Seismic Sensing Umbilical Encapsulation for Wellbore Reliability
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional sensor systems for seismic monitoring and imaging in subterranean environments face issues such as failures in interconnections, fluid intrusions, and mechanical disruptions, making them unreliable and costly for long-term applications in wellbores and coiled tubing.
Innovation Solution
A sensing umbilical system with a core and encapsulant, containing sensors and supporting connections, is deployed in a sealed enclosure, allowing for safe, cost-effective, and environmentally secure deployment of large-aperture seismic sensor arrays in wellbores and coiled tubing, using standard cable handling equipment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional modular sensor sondes interconnected by cable are used, then sensor deployment is possible, but interconnection failures and fluid intrusions occur reducing reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple discrete sensor components and interconnections into a single integrated encapsulated unit. The sensor array, cables, and protective housing are combined into one monolithic structure that eliminates interconnection points between separate components, thereby eliminating failure points while maintaining sensor functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a nested structure where sensor elements are embedded within an encapsulant material that is itself contained within a protective housing. This nested arrangement protects internal components from fluid intrusion and mechanical damage while maintaining a compact form factor suitable for wellbore deployment.
2Ease of operation
If traditional wireline sensors are deployed in coiled tubing, then seismic surveys can be conducted, but deployment and retrieval is difficult and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the sensor array with flexible encapsulation that allows the structure to bend and flex during deployment through coiled tubing. This dynamic flexibility enables the rigid sensor components to navigate curved paths and tight spaces without breaking, while maintaining structural integrity during deployment and retrieval operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a flexible encapsulant material that surrounds and protects the sensor elements. This flexible shell allows the sensor array to be compressed and bent during deployment through coiled tubing, then returns to its protective form once deployed, providing both ease of deployment and protection during operation.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If sensors are deployed in protected wellbores, then environmental protection is achieved, but mechanical disruptions and fluid intrusions still occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies encapsulant material around sensor elements before final assembly into the protective housing. This pre-applied cushioning layer absorbs and distributes mechanical stresses and prevents fluid intrusion pathways, providing protection against anticipated environmental hazards before the sensors are deployed into the wellbore environment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite construction combining multiple materials with different properties: the encapsulant provides chemical resistance and flexibility, while the protective housing provides structural strength and mechanical protection. This composite approach creates a multi-layered defense system that addresses multiple environmental threats simultaneously.
Data Source
AI summary
An umbilical having a plurality of sensors (single, multi-component, or distributed) disposed in a sealed encapsulant, optionally with “accessories” or connectors at the ends, and the methods or manufacturing and deploying such an umbilical for seismic imaging in geological formations and other applications.