Liner System with Embedded Fiber Optic Cable for Well Conduit Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for protecting well tubulars from corrosive fluids downhole are either inefficient or costly, including chemical inhibitors, protective coatings, and high-grade alloys.
Innovation Solution
A method and system involving a liner system composed of an inner tube liner, a fiber optic cable for measuring well properties, and an outer tube liner, where the fiber optic cable is located between the inner and outer tube liners. The liner system is deployed in a lay-flat state into a tubular structure, radially expanded using fluid pressure to conform to the tubular structure, and secured at the surface.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If chemical inhibitors are injected into the well to prevent corrosion, then corrosion protection is achieved, but the method is inefficient and adds operational complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the corrosion protection function from the well fluid system and transfers it to a separate physical barrier (liner system). The liner is deployed as a discrete protective element that isolates the tubulars from corrosive fluids, eliminating the need for continuous chemical inhibitor injection and associated operational complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The liner system acts as an intermediary barrier between the corrosive well fluids and the tubulars. This physical mediator provides passive corrosion protection without requiring active chemical injection systems, thereby reducing operational complexity while maintaining reliable protection.
2Reliability
If high grade alloys such as chromium or nickel based alloys are used to line tubulars, then corrosion resistance is improved, but cost and logistics become relatively expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a liner system made from more economical materials compared to high-grade chromium or nickel alloys. The liner provides sufficient corrosion protection for the well's operational life at a lower cost, eliminating the need for expensive alloy materials while maintaining adequate reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The liner system utilizes composite construction with an inner tube liner and outer tube liner configured in a lay-flat state for deployment. This composite approach allows the use of more cost-effective materials that can be easily manufactured and deployed, reducing both material cost and logistical complexity compared to solid high-grade alloy tubulars.
3Reliability
If protective coatings are applied to tubulars, then corrosion protection is provided, but the method is inefficient and adds logistical complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a flexible liner system that can be deployed in a lay-flat state and then expanded to conform to the tubular surface. This flexible shell approach provides comprehensive corrosion protection more efficiently than rigid protective coatings, as the liner can adapt to the tubular geometry and provides a physical barrier that is easier to install and maintain.
4Reliability
If a liner system is deployed and expanded to protect tubulars, then corrosion protection is achieved, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The liner system is segmented into distinct components: an inner tube liner for fluid containment, an outer tube liner for structural support and corrosion protection, and a fiber optic cable for monitoring. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and simplifies the overall installation process compared to a monolithic protective system.
Solution Approach 2:
The liner system performs multiple functions simultaneously: the inner tube liner provides fluid containment, the outer tube liner provides structural support and corrosion protection, and the fiber optic cable provides monitoring capabilities. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate systems, thereby managing complexity while achieving comprehensive protection.
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
The system effectively protects the inner surface of the tubular structure from corrosion while providing a conduit for fluid flow, reducing the need for separate tubing and minimizing logistical and cost complexities.
Implementation Method 1
injecting a fluid into the inner tube liner of the liner system to radially expand the liner system to conform an outer circumferential surface of the outer tube liner to an inner circumferential surface of the tubular structure
Data Source
AI summary
A method includes assembling a liner system by disposing a fiber optic cable circumferentially around an inner tube liner and locating an outer tube liner around the inner tube liner. The fiber optic cable is located between the inner tube liner and the outer tube liner. The method also includes spooling out the liner system, in a lay-flat state, into a conduit of a tubular structure positioned in the well, terminating spooling out the liner system when a select length of the liner system has been deployed in the conduit of the tubular structure, and securing the select length of the liner system deployed into the tubular structure at a surface above the well. The method further includes injecting a fluid into the inner tube liner of the liner system to radially expand the liner system to conform an outer circumferential surface of the outer tube liner to an inner circumferential surface of the tubular structure, protecting the inner circumferential surface of the tubular structure using the liner system, and measuring a property of the well using the fiber optic cable.