Downhole Neutron Generator Auto-Tuning PID Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Downhole neutron generators often fail to maintain desirable reactions in varying downhole environments due to pre-determined PID controller parameters, which are not adaptable to changes in the actual downhole conditions.
Innovation Solution
A downhole neutron generator system that includes a gas reservoir, ion source, and power supply, with a processor that adjusts the voltage to stabilize the ion beam current and determines proportional, integral, and derivative parameters of a PID controller to generate a stable and desired amount of neutrons, allowing for auto-tuning and adaptation to changing environments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If predetermined PID controller parameters are used in downhole neutron generators, then the device complexity is reduced and ease of operation is improved, but the adaptability to changing downhole environments deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The neutron generator system performs self-tuning by automatically determining optimal PID controller parameters through closed-loop control based on measured neutron flux and other formation properties. The system adjusts its own controller parameters without external intervention, enabling adaptation to changing downhole environments while maintaining ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically changes PID controller parameters (proportional, integral, and derivative terms) based on measured formation properties and downhole conditions. This parameter adaptation allows the neutron generator to maintain optimal performance across varying environmental conditions while requiring minimal operator input.
2Reliability
If predetermined PID controller parameters are set before deployment, then the manufacturing precision and initial setup are simplified, but the reliability under varying downhole conditions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements closed-loop feedback control by continuously measuring neutron flux and other formation properties, comparing these measurements to desired values, and automatically adjusting PID controller parameters to maintain optimal performance. This feedback mechanism ensures reliable operation under varying downhole conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The PID controller parameters are transformed from static predetermined values to dynamic adjustable parameters that adapt in real-time to changing downhole conditions. This dynamic adjustment maintains reliability without requiring complex manual reconfiguration procedures.
3Adaptability or versatility
If auto-tuning is implemented to adapt to changing environments, then the adaptability and reliability are improved, but the device complexity and processing requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The auto-tuning functionality is implemented as a self-service feature where the system automatically determines optimal PID parameters through processed measurements of neutron flux and formation properties. This self-determination capability provides adaptability without requiring complex external tuning equipment or procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
Manual tuning procedures are replaced with automated electronic processing of formation property measurements to determine PID parameters. This substitution of mechanical/manual adjustment with electronic automation achieves adaptability while managing device complexity through software-based solutions.
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 ensures consistent and desirable neutron generation by stabilizing the ion beam current and adjusting power supply parameters, maintaining effective well logging capabilities even in changing downhole conditions.
Implementation Method 1
a gas reservoir that releases hydrogen isotopes when the gas reservoir is heated
Implementation Method 2
an ion source for ionizing the hydrogen isotopes
Implementation Method 3
an acceleration tube for accelerating ions of the hydrogen isotopes, wherein neutrons are generated when ions of the hydrogen isotopes are accelerated through the acceleration tube, and into the target foil
Data Source
AI summary
Downhole neutron generators, downhole logging tools that utilize neutron generators, and methods to auto tune downhole neutron generators are disclosed. While a neutron generator is deployed in a borehole of a wellbore, the method includes determining whether an oscillation cycle of an ion beam current generated by the neutron generator is stable. After a determination that the oscillation cycle of the ion beam current is stable, the method includes determining proportional, integral, and derivative parameters of a proportional-integral-derivative controller that is operable to adjust an amount of power supplied to generate ions. The method further includes adjusting a replenish voltage of a replenish power supply of the neutron generator based on the proportional, integral, and derivative parameters.