Multi-Valve Electromagnetic Control for Faster Downhole Actuation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing downhole closure systems face challenges in efficiently controlling multiple valves due to increased processing time and response delays, especially when decoding repeated sequences of electromagnetic signals, which can lead to incorrect valve positioning and prolonged actuation times.
Innovation Solution
A downhole closure system with a valve control system that includes a transmitter to encode messages with synchronization and error detection/correction portions, allowing each valve controller to decode and actuate independently, reducing the need for repeated sequences and enabling simultaneous control of multiple valves with a single transmitter.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If repeated sequences of electromagnetic signals are used for decoding, then reliability of signal reception is improved, but processing time and response delays increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-encoding synchronization patterns and error detection/correction codes into the electromagnetic signal structure before transmission. This allows receiving devices to quickly lock onto the signal and decode it in a single pass, eliminating the need for repeated signal sequences while maintaining high reliability. The synchronization patterns enable immediate signal acquisition, and pre-built error correction codes provide robust error handling without requiring retransmission.
2Measurement precision
If multiple valves are controlled sequentially, then each valve receives accurate positioning data, but actuation time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the electromagnetic signal into distinct segments, each containing specific valve control information. Each valve controller independently decodes its assigned segment simultaneously with other controllers, enabling parallel processing. This segmentation approach maintains precise positioning control for each valve while dramatically reducing total actuation time compared to sequential control methods.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from sequential (one-dimensional) valve control to simultaneous multi-dimensional control by encoding multiple valve position commands within a single electromagnetic signal transmission. Each valve controller extracts and executes its specific command from the composite signal, enabling all valves to be positioned accurately at the same time rather than in sequence, thus improving productivity without sacrificing precision.
3Reliability
If complex decoding protocols are used, then error detection and correction capability is improved, but processing time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-calculating and embedding error detection and correction codes during the signal encoding phase. These codes are structurally integrated into the electromagnetic signal before transmission, allowing receiving devices to perform error checking and correction through straightforward decoding operations rather than complex iterative protocols. This approach provides robust error handling capability while maintaining fast decoding speeds.
4Reliability
If repeated signal sequences are transmitted, then signal reception reliability is improved, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by incorporating all necessary error detection and correction mechanisms directly into the original signal structure before transmission. This eliminates the need for multiple repeated signal sequences, as the single transmission contains built-in redundancy and error handling capabilities. The result is simplified signal transmission logic and reduced system complexity while maintaining high reception reliability.
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 solution reduces processing time and response delays for actuating multiple valves, enhancing the reliability and efficiency of downhole closure operations by minimizing errors and maintaining valve positions accurately without the need for repeated signal decoding.
Implementation Method 1
A valve control system includes a transmitter to transmit an electromagnetic signal, where the electromagnetic signal includes data indicative of a respective target position of a valve of each closure device
Data Source
AI summary
Aspects of the present disclosure relate to a valve control system. The valve control system may include a transmitter and a plurality of valve controllers that each have a receiver. Each valve controller of the plurality of valve controllers is configured to control a respective valve of a plurality of valves. In some embodiments, the transmitter may transmit an electromagnetic signal that includes an encoded message to be decoded by a processor of each valve controller of the plurality of valve controllers. In some examples, the encoded message may include a synchronization message, an instruction message, an error correction message, an encryption message, or any combination thereof that enables the plurality of valve controllers to adjust the plurality of valves to respective target positions.