a wall of the tubing string is detected as the cup passes the leak. A depth of the leak is determined based on a length of the line from the spool to the leak detection tool when the flow of fluid from uphole of the cup through the leak is first detected.