Well Tube Digital Tracking for Real-Time Assembly Verification

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for controlling and monitoring tubes and pipes during their integration into wells are inefficient, prone to errors due to manual data entry and lack of real-time parameter updates, leading to changes in planning and modifications that increase rejects and back-and-forth operations.

Innovation Solution

A method and system for controlling the state of tubes using digital descriptors stored in a memory, which include tracking codes, completion and planning statuses, and geometrical, junctional, and workflow data, allowing real-time authentication, data acquisition, and generation of alerts for compliance with predefined thresholds.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If manual data entry and visual checking methods are used for tube control, then operators can enter tube data into computers, but this process is time-consuming and prone to input errors

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata accuracyVSAvoidtime for data entry
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual mechanical data entry with automated optical scanning. Barcode readers or RFID scanners automatically capture tube identification data and retrieve corresponding parameters from a database, eliminating manual typing and reducing errors. The system substitutes human-operated mechanical input with automated electronic data capture and retrieval processes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses digital copies of tube data stored in databases. Instead of manually entering data, the system retrieves pre-stored digital copies of tube parameters (diameter, length, material properties) by scanning identification codes. This copying approach ensures data accuracy while dramatically reducing the time required for data entry.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

2Adaptability or versatility

If tubes are subjected to planning changes and modifications during assembly, then flexibility in well construction is achieved, but this increases rejects and back-and-forth operations

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveplanning flexibilityVSAvoidassembly efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements preliminary verification by scanning tube identification codes before tubes are introduced into the well. The system checks whether the tube parameters match the well construction plan and alerts operators to any mismatches beforehand. This preliminary action prevents incorrect tubes from being assembled, reducing rejects and the need for back-and-forth operations while maintaining planning flexibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent establishes a feedback mechanism where the system continuously monitors tube parameters against the construction plan and provides real-time alerts when discrepancies are detected. This feedback loop enables immediate correction of planning issues without proceeding with incorrect assemblies, thereby maintaining adaptability while improving assembly efficiency by preventing errors rather than correcting them later.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Reliability

If real-time control and monitoring of tube parameters are implemented, then compliance with well assembly constraints is ensured, but this requires automated systems and infrastructure

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecompliance assuranceVSAvoidsystem infrastructure
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs multi-functional scanning devices that can read various types of identification codes (barcodes, RFID tags) and interface with existing well construction management systems. This universal approach allows real-time control and monitoring without requiring completely new specialized infrastructure, as the system can leverage existing communication protocols and database structures already present in oilfield operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP3591593B1Method for controlling a state of a tube, method for controlling a state of well, system, tube
Publication Date: 2025.08.27 VALLOUREC MANNESMANN OIL & GAS FRANCE
  • EP3591593B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3591593B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3591593B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Method for controlling a state of a first tube (T1), said first tube (T1) being intended to be integrated in an extraction structure (ST1), a first server (SERV1) managing a digital descriptor (D1) of the first tube (T1), said digital descriptor (D1) comprising a first set of data (SET1) stored on at least a first memory (Mi), said first set of data (SET1) comprising at least: ▪ one identification number (Id1) of the first tube (T1) and ; ▪ a completion status (S1) and a planification status (S2), wherein said method furthermore comprises: ▪ generating a first request (REQ1) to a first server (SERV1) from a computer located near the first tube (T1) ▪ acquiring the identification number (Id1) in order to generate an inventory status of the first tube (1); ▪ acquiring a first value of a completion status (S1) of the first tube (T1) ; ▪ acquiring a second value of a planification status (S2) of the first tube (T1) ; ▪ generating at least one alert (ALERT1, ALERT2) when the first or the second value (S1, S2) is equal to a predefined state value.