Strain-Gauge Mapping for Accurate Downhole Equipment Placement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for installing downhole equipment in cased wells lack accuracy in measuring deviations and deformations of the casing, leading to premature failure and high operational costs due to improper placement.
Innovation Solution
A strain-gauge sensor assembly is routed through the cased wellbore to measure strains and determine optimal installation locations by simulating the forces experienced by the downhole equipment, providing a detailed mapping of casing deviations and deformations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If directional wellbore positioning maps are used to determine casing path, then the wellbore path can be established with fair accuracy, but the mapping accuracy is insufficient for proper equipment placement due to inability to detect casing deformations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical/directional positioning methods with a strain gauge-based mechanical sensing system. The strain gauges directly measure casing deformations and forces, providing accurate mapping data that enables reliable equipment placement by detecting actual casing conditions rather than relying on indirect directional maps.
Solution Approach 2:
The strain gauge assembly acts as an intermediary between the casing and the equipment placement decision-making process. It measures the actual mechanical conditions (strains, forces, deformations) of the casing and transmits this information to determine optimal equipment placement locations, bridging the gap between casing physics and equipment installation reliability.
2Measurement precision
If high-accuracy gyroscopes are used to measure casing azimuth and inclination, then directional changes can be detected, but short incremental distances cannot be measured accurately and direct data on casing deformations is not provided
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the measurement parameters from angular parameters (azimuth, inclination) measured by gyroscopes to mechanical strain parameters measured by strain gauges. This parameter change enables direct detection of casing deformations, pinching, bulging, and spiraling, while also providing accurate measurement of short incremental distances through the casing.
Solution Approach 2:
The strain gauge assembly creates a mechanical copy or replica of the casing conditions it measures. By experiencing the same forces and deformations as the casing, the strain gauges provide direct information about the casing state, effectively copying the casing's mechanical history and current conditions for accurate equipment placement.
3Productivity
If equipment is installed without accurate casing deviation mapping, then installation can proceed, but premature equipment failure occurs due to improper placement in deformed casing sections
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary mapping of the casing conditions using strain gauges before equipment installation. This preliminary action identifies optimal placement locations and potential risks in advance, allowing equipment to be installed with confidence in suitable locations, thereby ensuring long equipment run life while maintaining efficient installation practices.
Solution Approach 2:
The strain gauge system provides feedback about the actual casing conditions to the equipment placement decision-making process. This feedback loop ensures that equipment is only installed in locations where the casing conditions are suitable, preventing premature failure while maintaining productive installation operations through informed decision-making.
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
Enhances the accuracy of downhole equipment placement, reducing failure rates and operational costs by ensuring proper installation based on actual casing conditions, thereby extending the equipment's lifespan and operational efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
routing a sensor assembly through said cased wellbore to measure strains applied to said sensor assembly, wherein the sensor assembly includes at least one strain gauge
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
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AI summary
A method for mapping a cased wellbore, the method comprising providing a cased wellbore; and routing a sensor assembly through said cased wellbore to measure forces applied to said sensor assembly.