Soluble Sphere Data Logger for Downhole Fracturing Monitoring

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing fracturing technologies lack real-time monitoring and data acquisition capabilities, making it difficult to effectively evaluate the plugging effect of bridge plugs and downhole environment status in oil and gas fields with dispersed reservoirs.

Innovation Solution

A downhole fracturing zone data logger and data acquisition system utilizing a soluble sphere with mounting cavities and data acquisition modules, and a soluble bridge plug for real-time environmental data collection, enabling monitoring and retrieval of data for plugging effectiveness.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If bridge plugs are used for fracturing without real-time monitoring, then the fracturing process can be performed, but the plugging effect and downhole environment status cannot be effectively evaluated

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveplugging effect evaluationVSAvoiddownhole environment data

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

A soluble sphere containing data acquisition modules is introduced as an intermediary carrier. The sphere travels through the wellbore to the bridge plug position, releases data acquisition modules that monitor the downhole environment, and then dissolves to enable retrieval of the monitoring data, thus bridging the gap between the fracturing process and data collection capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical monitoring systems with a soluble material-based system. The soluble sphere and bridge plug components dissolve in the fracturing fluid, allowing data acquisition modules to be deployed and retrieved without complex mechanical retrieval mechanisms, simplifying the system while enabling real-time monitoring

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Measurement precision

If multiple data acquisition modules are arranged on the sphere, then monitoring accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemonitoring accuracyVSAvoiddata logger structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The data logger is segmented into multiple independent data acquisition modules distributed on the sphere surface. Each module can independently monitor specific parameters, and the modular design allows for easy assembly and deployment while maintaining high monitoring accuracy through multiple measurement points

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The sphere provides a curved surface that allows uniform distribution of multiple data acquisition modules. This spherical geometry enables optimal spacing and positioning of sensors to monitor the downhole environment from multiple angles and positions, improving measurement precision without increasing structural complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

3Ease of operation

If soluble material is used for the sphere and bridge plug, then debris blockage is avoided and retrieval is facilitated, but the materials must withstand downhole conditions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveretrieval easeVSAvoidmaterial durability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The soluble materials are selected with specific dissolution parameters that allow them to withstand downhole temperature and pressure conditions during the fracturing process. The materials are designed to remain stable under these conditions and only dissolve when exposed to the fracturing fluid, enabling both durability during operation and easy retrieval after the job is complete

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 real-time measurement of temperature and pressure data, facilitating effective plugging evaluation and optimization of fracturing processes by providing accurate and retrievable environmental data.

Implementation Method 1

a sphere made of a soluble material... the bridge plug is also made of a soluble material, which will not cause debris blockage in the downhole channel

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSolubility:

Implementation Method 2

a fracturing fluid is continuously injected while the sphere enters the downhole channel, so that the fracturing fluid can push the sphere to reach the positioning port

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHydraulic pressure: Hydraulic Press

Data Source

PatentUS20250277440A1Downhole fracturing zone data logger and downhole fracturing zone data acquisition system

Publication Date: 2025.09.04 ZHEJIANG TENSING SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY CO LTD

AI summary

A downhole fracturing zone data logger and a downhole fracturing zone data acquisition system. The data logger includes a sphere, at least one mounting cavity is provided on a surface thereof, a data acquisition module for detecting and acquiring environmental data is provided in the mounting cavity, and an opening of the mounting cavity is provided with a soluble plug for plugging. The data acquisition system can effectively monitor downhole temperature and pressure data.