Pulse-Based Wellbore Switch Assembly Without Address Assignment
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional downhole activation systems for perforating gun strings are cumbersome, slow, and expensive, with miswiring risks and limited ability to quickly and cheaply activate switch assemblies, leading to inefficiencies in perforating operations.
Innovation Solution
A micro-controller-based switch assembly system that communicates through a pulsing scheme, allowing each switch assembly to independently determine its status and fire detonators without pre-assigned addresses, enabling rapid and cost-effective activation of gun assemblies.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional addressable switches with pre-assigned identifiers are used, then each switch can be uniquely identified and controlled, but the system becomes cumbersome and slow due to the need to interrogate and assign addresses to each control unit
Solution Approach 1:
Each switch assembly automatically determines its own status and communicates with downstream assemblies without requiring external address assignment. The system eliminates the need for a central controller to interrogate and assign addresses to each switch, allowing switches to self-configure and self-identify through pulse-based communication
Solution Approach 2:
The patent removes the address assignment functionality from the central controller and extracts it entirely from the system. Instead of using addressed communication, the system uses position-based pulse communication where each switch's location in the chain is inherently defined by its physical position rather than an assigned address
2Ease of manufacture
If traditional pressure-actuated switches are used in gun strings, then the assembly process is simplified, but miswiring risks increase and the system cannot selectively activate specific switches
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical pressure-actuated switches with electronic pulse-based switch assemblies. Each switch assembly contains electronic components including a microcontroller that processes digital pulses, replacing the mechanical pressure-sensing mechanism with an electronic communication system that transmits and receives digital signals through the wireline
3Adaptability or versatility
If pre-assigned identifiers are used in downhole activation systems, then each control unit can be uniquely addressed, but the surface equipment becomes expensive and complex requiring highly skilled technicians
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs simple pulse-based communication that can be implemented with basic electronic components rather than complex addressed communication systems. The switch assemblies use straightforward digital pulse transmission and reception, eliminating the need for expensive surface equipment and highly skilled technicians to operate complex addressed switch systems
Data Source
AI summary
A switch assembly, which is part of a chain of switch assemblies. The switch assembly includes a micro-controller PB that has no address, a thru-line switch, and a detonator switch. The micro-controller PB is configured to directly communicate with an upstream or downstream switch assembly through a pulsing scheme, and the micro-controller PB receives no command from a surface controller.