Telescopic Sensor Arm for Downhole Annulus Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
In oil and gas production, deploying multiple sensors in wellbores leads to an unwieldy and expensive downhole tool string due to the need for multiple measurements at various locations and circumferential positions, increasing the overall length and complexity of the system.
Innovation Solution
A sensor deployment system featuring a pair of bulkheads and pivot blocks along the tool string axis, with an arm mechanism that rotates and extends radially outward, allowing sensors to be positioned in the wellbore annulus without the need for a motorized mover, using a telescoping section and link arms to position sensors effectively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple downhole tools are deployed to perform measurements at different locations and circumferential positions, then measurement coverage is improved, but the overall length and complexity of the tool string increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple measurement functions into a single downhole tool by integrating multiple arms with sensors that can be positioned at different locations and circumferential positions. This allows the tool to perform measurements that would traditionally require multiple separate tools, thereby reducing tool string complexity while maintaining comprehensive measurement coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs movable arms with telescoping sections that can dynamically extend and retract to position sensors at various radial distances from the tool axis. This dynamic positioning capability enables a single tool to achieve the measurement versatility of multiple fixed tools, resolving the contradiction between measurement coverage and device complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the downhole tool includes an extendable arm mechanism for sensor deployment, then sensor positioning capability is improved, but the tool diameter increases during installation and removal
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a telescoping section within the arm structure that allows the arm to extend radially outward when needed and retract into a compact configuration during installation and removal. This nesting mechanism enables the tool to maintain a small diameter during conveyance while providing extended sensor positioning capability during measurement operations.
3Ease of operation
If pivot blocks are allowed to move freely to enable arm rotation, then arm deployment flexibility is improved, but the risk of cable damage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a guide structure that acts as an intermediary between the pivot block and the bulkhead. This guide structure constrains the pivot block's movement path, ensuring smooth rotation while preventing excessive or uncontrolled motion that could damage cables. The guide maintains operational flexibility while protecting cable integrity.
4Loss of information
If multiple sensors are deployed in the annulus, then data collection comprehensiveness is improved, but the time and cost of deployment increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent pre-configures multiple arms with sensors in a compact arrangement that can be quickly deployed as a single integrated unit. The arms are designed to extend simultaneously or in rapid sequence to their operational positions, allowing comprehensive sensor deployment in the annulus to be achieved in a single operation rather than requiring multiple separate deployment actions, thereby reducing deployment time while maintaining data comprehensiveness.
Data Source
AI summary
A sensor deployment system includes a first bulkhead arranged at a first end of a downhole tool, a second bulkhead arranged at a second end of the downhole tool, opposite the first end, a first pivot block arranged proximate the first bulkhead, a second pivot block arranged proximate the second bulkhead, and an arm rotatably coupled to the first and second pivot blocks at opposite ends of the arm. Rotation of at least a portion of the arm drives at least a portion of the arm radially outward from an axis of the downhole tool.