Downhole Depth Correlation Using Magnetic Tag Detection

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional wireline interventions for depth correlation in wellbores are time-consuming and costly, posing risks to personnel and requiring significant rig costs, as they necessitate stopping downhole operations to deploy and retrieve tools for position determination.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of a depth correlation system using a stationary or dynamic downhole string with a correlation sensor that can determine the position of a radioactive tag relative to the sensor, allowing for precise placement of tools without the need for wireline interventions, by deploying a downhole string with a correlation sensor and adjusting the string based on positional data obtained from the sensor.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If wireline intervention is performed to determine depth correlation, then position accuracy is improved, but time consumption and cost increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveposition accuracyVSAvoidtime consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical wireline intervention system with a magnetic field-based detection system. A magnetic sensor on the tubing string detects the position of a magnetic tag in the casing without requiring wireline deployment, eliminating the time-consuming mechanical intervention while maintaining position detection capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a magnetic field as an intermediary between the tubing string and casing for position detection. The magnetic tag and magnetic sensor interact through the magnetic field to determine depth correlation, eliminating the need for direct mechanical contact required in wireline interventions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Measurement precision

If wireline intervention is performed to determine depth correlation, then position accuracy is improved, but operational cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveposition accuracyVSAvoidoperational cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the expensive mechanical wireline intervention system with a magnetic field-based detection system. The magnetic sensor and tag system eliminates the need for wireline deployment, rig shutdown, and specialized equipment, significantly reducing operational costs while maintaining position detection accuracy

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent enables the tubing string to perform its own depth correlation measurement using an integrated magnetic sensor. The system self-determines its position relative to the casing without requiring external wireline intervention, eliminating the need for additional specialized equipment and operations

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Measurement precision

If wireline intervention is performed to determine depth correlation, then position accuracy is improved, but safety risks increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveposition accuracyVSAvoidsafety risks

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical wireline intervention system with a magnetic field-based detection system. This eliminates the physical risks associated with wireline deployment, including blowout risks and personnel safety hazards, while maintaining the ability to accurately determine depth correlation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses a magnetic field as a safe intermediary for position detection. The magnetic interaction between the tag and sensor occurs without physical contact or intervention in the wellbore, eliminating the safety risks associated with wireline runs while maintaining measurement capability

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 method significantly reduces the time and cost associated with depth correlation, allowing for accurate tool placement in as little as 5-6 hours, eliminates the risks of wireline runs, and enables confirmation of tool depth post-setting, thereby enhancing operational efficiency and safety.

Implementation Method 1

a correlation sensor and a tool positioned thereon... obtaining positional data of a tag (e.g., radioactive tag located in the casing) using the correlation sensor

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRadioactive decay: Radioactive Decay

Data Source

PatentUS11346209B2Downhole interventionless depth correlation

Publication Date: 2022.05.31 HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES INC

AI summary

The present disclosure describes depth correlation tools and associated methods which do not require wireline depth correlation runs.