Wireless Data Transmission via Static Pressure Pulses in Oil Wells
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current data acquisition and transmission systems in oil wells are hindered by the need for electrical supply and communication lines, leading to increased installation time, frequent failures due to harsh environments, and limited data continuity, especially in producing wells where gas content dampens signal transmission.
Innovation Solution
A wireless data acquisition and transmission system using static pressure pulses, which generates data as integer values for efficient transmission through the well fluid, with self-powering capabilities and adaptive control to maintain signal quality, allowing for installation before or after production without interfering with the production process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If cable-based permanent instrumentation is installed in boreholes, then data acquisition capability is improved, but installation time increases and reliability decreases due to exposed cables and connectors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the communication function from the physical cable infrastructure and implements wireless communication through the well fluid medium. This eliminates cables, connectors, and clamps from the system, removing the failure mechanisms associated with these components while maintaining data acquisition capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses the well fluid (drilling mud or production fluid) as an intermediary medium to transmit communication signals. By modulating the fluid's physical properties (density, velocity, or pressure), data can be transmitted wirelessly from downhole instruments to surface equipment without requiring physical cable connections.
2Duration of action of stationary object
If cable-based monitoring devices are permanently installed, then continuous monitoring is achieved, but the system suffers from frequent failures due to harsh environmental conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical cable-based communication system with a fluid-based wireless communication system. By using acoustic or pressure wave modulation through the well fluid, the system eliminates mechanical connection points that are susceptible to corrosion, fatigue, and environmental damage, thereby extending device lifetime and improving reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system utilizes the existing well fluid that naturally flows through the borehole as the communication medium. This eliminates the need for separate power and communication infrastructure, reducing the number of components that can fail and allowing the system to leverage the already-present fluid for both production and communication purposes.
3Loss of information
If traditional cable systems are used in producing wells, then data transmission is possible, but gas content in the well dampens signals excessively
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the communication parameter from electrical signals through cables to acoustic/pressure wave modulation of the fluid medium. By modulating parameters such as fluid density, velocity, or pressure in response to sensor data, the system achieves wireless transmission that is not subject to gas-phase signal dampening, as the modulation occurs in the liquid phase where signals propagate effectively.
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 system provides continuous data flow with reduced power consumption and increased reliability, enabling effective monitoring and maintenance without the need for re-completing wells, even in harsh environments with gas presence, thus enhancing reservoir understanding and recovery efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a static pulse generation device adapted for generating static pressure fluctuations in the well fluid
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a system and method for wireless data transmission in an open process regime, for example a producing (or injecting) well associated with oil and gas production, the system comprising means for data acquisition, means for en data conversion, means for wireless data transmission, control means, power source, and a static pulse generation device adapted for generating static pressure fluctuations in the well fluid. The data conversion means are adapted to convert data to a simplified number format to be transmitted by the induced fluctuations in the process fluid.