Downhole Toolstring Stabilization Using Magnetic Anchors

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Solution Overview

Problem

In wellbore operations, the movement of downhole toolstrings and sensors worsens the signal-to-noise ratio, leading to less accurate measurements, especially in horizontal sections where additional forces are required to descend and stabilize the tools.

Innovation Solution

A system comprising a cable with magnetic strength members that can be selectively magnetized, combined with a tractor device featuring extendable arms with drive wheels to propel and stabilize the toolstring against the wellbore casing, improving signal quality by maintaining the toolstring in a steady position.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Speed

If additional forces are used to propel downhole toolstrings into horizontal wellbore sections, then the toolstrings can reach desired locations, but movement of the toolstrings worsens the signal-to-noise ratio of measurements

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetoolstring descent speedVSAvoidsignal-to-noise ratio

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The toolstring system is divided into multiple independent components: a propulsion device with drive wheels for movement, a holding device with magnetic anchors for stabilization, and a sensor package. This segmentation allows the propulsion function to be separated from the measurement function, enabling the toolstring to move when needed and remain completely stationary during measurements, thus resolving the contradiction between movement capability and measurement quality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The holding device is deployed in advance to secure the toolstring to the wellbore wall before measurements are taken. The magnetic anchors are positioned and activated beforehand to ensure the toolstring is fully stabilized prior to data collection, eliminating any movement during the critical measurement phase and maximizing signal-to-noise ratio.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Measurement precision

If the toolstring is held steady against the wellbore wall, then measurement accuracy improves, but additional devices and forces are required to maintain position

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesignal-to-noise ratioVSAvoidholding device structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The holding device replaces traditional mechanical anchoring systems with magnetic field-based anchoring. Electromagnetic anchors mounted on the toolstring can be selectively activated to attach to the wellbore wall without complex mechanical expansion or locking mechanisms. This substitution simplifies the holding device structure while providing reliable stabilization for high-precision measurements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Ease of operation

If a tractor device with extendable arms is used to propel the toolstring, then the toolstring can be moved into horizontal sections, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetoolstring deployment capabilityVSAvoidtractor device structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The tractor device incorporates extendable arms that can dynamically adjust their length and position during deployment. This dynamic capability allows the drive wheels to reach the wellbore wall and propel the toolstring into horizontal sections, while the arms can be retracted when not needed, minimizing the device's footprint and complexity during the measurement phase.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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

This solution enhances the signal-to-noise ratio by keeping the toolstring steady, allowing for more accurate data collection and reducing signal degradation through the use of a taut cable with fewer kinks, thereby improving measurement accuracy.

Implementation Method 1

the multiple magnetic strength members may become magnetic or activate an electromagnet electrically coupled to the multiple magnetic strength members when the multiple magnetic strength members carry current

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnet: Electromagnet

Implementation Method 2

The multiple magnetic strength members may selectively carry current, and the multiple magnetic strength members may become magnetic

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetism: Magnetism

Data Source

PatentUS11072983B2Systems and methods for holding wireline device against well

Publication Date: 2021.07.27 SCHLUMBERGER TECH CORP

AI summary

A system includes a cable and a toolstring. The toolstring may couple to the cable to enable the toolstring to be placed in a wellbore. The toolstring includes a sensor that can collect measurements relating to the wellbore. An electromagnetic or anchoring device may selectively hold the toolstring or the cable against a surface of the wellbore.