Switchable Magnet Anchor Assemblies for Downhole Cable Tensioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
In horizontal wells, it is challenging to maintain a cable under tension during fracking operations, which can lead to cable damage when lying across perforated sections of the casing.
Innovation Solution
The use of anchor assemblies comprising a first anchor with a bore for the cable and a second anchor with switchable magnets, allowing the anchors to be secured to the downhole casing and tension applied to the cable.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the cable is allowed to move freely in the downhole casing, then the cable can be easily installed and positioned, but the cable cannot maintain sufficient tension and is at risk of damage
Solution Approach 1:
The anchor assembly is divided into two separate anchors (first anchor and second anchor) that can be independently deployed and positioned along the cable. This segmentation allows the cable to be anchored at multiple points without requiring a single complex anchoring mechanism, thereby maintaining cable tension and integrity while using simpler individual anchor components.
Solution Approach 2:
The anchors are deployed in advance before the cable is fully installed or before fracking operations begin. The first anchor is positioned and secured to the casing, followed by the second anchor, establishing the tensioning system beforehand. This preliminary action ensures the cable is properly tensioned and protected before it is subjected to operational stresses.
2Reliability
If the cable is maintained under constant tension, then the cable remains protected and functional, but the cable may be damaged during installation or positioning
Solution Approach 1:
The anchor assembly incorporates switchable magnets that can be activated or deactivated as needed. During cable installation, the magnets remain inactive, allowing the cable to move freely and be positioned without resistance. Once positioning is complete, the magnets are activated to secure the anchors to the casing, thereby maintaining cable tension for operational reliability without causing installation damage.
Solution Approach 2:
The magnetic properties of the anchors are changed dynamically through the switchable magnets. By switching between magnetized and non-magnetized states, the anchors can transition between a secure attached state (for maintaining tension) and a free-moving state (for easy installation and positioning), thereby resolving the conflict between cable protection and installation safety.
3Reliability
If the anchor assembly uses permanent magnets to secure the anchors, then the anchors are reliably attached to the casing, but the anchors cannot be repositioned or released
Solution Approach 1:
The anchor assembly uses switchable magnets instead of permanent magnets, allowing the magnetic field to be dynamically controlled. The magnets can be switched on to securely attach the anchors to the casing for reliable tension maintenance, and switched off to release the anchors for repositioning or removal. This dynamic control provides both reliable attachment and adaptability for repositioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The magnetic field strength of the anchors is changed by switching the magnets between magnetized and non-magnetized states. When magnetized, the anchors are strongly attracted to the casing for secure attachment. When demagnetized, the attraction is eliminated, allowing the anchors to be freely moved or released. This parameter change enables both reliable attachment and versatile repositioning.
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 anchor assemblies effectively maintain cable tension, reducing the risk of damage and enabling reliable monitoring and control of fracking operations.
Implementation Method 1
The second anchor can include one or more switchable magnets each configured to switch between a non-magnetized state and a magnetized state. When the anchor assembly is located within a downhole casing and the one or more switchable magnets are switched from the non-magnetized state to the magnetized state, the one or more switchable magnets can be configured to secure the second anchor to an inner surface of the downhole casing.
Implementation Method 2
The process can also include activating the first anchor to cause a plurality of arms to radially expand outward with a sufficient radial force to secure the first anchor to an inner surface of the downhole casing.
Data Source
AI summary
Anchor assemblies for use on a downhole cable and processes for using same. In some embodiments, the anchor assembly can include a first anchor configured to be releasably connected to a second anchor. The first anchor can define a bore therethrough that can be configured to receive and permit a cable to move therethrough such that the cable can be connected to the second anchor. The second anchor can include one or more switchable magnets each configured to switch between a non-magnetized state and a magnetized state. When the anchor assembly is located within a downhole casing and the one or more switchable magnets are switched from the non-magnetized state to the magnetized state, the one or more switchable magnets can be configured to secure the second anchor to an inner surface of the downhole casing.