Remote Actuation of Downhole Sensors via Magnetic Signals

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Solution Overview

Problem

The limited battery life of sensors in wellbores poses a challenge for continuous monitoring in subterranean hydrocarbon operations, as they consume power when in operation, leading to premature depletion.

Innovation Solution

A system and method for remotely actuating sensors using magnetic or acoustic signals, where sensors are kept in a low power consumption state until activated by a timer circuit detecting signals above a certain threshold, transitioning to a higher power mode for operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If sensors are kept in operation for continuous monitoring, then data collection capability is improved, but battery life is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata collection capabilityVSAvoidbattery life

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDuration of action of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The sensor operates in periodic cycles, alternating between sleep mode and active measurement mode. A controller activates the sensor for predetermined time intervals to take measurements, then returns it to sleep mode. This periodic operation allows continuous monitoring capability while significantly reducing average power consumption, thereby extending battery life.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

2Reliability

If sensors operate continuously, then monitoring effectiveness is improved, but power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemonitoring effectivenessVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The sensor system implements periodic operation where the sensor alternates between active measurement periods and sleep periods. The controller activates the sensor for predetermined time intervals to perform measurements, then deactivates it to conserve power. This maintains monitoring effectiveness through regular data collection while significantly reducing average power consumption compared to continuous operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the operational state parameter of the sensor between two distinct modes: active mode for measurement and sleep mode for power conservation. The controller dynamically switches between these parameter states based on predetermined timing, optimizing the balance between monitoring effectiveness and power consumption.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 approach extends the battery life of downhole sensors by minimizing unnecessary power consumption during non-operational periods and allows for efficient data collection and transmission when activated, enhancing the longevity and effectiveness of subterranean monitoring.

Implementation Method 1

transmitting, from the actuator, an actuation signal to the sensor

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic field generation and propagation: Magnetic Field

Implementation Method 2

transmitting, from the actuator, an actuation signal to the sensor

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAcoustic signal propagation: Sound

Data Source

PatentUS10408048B2Remote actuation of downhole sensors

Publication Date: 2019.09.10 HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES INC

AI summary

In one or more embodiments, a method includes positioning an actuator in a wellbore and transmitting, from the actuator, an actuation signal to a sensor coupled to a casing in the wellbore. The method further includes detecting the actuation signal at the sensor and placing the sensor in a different mode of operation in response to detecting the actuation signal.