Subsea Annulus Sensor Through Solid Walls
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sensor systems for monitoring annulus conditions in wellbore assemblies compromise the integrity of wellbore components by requiring apertures or windows that can lead to leaks, making it difficult to monitor conditions like pressure, temperature, or fluid presence without undermining the structural integrity.
Innovation Solution
A wellbore assembly design featuring a signal receiver with an outer sensor assembly capable of sensing annulus conditions through solid sidewalls, using a corrosion-resistant housing and inductive charging, and multiple sensor assemblies spaced around the wellbore member to transmit data without creating leak paths, including a current generator for subsea power generation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional sensors with apertures or windows are used to monitor annulus conditions, then measurement capability is improved, but structural integrity and reliability of wellbore components deteriorate due to leak risk
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical sensors with apertures/windows with a wireless sensor system that uses electromagnetic field transmission through solid sidewalls. The sensor assembly includes a transmitter that sends data through the solid wall to a receiver, eliminating the need for physical apertures that compromise structural integrity and create leak paths.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary transmission system where data is transmitted through the solid sidewall material itself. The transmitter converts annulus conditions into signals that propagate through the solid wall to the receiver, allowing monitoring without direct physical penetration of the wellbore components.
2Reliability
If solid sidewalls are used to maintain integrity, then reliability is improved, but measurement capability deteriorates due to inability to sense through solid materials
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical sensing through physical contact or aperture with electromagnetic field-based sensing. The transmitter in the sensor assembly generates electromagnetic fields that can penetrate the solid sidewall material, enabling condition monitoring through the solid wall without compromising its structural integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The solid sidewall serves multiple functions: it maintains structural integrity and pressure containment while simultaneously acting as a transmission medium for electromagnetic fields. This multi-functionality allows the same component to provide both protection and sensing capability.
3Ease of operation
If apertures are created for sensor installation, then ease of operation is improved, but loss of substance increases due to potential fluid leakage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical aperture-based sensor installation with a wireless transmission system that operates through solid walls. This eliminates the need to create openings in the wellbore components, thereby preventing fluid leakage while maintaining operational capability through electromagnetic field transmission.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the sensing function from the physical structure by using wireless transmission. The sensor assembly can be installed without creating apertures, as the transmission medium is the solid wall itself rather than requiring physical penetration or openings in the wellbore components.
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 continuous monitoring of annulus conditions such as pressure and temperature without compromising the integrity of wellbore components, ensuring reliable data transmission and power supply through solid sidewalls, minimizing the risk of leaks and maintaining structural integrity.
Implementation Method 1
The transmitter can transmit data, such as signals, to the signal receiver through solid portions of the wellhead housing sidewall
Implementation Method 2
the charger can inductively charge the battery in response to the electromagnetic field
Implementation Method 3
the current generator producing electric current in response to movement of the seawater and transmitting the electric current to the signal receiver
Data Source
AI summary
A wellbore assembly includes a housing member, an outer wellbore member, and a second wellbore member, with an outer sensor located in the annulus between the outer wellbore member and the second wellbore member. The outer sensor can sense a condition of the annulus, such as pressure or temperature, and transmit data through a solid portion of the sidewall of the outer wellbore member to a signal receiver located on the housing member. In one embodiment, the signal receiver can transmit an electromagnetic field to inductively charge a power supply on the outer sensor.