Downhole Sensor Swarm Release via Electromagnetic Actuation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current subterranean well drilling technologies face high costs and inefficiencies due to expensive wireline logging, bulky measurement while drilling tools, and slow mud pulse telemetry, with risks of tool stuckage and power generation issues preventing retrieval of radioactive sources.
Innovation Solution
Deployment of a sensor swarm system with a downhole actuation system and digitally enabled compartment to release miniature microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) sensors controlled from the surface, which occupy less space, require lower power, and can be mass-produced at lower costs, allowing real-time monitoring of wellbore conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If wireline logging is used to monitor downhole conditions, then measurement accuracy is improved, but operation time and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the logging function into multiple independent sensor modules that can be deployed separately. Instead of using a single large logging tool that requires wireline operations, the system segments the sensing functions into distributed sensors that can be deployed more efficiently, reducing operation time while maintaining measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical wireline logging system with a more efficient deployment mechanism. By substituting the traditional wireline-based mechanical system with an alternative deployment approach (such as deploying sensors through the drill string or using wireless communication), the system reduces operation time while maintaining measurement capabilities.
2Productivity
If measurement while drilling tools are used, then real-time data collection is improved, but device size and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the measurement while drilling system into multiple small, independent sensor modules. Each module performs a specific sensing function, allowing the system to achieve real-time data collection without requiring a single large, complex tool assembly. This segmentation reduces overall device complexity while maintaining productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent designs sensor modules that can perform multiple functions or be used in various configurations. By creating universal, multi-functional sensor units, the system achieves real-time data collection capabilities without requiring specialized, bulky equipment for each measurement type, thereby reducing device complexity.
3Use of energy by moving object
If turbine/alternator power generation is used in logging while drilling, then power supply is improved, but risk of preventing radioactive source retrieval increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts or removes the turbine/alternator power generation system from the bottom hole assembly. By taking out this component, the system eliminates the interference it creates with radioactive source retrieval operations while still providing power supply capabilities through alternative means, thereby improving reliability without sacrificing energy supply.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses alternative power generation methods that replicate the function of turbine/alternator systems without the harmful side effects. By copying the power supply function through different mechanisms (such as battery systems or alternative generators that do not interfere with radioactive sources), the system maintains energy supply capability while improving retrieval reliability.
4Measurement precision
If conventional sensors are used in downhole environments, then measurement capability is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs cost-effective sensor designs that can be manufactured at lower costs, potentially using disposable or single-use sensor modules. By accepting that these sensors may have limited lifetimes or be designed for specific single operations, the system achieves downhole measurement capabilities without the high manufacturing costs of conventional, reusable sensors.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent modifies sensor design parameters to reduce manufacturing costs while maintaining measurement precision. This may involve changing material selections, simplifying sensor structures, or optimizing sensor configurations to achieve the required measurement accuracy at lower production costs, making the sensors more economical for downhole applications.
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 sensor swarm system enables cost-effective, efficient, and real-time monitoring of downhole parameters, reducing the risk of tool stuckage and enhancing drilling efficiency by allowing precise control and data collection without the need for large batteries or complex power generation systems.
Implementation Method 1
Each of the sensors of the plurality of sensors is retained within the sensor compartment by an electromagnet
Implementation Method 2
Releasing the certain of the plurality of sensors from the sensor compartment includes stopping a delivery of power to the electromagnet of each of the certain of the plurality of sensors
Data Source
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AI summary
Methods and systems for monitoring conditions within a wellbore of a subterranean well include extending a drill string into the subterranean well from a terranean surface. The drill string has an actuator assembly, a sensor compartment, and a plurality of sensors located within the sensor compartment. The actuator assembly is instructed to transmit a swarm release signal to a central power unit of the sensor compartment so that the central power unit of the sensor compartment releases certain of the plurality of sensors from the sensor compartment. Data from the sensors is transferred to a data processing system after the sensors reach the terranean surface.