Ultrasonic Downhole Activation Device Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current mechanical trip systems in downhole flag subs are inefficient, prone to false indications, and obstructive to flow, posing safety risks and operational challenges in wellsite operations by failing to accurately detect downhole activation devices.
Innovation Solution
An interventionless detection system utilizing two ultrasonic flow detectors, one upstream and one downstream, to compare flow measurements and detect the presence of downhole activation devices by measuring changes in flow rates and signal propagation, eliminating the need for mechanical trips and manual resets.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If mechanical trip systems are used in flag subs to detect downhole activation devices, then detection capability is provided, but flow obstruction and false indications occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical trip system with an acoustic detection system using hydrophones or accelerometers. These sensors detect the acoustic signature or vibration signature of the downhole activation device as it passes through the flag sub, eliminating the need for mechanical trips that obstruct flow. The acoustic field interacts with the flowing fluid without creating mechanical obstruction.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces acoustic waves as an intermediary to detect the presence of downhole activation devices. Instead of direct mechanical contact, the system uses sound waves propagating through the fluid to carry information about the passing object, allowing detection without physical obstruction of the flow stream.
2Reliability
If mechanical trips are used to indicate object passage, then launch confirmation is provided, but manual reset is required and efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The acoustic detection system automatically detects and records the passage of each downhole activation device without requiring manual intervention for resetting or reconfiguration. The system continuously monitors the acoustic environment and automatically processes detection data, enabling self-service operation that eliminates manual reset steps and improves productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The acoustic sensors continuously monitor the flow stream for activation device passages, providing uninterrupted detection capability. Unlike mechanical trips that require resetting after each detection, the acoustic system maintains continuous monitoring, ensuring no detection gaps and enabling seamless operational continuity.
3Measurement precision
If mechanical trips are positioned in the flow stream to detect activation devices, then detection function is achieved, but false positive and false negative indications increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs multiple acoustic sensors positioned at different locations within the flag sub to detect activation device passages. By distributing sensors throughout the structure and analyzing local acoustic signatures at each position, the system can more accurately distinguish true device passages from false indications caused by other flow disturbances or mechanical noise.
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 provides accurate and reliable detection of downhole activation devices without obstructing flow, reducing the risk of false indications and improving operational safety by using ultrasonic flow detectors to measure flow changes and signal differences.
Implementation Method 1
two detectors, which in one embodiment may be two ultrasonic flow detectors
Implementation Method 2
measuring changes in flow rates and signal propagation
Implementation Method 3
detect the presence of downhole activation devices by measuring changes in flow rates and signal propagation
Data Source
AI summary
An interventionless system and method: of detecting a downhole activation device are provided. The system includes a first detector disposed downhole in a fluid pathway and; a second detector disposed downhole of the first detector in the fluid pathway. In one exemplary embodiment, the detectors include a pair of ultrasonic transducers that generate signals indicative of fluid pathway flow. Differences in the signals between the detectors are indicative of the presence of the downhole activation device within the fluid pathway. The system also includes a deployment port disposed above the second detector from which the downhole activation device may be deployed into the fluid pathway.