Remote Activated Deflector for Wellbore Junction Navigation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wellbore servicing technologies face challenges in efficiently navigating and accessing multiple lateral bores due to the impracticality of using different diameter tools for selection, especially in complex wellbore environments with multiple laterals.
Innovation Solution
A y-block junction with a selectable deflector, controlled by a controller, which positions the deflector to direct a tool string into specific bore channels based on RFID or NFC communication, allowing for precise navigation through multiple y-block junctions using identification tags or transceivers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If different diameter tools are used to select and access multiple lateral bores, then bore selection capability is improved, but device complexity and operational difficulty increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a single universal tool string diameter that can access multiple lateral bores through a selectable deflector mechanism at the y-block junction. Instead of requiring different diameter tools for different bores, the same tool string can be directed to any lateral bore by changing the deflector position, thereby achieving multi-functionality and reducing tool complexity while maintaining bore selection capability
Solution Approach 2:
The deflector acts as an intermediary mechanism between the tool string and the multiple lateral bores. It receives the universal tool string and redirects it to the desired bore channel based on control signals, eliminating the need for multiple specialized tools while maintaining the ability to selectively access different bores
2Ease of operation
If manual navigation methods are used in complex wellbore environments, then operational simplicity is maintained, but navigation precision and efficiency deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates RFID tags and NFC transceivers that provide feedback signals to automatically identify and guide the tool string to the correct y-block junction and lateral bore. This automated feedback mechanism enhances navigation precision in complex wellbore environments while maintaining ease of operation through remote control from the surface
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical navigation methods with electronic identification and control systems. RFID readers and NFC transceivers detect identification tags to automatically determine the correct routing, substituting electronic information processing for manual navigation decisions, thereby improving precision without sacrificing operational simplicity
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple y-block junctions are present in the wellbore, then access to multiple laterals is improved, but navigation complexity and time consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
RFID tags are pre-installed at each y-block junction and lateral bore location before wellbore servicing operations begin. These tags store identification information that enables rapid automatic recognition and routing decisions as the tool string passes through each junction, eliminating the need for time-consuming manual navigation planning and reducing overall navigation time while maintaining access to multiple laterals
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
Enables efficient and precise access to multiple lateral bores, overcoming the limitation of using different diameter tools and facilitating effective wellbore servicing operations by selectively directing the tool string into the appropriate bore channels.
Implementation Method 1
reading an identity from a radio frequency identity tag by a first controller of the first y-block junction
Implementation Method 2
transmitting a command from a first near field communication transceiver on an end of the tool string to a second near field communication transceiver coupled to the first y-block junction
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2C
Figure 3A
AI summary
A method comprising: running a tool string (18) into a wellbore (12) above a first junction, the tool string comprising a bottom hole assembly (32) and a communication device (34) coupled to the bottom hole assembly, wherein the wellbore comprises at least a first bore (104) and a second bore (106) and the junction comprises a controller (110) and a deflector (108) positionable to a plurality of positions, wherein the controller commands the deflector to a position selected by logic executed by the controller and the junction allows downhole access to the first and second bores; receiving, by the controller, information from the communication device; and directing the tool string into the first bore based on the received information.