RFID Tags and Flowable Interrogators for Well Obstruction Detection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for detecting and addressing obstructions in hydrocarbon wells are inefficient due to reliance on assumptions and lack of accurate information about obstruction location and nature, leading to costly and invasive detection and cleanout processes.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of radio frequency identification (RFID) tags and flowable interrogators within hydrocarbon wells, where RFID tags are spaced along the downhole tubular and interrogated by flowable interrogators that flow with produced fluids, providing data on well properties and obstruction characteristics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If production rate comparison methods are used to detect obstructions, then detection can be performed with simple equipment, but the measurement precision and information about obstruction location and nature is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces RFID tags as intermediary objects attached to the downhole tubular at specific locations. These tags serve as mediators between the interrogation system and the obstruction, enabling precise location detection without requiring complex downhole instrumentation. The tags reflect or modulate the interrogation signal based on their proximity to obstructions, providing high-resolution spatial information.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical obstruction detection methods (such as wireline-based detectors or physical inspection tools) with an electromagnetic field-based RFID interrogation system. This substitution eliminates the need for invasive mechanical systems while achieving superior measurement precision through wireless signal interaction with the tubular and its contents.
2Loss of information
If invasive detection methodologies are used, then more accurate obstruction information can be obtained, but the device complexity and implementation cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the detection function from complex downhole instrumentation and places passive RFID tags directly on the tubular. This allows the interrogation system to remain surface-based and relatively simple while the tags provide the necessary downhole information through their interaction with the electromagnetic field and the tubular environment.
Solution Approach 2:
The RFID tags serve multiple functions: they act as location markers, obstruction detectors, and potential sensors for other downhole parameters. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate specialized devices, thereby decreasing overall system complexity while maintaining comprehensive information gathering capabilities.
3Productivity
If chemical cleanout methodologies are used, then obstructions can be removed, but efficiency is reduced without accurate information about obstruction nature and location
Solution Approach 1:
The RFID interrogation system provides real-time or near-real-time feedback about obstruction location, size, and characteristics. This feedback enables operators to adjust chemical cleanout parameters (such as chemical type, concentration, injection rate) dynamically, optimizing the cleanout process and avoiding unnecessary or ineffective chemical treatments.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary characterization of obstructions using RFID tags before initiating chemical cleanout operations. This preliminary action identifies the optimal cleanout approach by detecting obstruction composition and location, allowing operators to select the most effective chemical treatment and apply it precisely where needed, thereby increasing overall cleanout efficiency.
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
This approach allows for more accurate and efficient detection and characterization of obstructions, enabling targeted cleanout operations and improving hydrocarbon well performance by providing real-time data on fluid flow, material composition, and obstruction location.
Implementation Method 1
radio frequency identification (RFID) tags and flowable interrogators
Data Source
AI summary
Hydrocarbon wells and associated methods that utilize radio frequency identification (RFID) tags and flowable interrogators to interrogate the hydrocarbon wells are provided. The hydrocarbon wells include a wellbore, a downhole tubular that defines a tubular conduit and extends within the wellbore, and a plurality of RFID tags. The hydrocarbon wells also include a downhole interrogator storage structure that includes a plurality of flowable interrogators and a well-side communication device. Methods of operating the hydrocarbon wells are also provided.