RFID Plug Tracking in Oil Wellbore Operations
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for tracking the release and movement of plugs, balls, or darts in oil or gas well tube systems lack accuracy, often relying on pressure spikes which cannot distinguish between successful landing and obstruction, leading to uncertainty in operations such as cementing and downhole tool actuation.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a system where the releasable object carries a signal transmitter, such as an RFID chip or electromagnetic (EM) transmitter, which communicates with signal receivers deployed along the wellbore, allowing for real-time tracking and location determination using VLF signals or GPS verification, ensuring precise monitoring of the object's movement and release.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If pressure spike methods are used to track plug movement, then the tracking system is simple and low-cost, but the measurement precision is insufficient to distinguish between successful landing and obstruction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical tracking methods (pressure spikes) with electromagnetic signaling. Each plug contains an RFID transmitter that sends electromagnetic signals to receivers at various locations, enabling precise digital tracking of plug position and status without relying on indirect pressure measurements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces RFID transmitters and receivers as intermediary devices between the plugs and the tracking system. These intermediaries enable direct communication of plug location and status, providing accurate real-time data without the ambiguity of pressure-based indirect measurement.
2Measurement precision
If RFID transmitters are embedded in plugs for accurate tracking, then measurement precision is improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The RFID transmitters serve multiple functions: they track plug location, confirm successful release from the container, and verify proper seating on the landing seat. This multi-functionality justifies the added complexity by providing comprehensive tracking data from a single integrated component.
Solution Approach 2:
The plugs self-identify and self-track through their embedded RFID transmitters. The system automatically detects plug release and seating events without requiring external intervention or complex external sensing equipment, simplifying the overall system architecture despite the added plug complexity.
3Reliability
If multiple signal receivers are deployed along the wellbore for real-time tracking, then the reliability of operation is improved, but the quantity of equipment and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The tracking system is segmented into multiple receiver stations positioned at critical locations (release point, landing seat, intermediate positions). Each receiver independently monitors for signals from passing plugs, and the system integrates data from all receivers to provide comprehensive tracking and confirmation of operational success.
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 solution provides accurate and reliable tracking of the releasable objects, preventing operational failures by clearly differentiating between successful placement and obstruction, enhancing the precision and efficiency of wellbore operations.
Implementation Method 1
the releasable object carries a signal transmitter, such as an RFID chip or electromagnetic (EM) transmitter, which communicates with signal receivers deployed along the wellbore
Implementation Method 2
utilizing a piezoelectric element carried by the object to generate a signal when the object engages a seat
Data Source
AI summary
A system for tracking an object in oil and gas wellbore operations wherein a releasable object carrying a first signal system is released into tube system associated with a wellbore. The first signal system communicates with one or more second signal systems positioned along the travel path of the object; along the surface of the formation; and/or throughout the wellbore. First signal system and the second signal system may communicate by RF signals. First signal system and any second signal systems positioned on the surface communicate by through-the-earth or very low frequency signals. A global positioning system may be utilized in conjunction with any second signal systems on the surface to identify the absolute location of the object in the underground wellbore. The first signal system carried by the object may be a piezoelectric system disposed to transmit a signal when the object experiences a predetermined pressure.