RFID Downhole Tool Actuation for Extended Reach Well Circulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
In extended reach wells and highly deviated or slim diameter wells, the pressure of drilling mud drops, leading to reduced cutting lifting performance and restrictions in the annulus due to accumulating cuttings, limiting the number of downhole circulating subs that can be accommodated in the drill string.
Innovation Solution
The use of RFID technology to communicate data and operating instructions to/from downhole tools, such as valves or sliding sleeves, through readers and tags within the drill string, allowing for remote actuation and improved fluid circulation management without restricting the conduit's inner diameter.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional circulating subs with ball seats are used to manage fluid circulation, then fluid circulation rates can be varied by opening ports, but the inner diameter of the drill string must be progressively narrower to accommodate multiple circulating subs, limiting the number of circulating subs to a maximum of six
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical ball seat actuation system with an RFID-based remote actuation system. Readers positioned in the drill string communicate with tags on circulating subs to control port opening/closing operations, eliminating the need for progressively narrower inner diameters and allowing more circulating subs to be accommodated in the drill string.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces RFID tags as intermediaries between the circulating subs and the control system. These tags communicate with readers in the drill string to transmit actuation commands and status information, enabling remote control of fluid circulation without mechanical constraints on the drill string geometry.
2Ease of operation
If vertically higher ball seats are used in the drill string, then they can control fluid circulation at upper levels, but they require a greater inner diameter to allow smaller balls to bypass them, creating a progressive diameter increase towards the bottom
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates the mechanical ball actuation system entirely in favor of RFID-based remote control. This substitution removes the constraint that vertically higher ball seats require greater inner diameters, allowing the drill string to maintain a uniform or progressively narrower diameter profile while still enabling fluid circulation control at multiple levels.
3Reliability
If the number of circulating subs is increased to manage cutting accumulation in extended reach wells, then cutting lifting performance improves, but the drill string can only accommodate a maximum of six circulating subs due to the progressive diameter reduction requirement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical ball seat system with RFID-based remote actuation, which eliminates the progressive diameter reduction constraint. This enables the drill string to accommodate more than six circulating subs while maintaining reliable cutting lifting performance through improved fluid circulation management.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the drill string infrastructure more versatile by integrating RFID readers that can control multiple circulating subs remotely. This multi-functional system allows a single drill string configuration to support a greater number of circulating subs without requiring progressive diameter changes, thereby improving cutting lifting performance in extended reach wells.
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 remote operation of downhole tools, such as sliding sleeves, to manage fluid circulation and alleviate restrictions, allowing for higher circulation rates and improved cutting removal without the limitations of conventional circulating subs.
Implementation Method 1
The invention utilises RFID technology to communicate data and operating instructions to/from static readers coupled to a downhole tool such as a valve or sliding sleeve
Data Source
AI summary
A method and apparatus for operating a downhole tool is disclosed. The method involves providing a conduit for the passage of fluid. The conduit includes at least one reader which can read data and is arranged for the passage of fluid. A downhole tool is coupled to the reader and has at least one tag capable of containing data. The tag is moved within the conduit and at least partially through the reader such that the reader can read data from the tag when the tag passes. This enables remote operation of the downhole tool. An antenna is provided for use in a downhole tubular. The antenna comprises a generally cylindrical housing and a coiled conductor located within a portion of the housing and separated therefrom by insulating material. The portion of housing has a greater internal diameter than an external diameter of the coiled conductor.