RFID Wellbore Data Acquisition for Drilling Efficiency

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional systems for obtaining wellbore data during drilling processes suffer from slow data transfer rates, interrupted data transfers, and low quality data, leading to inefficiencies and inaccurate information, which hinder the operator's ability to improve drilling efficiency.

Innovation Solution

A radio frequency identification (RFID) system and method that includes a base station, receiver, and RFID device, which circulates through the wellbore via a drill string to obtain high-quality data on wellbore properties, allowing real-time adjustments to drilling parameters such as trajectory.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If conventional systems are used to obtain wellbore data, then data transfer is achieved, but the data transfer rate is slow and data quality is low

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata transfer rateVSAvoiddata quality

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces conventional mechanical data transfer systems with RFID (radio frequency identification) technology. The RFID device circulates through the wellbore and communicates wirelessly with surface equipment, eliminating the limitations of mechanical data transfer methods and enabling faster, higher-quality data acquisition during drilling operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The RFID device serves as an intermediary between the drilling environment and surface equipment. It collects data from sensors in the wellbore and transmits this information to the surface via RFID signals, acting as a mobile data collection and communication platform that overcomes the limitations of direct wired connections.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If conventional data transfer methods are used, then data is obtained, but data transfers are interrupted and information is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata transfer continuityVSAvoidinformation completeness

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The RFID device continuously collects and transmits data as it circulates through the wellbore. The wireless RFID communication enables uninterrupted data transfer throughout the drilling process, eliminating the interruptions inherent in conventional methods and providing continuous monitoring of drilling conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Solution Approach 2:

The system transitions from static data collection to dynamic, mobile data acquisition. The RFID device moves with the drilling fluid circulation, continuously updating data in real-time and providing dynamic information about changing drilling conditions, thereby preventing information loss.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Measurement precision

If RFID device is circulated through wellbore, then high quality data is obtained, but device must be distributed and retrieved

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata qualityVSAvoidsystem operation complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The RFID device is circulated through the wellbore using the existing drilling fluid circulation system. The same pump and flow system that moves drilling fluid also transports the RFID device, eliminating the need for separate deployment and retrieval mechanisms and reducing operational complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The drilling fluid circulation system serves multiple functions: it cools the drill bit, removes cuttings, and now also transports the RFID device for data collection. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional specialized equipment and simplifies the overall system operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 continuous, high-quality data acquisition and transmission, enabling operators to improve drilling efficiency by providing accurate and timely information for adapting drilling processes.

Implementation Method 1

a base station, a receiver, and an RFID device. The system is operable to be used with a wellbore and a drill string to obtain high quality, detailed data regarding properties of the wellbore and/or the drill string during a drilling process

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRadio frequency identification (RFID): Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS11428096B2Data acquisition and signal detection through RFID system and method

Publication Date: 2022.08.30 CONOCOPHILLIPS CO

AI summary

A data acquisition and signal detection through radio frequency identification (RFID) system and a method of using the system are provided. The system includes a base station, a receiver, and an RFID device. The system is operable to be used with a wellbore and a drill string during a drilling process to obtain data regarding properties of the wellbore and/or the drill string.