Modular Well-Logging Darts with DAS for Wireline-Free Inspection
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for gathering data from cased wells, particularly in offshore and subsea environments, are expensive and require specialized equipment, making regular inspections costly and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A modular dart system with detachable modules, including a data sensor and transmitter, that can be dissolved in well fluid, combined with a DAS cable for continuous data acquisition, allowing for flexible drift diameters and detection of wellbore bends using flex sensors and optical fibers, reducing the need for wireline logging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If wireline logging is used to gather data from cased wells, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The dart is divided into modular components including a dissolvable body portion and a retrievable data storage/communication module. This segmentation allows the simple dissolvable dart to perform basic measurement functions while complex data processing and communication capabilities are separated into a reusable module that can be recovered and reused.
Solution Approach 2:
The dart body is designed to be dissolvable in the wellbore environment, eliminating the need to retrieve the entire dart assembly. This disposable approach to the dart body significantly reduces device complexity and cost compared to wireline systems, while the data module can be recovered and reused for subsequent inspections.
2Reliability
If wireline logging is deployed for regular well inspections, then reliability of data collection is improved, but loss of time and productivity decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The dart is deployed using existing wellbore infrastructure (tubing, casing) and dissolves automatically in the well environment, eliminating the need for specialized wireline equipment and operators. This self-service approach allows routine inspections to be performed quickly without deploying expensive specialized vessels or rigs.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanical wireline system is replaced with a dissolvable dart that travels through the wellbore using fluid flow or gravity. Data is transmitted wirelessly or via magnetic coupling to the surface, eliminating the need for physical wireline connections and complex mechanical retrieval systems.
3Adaptability or versatility
If modular dart modules with different drift diameters are provided, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The data module is designed with a universal interface that can accommodate multiple drift diameter configurations. Rather than creating entirely different dart systems for each diameter, the same core data collection and communication module can be adapted to work with different drift diameter dart bodies, reducing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The drift diameter parameter of the dart can be changed by selecting different modular components or adjusting the dart configuration, while the core functionality remains the same. This allows adaptation to different wellbore conditions without requiring completely different dart designs.
4Ease of operation
If dissolvable materials are used for dart construction, then ease of operation is improved, but strength of the dart structure decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The dart is segmented into a dissolvable body portion and a stronger retrievable data module. The dissolvable portion provides ease of operation and simple deployment, while the separate data module maintains the structural integrity needed for data collection and retrieval operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The dart combines dissolvable materials (for the body portion that needs to break down) with stronger, non-dissolvable materials (for the data module that needs to maintain integrity). This composite construction allows each portion to have the properties needed for its specific function.
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
Enables cost-effective, frequent, and regular data logging of well conditions, providing continuous monitoring of well integrity and deformation, reducing equipment costs and enabling timely interventions.
Implementation Method 1
detecting the ball as it descends using a DAS line that can detect the acoustic energy generated by the ball as it descends through the well fluid
Implementation Method 2
an optical fibre element may be provided within the dart. The fibre may be a substantially straight length of fibre arranged along the length of the dart or may be arranged in a coil... The dart may include a device for transmitting light through the fibre and for detecting backscattered light
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to gathering data about a hydrocarbon well by dropping a ball or dart (1) through the well (21) that emits an acoustic signature and/or senses information about the wellbore, such as deformation or bending. The dart signature and/or sensed data is communicated to the surface via a DAS cable (25) running down the tubing (20). The dart (1) may be made in two detachable modules, the first module (4) containing an acoustic emitter and the second module (6) having a certain drift diameter and being one of a set of interchangeable modules of different drift diameter that may be selected and assembled to the first module (4). The second module or both modules may be dissolvable. The dart (51) may store data as it descends through the tubing (60) and then dock with a docking station (65) that is connected with a TEC line (66) running up the outside of the tubing (60) and download the data via the TEC line (66) up to the surface.