Wellbore Completion Assembly Wireless Sensor Nesting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for monitoring and controlling hydrocarbon production from subsurface formations lack real-time data collection and control capabilities without encroaching on the space between the wellbore casing and the wellbore, limiting effective treatment and production operations.
Innovation Solution
A completion assembly with a filter material-filled tubular member and embedded sensors that transmit wireless signals for real-time monitoring and control, utilizing a circuit for processing and communicating data to a surface controller, allowing for the determination and adjustment of downhole operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If sensors are placed downhole close to the flow of fluids to monitor treatment and production operations, then real-time monitoring capability is improved, but the space between the outer string and the casing is encroached upon
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor assembly is nested within the inner string, which itself is contained within the outer string. This nested configuration allows sensors to be positioned close to the fluid flow for effective monitoring while maintaining the structural integrity and space requirements of the outer assembly and casing annulus.
Solution Approach 2:
The completion assembly is divided into distinct segments: an outer assembly containing packers and flow control devices, and an inner assembly containing the sensor and additional flow control devices. This segmentation allows the sensor to be isolated in the inner string without interfering with the outer string's function or encroaching on the casing annulus space.
2Loss of information
If wireless signal transmission is used to convey sensor data to the surface, then real-time data communication is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex wired data transmission systems with wireless signal transmission. This substitution eliminates the need for physical connections between the downhole sensor and surface equipment, simplifying the overall system architecture while enabling real-time data communication through electromagnetic waves.
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 monitoring and control of downhole operations, providing accurate data on parameters like pressure, temperature, and flow rate, allowing for optimized treatment and production processes without compromising the wellbore space.
Implementation Method 1
a sensor inside the tubular for providing information about a parameter of interest during treatment of and/or production of a fluid from the zone into the tubular
Implementation Method 2
a circuit downhole coupled to the sensor that transmits wireless signals corresponding to measurements made by the sensor for processing and for taking actions relating to downhole operations
Implementation Method 3
a member having a plurality of holes filled with a filter material for placement across from a zone along the wellbore
Data Source
AI summary
In one aspect an apparatus for use in a wellbore is disclosed that in one non-limiting embodiment includes a completion assembly that contains a filter section having a tubular with a plurality of through holes filled with a filter material for restricting flow of solid particles through the holes for placement of the filter section across from a zone along the wellbore, a sensor inside the tubular for providing information about a parameter of interest during treatment of and/or production from the zone into the tubular, and a first circuit coupled to the sensor that transmits wireless signals corresponding to measurements made by the sensor to a second circuit that transmits the received signals to the surface.