Downhole Well Tool Drag Assembly for Real-Time Status Feedback
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
In subterranean well systems, it is challenging to verify the functionality of well tools due to their remote location, leading to potential hazards when they fail to function correctly, as there are limited positive indications of their operation until they are recovered to the surface.
Innovation Solution
A well tool with an electronic controller and a drag assembly that generates a magnetic field or uses an extendable arm to adjust tension on a conveyance, allowing for real-time feedback of the tool's status by changing drag force patterns, enabling confirmation of operation without surface electrical power and without waiting for retrieval.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If well tools are deployed to remote locations in wellbores, then the ability to perform subterranean operations is improved, but the ability to verify tool functionality in real-time deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the well tool generates drag force signals that are transmitted back to the surface through the conveyance system. The electronic controller modulates the drag force based on tool status, creating detectable signals that provide real-time feedback about tool operation without requiring direct line-of-sight or complex communication infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses the conveyance system (wireline, slickline, or coiled tubing) as an intermediary to transmit drag force signals from the downhole tool to the surface. This intermediary allows information transfer through the existing mechanical connection without requiring additional communication channels, solving the problem of information loss in remote locations.
2Reliability
If traditional verification methods are used, then tool functionality can be confirmed, but only after retrieval to the surface, which increases job site hazards and time loss
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs verification actions while the tool is still in the wellbore, before retrieval is necessary. By monitoring drag force patterns during tool operation, functionality is verified preliminarily, allowing operators to detect issues early and avoid the time loss and hazards associated with retrieving malfunctioning tools.
Solution Approach 2:
Real-time feedback during tool operation allows immediate verification of functionality. The system continuously monitors drag force signals and compares them against expected patterns, providing ongoing verification rather than end-point checking after retrieval, thereby reducing both time loss and job site hazards.
3Loss of information
If drag force is used to convey data, then real-time feedback is achieved, but the complexity of the well tool system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the drag assembly serve multiple functions: it provides necessary mechanical drag for tool deployment and retrieval, and simultaneously serves as a data transmission medium by modulating this drag force to convey status information. This multi-functionality reduces overall system complexity compared to adding separate communication systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the mechanical drag function with the data transmission function into a single integrated system. The electronic controller combines tool status monitoring with drag force modulation, and the surface system combines mechanical tension measurement with data decoding, reducing the number of separate components needed.
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 real-time confirmation of well tool functionality and operation status, reducing job site hazards by providing immediate feedback through detectable changes in drag force, allowing for safer and more efficient well operations.
Implementation Method 1
the magnetic element includes an electromagnet
Implementation Method 2
the magnetic element includes a permanent magnet
Implementation Method 3
adapted to engage with a downhole tubular to generate a drag force on the well tool
Data Source
AI summary
A well tool includes a housing, an electronic controller, and a drag assembly. The electronic controller is at least partially enclosed within the housing and adapted to determine a status of a downhole wellbore operation. The drag assembly is coupled to the electronic controller and, based on the determination of the electronic controller, adapted to engage with a downhole tubular to generate a drag force on the well tool during movement of the well tool through the tubular. The electronic controller is operable to selectively control the drag assembly to engage with the downhole tubular to generate a plurality of unique drag forces based on a status of the wellbore operation. The plurality of unique drag forces are generated in a substantially repeating pattern.