Range Positioning Tool for Downhole Packer Placement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for accurately positioning packers and completion tools in wellbores, especially in deviated or horizontal wells, are inadequate due to reliance on estimation and rudimentary mechanical indicators, leading to potential damage and costly re-drilling, as conventional systems lack the precision required for accurate placement within inches.
Innovation Solution
A range positioning system using signal emitters with unique characteristics, such as radioactive, inductive, or magnetic signals, attached to specific locations in the wellbore, and a measurement tool with signal detectors and rotation detectors to determine the position of these emitters, allowing for precise placement of packers and completion tools relative to their intended destinations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional mechanical indicators and estimation methods are used for positioning packers and completion tools, then the device complexity is reduced, but the measurement precision deteriorates to the point where accurate placement within inches is not achievable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces conventional mechanical indicators with electronic sensors including accelerometers, gyroscopes, and magnetometers that utilize electromagnetic and inertial effects to measure position, orientation, and movement, thereby achieving inch-level positioning accuracy without relying on mechanical measurement systems
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a downhole tool equipped with multiple sensors as an intermediary device that indirectly measures positioning data by detecting environmental parameters (acceleration, rotation, magnetic field) and processes this information to determine precise location, avoiding the need for direct mechanical measurement at the packer itself
2Reliability
If rudimentary downhole mechanical components are used for position indication, then the ease of operation is improved, but the reliability of position indication deteriorates in deviated or horizontal wells
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces unreliable mechanical position indicators with electronic sensors that measure acceleration, rotation, and magnetic field characteristics, providing reliable position data in deviated and horizontal wells where mechanical indicators fail due to friction and weight transfer issues
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback system where sensor data from the downhole tool is continuously processed to provide real-time position and orientation information, allowing operators to monitor and adjust the placement of packers and completion tools with confidence in the accuracy of position indication
3Measurement precision
If measured pipe length and hook load indicators are used for positioning, then the ease of operation is maintained, but the measurement precision deteriorates in deviated, horizontal, or deep wells due to friction and pipe stretch
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces surface-based mechanical measurement systems (pipe length and hook load indicators) with downhole electronic sensors that directly measure position and movement at the location of interest, eliminating errors caused by friction, pipe stretch, and weight transfer in deviated and horizontal wells
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from one-dimensional surface measurement (pipe length) to multi-dimensional downhole measurement using accelerometers and gyroscopes that capture position, orientation, and movement in three-dimensional space, providing comprehensive positioning data independent of well geometry
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 enables accurate positioning of packers and completion tools within a resolution of one casing length, with the rotation detector providing higher resolution measurements, reducing the risk of damage and operational failures by ensuring precise placement, even in complex well geometries.
Implementation Method 1
signal emitters with unique characteristics, such as radioactive, inductive, or magnetic signals
Implementation Method 2
signal emitters with unique characteristics, such as radioactive, inductive, or magnetic signals
Implementation Method 3
signal emitters with unique characteristics, such as radioactive, inductive, or magnetic signals
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2(a)
Figure 2(b)~3
AI summary
A method for detecting a downhole position in a wellbore comprises: providing a set of signal emitters, each signal emitter in the set attached to a different position in the wellbore and each signal emitter configured to emit a signal having a unique characteristic; and providing a measurement tool comprising a signal detector configured to detect the different signals and a rotation device configured to rotatably contact a wall of the wellbore. The measurement tool is moved through the wellbore and one or more positions of the measurement tool in the wellbore is determined by detecting one or more of the signals and identifying the position of one or more of the signal emitters by the unique characteristic of each detected signal, and by detecting the number of rotations in a ranging wheel of the rotation detector that contacts the wellbore.