Downhole Tubular Strain Sensor Actuation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for activating downhole devices in wellbores often require mechanical, hydraulic, or electrical interventions, which can weaken the tubular and introduce debris, making interventionless actuation desirable.
Innovation Solution
A tubular equipped with sensors on its outside to detect strain or movement, generating a trigger signal processed by a controller to activate or deploy devices without the need for internal pressure or open ports, using wireless transmission if necessary.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If openings are cut through the tubular to supply fluid under pressure for device activation, then device activation is achieved, but the tubular is weakened and debris can enter
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical system of cutting openings and supplying fluid under pressure with a sensor-based system. Strain gauges or other sensors on the tubular exterior detect strain or movement, generating electrical signals that trigger device activation. This substitution eliminates the need for tubular openings, maintaining tubular integrity while achieving device activation through an entirely different physical mechanism (strain detection and signal processing rather than fluid pressure transmission).
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces sensors and signal processing systems as intermediaries between the tubular and the downhole device. Instead of directly transmitting activation energy through fluid pressure requiring openings, the system uses sensors to detect tubular state changes and converts these into trigger signals that activate the device. This intermediary approach allows indirect activation without compromising tubular strength.
2Ease of operation
If openings are cut through the tubular to supply fluid under pressure for device activation, then device activation is achieved, but debris can carry with the fluid and cause damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the fluid-based activation mechanism with a sensor-based detection and signaling system. By detecting strain or movement on the tubular exterior and converting it to trigger signals, the system eliminates fluid flow through openings, thereby eliminating the pathway for debris to enter and potentially damage the system.
3Strength
If sensors are placed on the outside of the tubular to detect strain, then activation can occur without openings, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the tubular structure multi-functional by integrating sensors directly onto or into the tubular wall. The tubular serves both its primary structural function and as a platform for sensing strain or movement. This integration approach reduces overall system complexity compared to separate sensing systems, as the tubular itself becomes part of the detection mechanism.
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 reliable and debris-resistant activation of downhole devices, maintaining tubular integrity and allowing for efficient fluid production without the need for open pressure ports, thus preventing damage from debris and ensuring consistent operation.
Implementation Method 1
a sensor on an outside of the tubular that provides a sensor signal responsive to a strain on the tubular
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for use in a wellbore is disclosed that in one non-limiting embodiment includes a tubular having an inside and an outside, a sensor on the outside of the tubular that provides a sensor signal in response to a strain induced in the tubular, and a processor that provides a signal responsive to the sensor signal to operate a device in the wellbore.