Autonomous Wellbore Tool Orientation Regulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Autonomous wellbore devices lack control over rotational orientation and cross-sectional location within wellbore conduits, leading to unintended consequences such as damage to structures and irregular perforation creation, which complicates stimulation and diversion operations.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating an orientation-regulating structure that can autonomously regulate the cross-sectional and angular orientation of wellbore tools within the wellbore conduit, using passive or active mechanisms to maintain desired positions and orientations during downhole operations, such as centering perforation devices to avoid sensitive structures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If autonomous wellbore devices are conveyed within wellbore conduits without orientation control, then device mobility and operational autonomy are improved, but rotational orientation and cross-sectional location control are lost, leading to unintended consequences such as damage to structures and irregular perforation creation
Solution Approach 1:
The autonomous device is segmented into functional modules including an orientation-regulating structure with independent control capabilities. This segmentation allows the device to maintain autonomous operation while adding specialized subsystems for orientation control, resolving the contradiction between automation and precision control.
Solution Approach 2:
An orientation-regulating structure acts as an intermediary between the autonomous control system and the wellbore conduit environment. This intermediary component provides the necessary orientation control without compromising the autonomous operation of the main device, enabling both automated mobility and precise orientation control.
2Ease of operation
If autonomous perforation guns are used without orientation regulation, then operational simplicity and conveyance ease are improved, but the ability to predetermine and specify perforation orientation is lost, complicating stimulation and diversion operations
Solution Approach 1:
The orientation-regulating structure incorporates dynamic adjustment capabilities that allow the device to adapt its orientation during conveyance and operation. This dynamic system maintains ease of conveyance while providing the versatility to control perforation orientation when needed, resolving the contradiction between operational simplicity and adaptability.
3Manufacturing precision
If orientation-regulating structures are added to autonomous wellbore devices, then control over cross-sectional orientation and location is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The orientation-regulating structure is designed with self-regulating capabilities that reduce the need for complex external control systems. The structure can autonomously adjust and maintain proper orientation through inherent mechanical or physical properties, providing precise orientation control while minimizing the increase in overall device complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
Autonomous wellbore devices with orientation-regulating structures are disclosed, including systems and methods using the same. The autonomous wellbore devices include a wellbore tool, a control structure, and an orientation-regulating structure. The wellbore tool is configured to autonomously perform a downhole operation within a wellbore conduit that extends within a subterranean formation. The control structure is programmed to determine that an actuation criterion has been satisfied and to provide an actuation signal to the wellbore tool. The orientation-regulating structure is configured to regulate a cross-sectional orientation of the wellbore tool while the autonomous wellbore device is being conveyed autonomously within the wellbore conduit. The methods include performing the downhole operation with the autonomous wellbore device, including locating the device within the wellbore conduit, autonomously conveying the device within the wellbore conduit, autonomously regulating the cross-sectional orientation of the wellbore tool, and autonomously actuating the wellbore tool.