Wired Pipe Depth Measurement Using Phase Shift
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional depth measurement systems in oilfield wellbores are inadequate in terms of accuracy and cost-effectiveness, relying on surface measurements and periodic surveys, which can be prone to errors due to pipe stretch, temperature changes, and non-linearities.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that utilize a signal conductor to send a reference signal and a wellbore signal with a phase relationship, estimating the change in length of the wellbore conveyance device by measuring the phase shift between the two signals, and adjusting the frequency of the wellbore signal as an integer multiple of the reference signal, allowing for precise length estimation of the wellbore tubular.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional surface measurements and periodic surveys are used for depth measurement, then the system is simpler and less expensive, but the measurement precision deteriorates due to errors from pipe stretch, temperature changes, and non-linearities
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces conventional mechanical surface measurement systems with an electrical signal-based measurement system. Electrical signals are transmitted through the wellbore conveyance device, and phase shifts in these signals are used to determine depth, eliminating the need for complex mechanical measurement and correction systems while achieving higher precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes changes in signal phase parameters to measure depth. By analyzing phase shifts of electrical signals transmitted through the wellbore conveyance device, the system can accurately determine depth changes without being affected by pipe stretch, temperature variations, or non-linearities that plague conventional mechanical measurement methods.
2Reliability
If conventional surface measurements are used, then the device complexity is lower, but the reliability deteriorates due to errors from pipe stretch and temperature changes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical measurement systems with an electrical signal-based system that is inherently more reliable. Electrical signals transmitted through the wellbore conveyance device are not affected by pipe stretch or temperature changes, providing consistent and reliable depth measurements without the errors that plague conventional mechanical methods.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces electrical signals as an intermediary medium for measurement. These signals traverse the wellbore conveyance device and carry depth information through phase shifts, serving as a reliable mediator that is not directly affected by environmental factors like temperature or mechanical deformation, thereby ensuring measurement reliability.
3Measurement precision
If phase shift measurement method is used, then the measurement precision improves, but the device complexity increases due to signal transmission and processing requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the wellbore conveyance device serve multiple functions: it acts as both the structural element for drilling operations and as the transmission medium for electrical signals used in depth measurement. This multi-functionality reduces overall system complexity while maintaining high measurement precision, as no separate dedicated measurement hardware is required.
Solution Approach 2:
The wellbore conveyance device performs self-measurement of its own length changes through the phase shift method. The device uses its own structural properties (the conductor within the tubular) to transmit signals and measure its own elongation or contraction, eliminating the need for external measurement systems and reducing overall complexity.
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 approach provides a more accurate and cost-effective means of measuring the length of wellbore conveyance devices by accurately determining phase shifts and changes in length, accounting for factors like pipe stretch and temperature, thereby enhancing the precision of depth measurements.
Implementation Method 1
sending a reference signal along a first path; sending a wellbore signal having a phase relationship with the reference signal along a wellbore path along the wellbore conveyance device
Implementation Method 2
estimating a change in length of the wellbore conveyance device from a phase shift between the reference signal and the wellbore signal
Data Source
AI summary
A method and apparatus for estimating a change in length of a wellbore conveyance device in a wellbore. A reference signal is sent along a first path and a wellbore signal having a phase relationship with the reference signal is sent along a wellbore path. A change in length of the wellbore conveyance device is estimated from a phase shift between the reference signal and the wellbore signal. The frequency of the wellbore signal may be changed downhole. The wellbore conveyance device may have at least one conductor under a maintained tension. A length of the wellbore conveyance device is estimated from the estimated change in the length. For a drill string composed of a plurality of wellbore tubulars, a phase shift of the drill sting is determined upon adding a wellbore tubular to the drill string.