Ring-Shaped Rig Reader for Down-Hole Asset Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Oil and gas well drilling operations face challenges in tracking and maintaining down-hole tools due to high costs and the need for efficient reuse, as well as the difficulty in monitoring the movement and maintenance of these tools within harsh environments, leading to potential equipment failure and costly suspension of drilling operations.
Innovation Solution
An automatic monitoring system using RFID or SAW ID tags and a rig reader system with an integrated antenna array and interrogator, capable of withstanding harsh conditions, to track down-hole assets as they enter and exit the wellhead, including a ring-shaped reader system with a sealed enclosure and a controller interface module for data processing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual tracking methods are used for down-hole tools, then equipment can be monitored, but the process is time-consuming and prone to human error
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual tracking systems with an automated RFID monitoring system. RFID readers and tags enable automatic identification and tracking of down-hole tools, eliminating the need for manual recording and significantly improving tracking efficiency while reducing time loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The RFID tags on down-hole tools enable self-identification and automatic data capture. The system automatically records tool movement, location, and status without requiring human intervention, allowing the tracking process to serve itself through automated data collection and reporting.
2Productivity
If down-hole tools are reused to reduce costs, then equipment utilization improves, but the risk of equipment failure increases due to wear and stress
Solution Approach 1:
The RFID monitoring system provides continuous feedback on tool location, usage history, and operational status. This feedback enables real-time assessment of tool condition, allowing operators to schedule maintenance before failure occurs and ensuring tools are reused only when safe, thus maintaining reliability while maximizing utilization.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables preliminary maintenance actions by tracking tool usage and condition before failure occurs. By monitoring cumulative stress, number of trips, and operational parameters, the system schedules maintenance in advance, preventing equipment failure and ensuring tools are ready for safe reuse.
3Loss of information
If comprehensive service records are maintained for down-hole equipment, then accurate maintenance tracking is achieved, but the complexity of record-keeping increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex manual record-keeping systems with automated RFID-based tracking. The system automatically captures and stores service records, maintenance history, and operational data in a centralized database, eliminating manual documentation while maintaining comprehensive and accurate records with reduced system complexity.
4Reliability
If equipment failure is avoided through continuous monitoring, then drilling operations continue without suspension, but the cost of implementing monitoring systems increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements RFID monitoring systems that automatically track tool location, status, and condition. This automated monitoring provides continuous reliability assessment without requiring complex manual inspection procedures, enabling early detection of potential failures while maintaining manageable system complexity through standardized RFID technology.
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
The system enables efficient tracking and maintenance of down-hole assets, reducing the likelihood of equipment failure and associated costs by providing real-time data on asset movement and condition, thus optimizing tool usage and reducing downtime during drilling operations.
Implementation Method 1
an antenna mounted to an inner surface and adapted to transmit a predetermined radio frequency signal and receive a reflected radio frequency signal from a SAW ID tag
Implementation Method 2
SAW ID tag comprising an identification signal or indicia
Data Source
AI summary
A method and apparatus for automatic down-hole asset monitoring is provided that monitors tagged down-hole assets wherein the assets travel into and out of an oil or gas well. A rig reader system, a controller and a computer incorporating a graphic user interface are connected to monitor tagged assets moving into and out of a drill head. The rig reader portion may be a ring shaped device having therein an integrated antenna array and radio frequency identification interrogators that interrogate an SAW or RFID tag as it moves through the ring shaped device. The integrated antenna array may include evenly distributed antennas about an interior surface of the ring shaped device that are covered by a radome that seals the antenna array and interrogators against contamination from caustic chemicals and other substances found on or around an oil rig platform. The ring shaped rig reader may be mounted directly below or above a rotary table or a rig's floor or be between a well head of an oil and gas well and the rig floor. The rig reader of an exemplary rig reader system is adapted to withstand a wide temperature range, caustic chemicals, shock and vibration and other elements commonly present on and about an oil or gas rig.