Automated Perforation Gun Deployment Coordination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current well stimulation operations in oilfields lack automation and coordination between different services, leading to inefficiencies and reduced active pumping hours due to manual coordination and lack of communication between well services, especially in complex well architectures with increased depth and complexity.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for automating perforation gun deployment in oilfields using a coordinated controller that monitors pump rate and tension sensors to adjust the deployment of perforation guns in real-time, integrating surface and downhole operational parameters to optimize the deployment process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual coordination methods (check lists, hand signals, radio communication) are used to coordinate well services, then operational flexibility is maintained, but coordination efficiency and active pumping hours are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual coordination mechanisms (check lists, hand signals, radio communication) with an automated electronic coordination system that uses sensors, processors, and communication interfaces to monitor and coordinate well service operations in real-time, thereby increasing active pumping hours without proportionally increasing system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The coordination system enables well services to automatically monitor and adjust their operations based on real-time data from sensors and controllers, reducing the need for constant manual intervention and improving coordination efficiency while maintaining operational flexibility
2Productivity
If independent well service operations are conducted without communication, then operational simplicity is maintained, but coordination efficiency and overall job effectiveness are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges previously independent well service operations into an integrated coordination system where pump-down operations, perforating operations, and wellhead fluid control are monitored and coordinated through a centralized system that shares real-time data among all services, improving coordination efficiency while managing integration complexity through modular architecture
Solution Approach 2:
The coordination system is designed to serve multiple well services simultaneously through a universal platform that can monitor and control different operations (pump-down, perforating, fluid control) using common sensors, processors, and communication protocols, thereby improving coordination efficiency without proportionally increasing system complexity
3Manufacturing precision
If real-time monitoring and automated adjustment systems are implemented, then deployment precision and safety are improved, but system complexity and initial costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements real-time feedback mechanisms where sensors monitor operational parameters (tension, pump rate, depth) and the system automatically adjusts perforation gun deployment based on this feedback, improving deployment precision while managing complexity through closed-loop control algorithms that adapt to changing conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary monitoring and analysis of operational parameters before critical events occur, allowing proactive adjustments to be made that prevent tool separation and ensure precise deployment, thereby improving safety and precision while reducing the need for complex emergency response systems
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods presented herein enable the automation of perforation gun deployment to a downhole location in a well at an oilfield. For example, at least one perforation gun may be deployed into the well with a conveyance line coupled to a head of a downhole tool string that includes the at least one perforation gun, and advanced with pump assistance from at least one pump unit at the oilfield. Deployment of the at least one perforation gun may be adjusted by a coordinated controller in an automated manner based at least in part on monitoring of a pump rate of the at least one pump unit and a tension at a head of the downhole tool string.