Wireless Downhole Feedthrough Using Near Field Magnetic Induction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing flow completion systems face challenges in maintaining pressure barriers while accessing downhole devices, as traditional feedthrough systems require penetrations through critical pressure barriers, complicating design, increasing costs, and limiting the number of accessible downhole lines due to the need for robust sealing and large penetrator sizes.
Innovation Solution
A wireless downhole feedthrough system using near-field magnetic induction (NFMI) communications eliminates the need for penetrations by converting optical signals into electrical signals for wireless transmission through wellbore barriers, allowing communication between external and downhole devices without compromising pressure barriers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional feedthrough systems with penetrators are used to access downhole devices, then communication between external and downhole devices is enabled, but the pressure barrier integrity is compromised and design complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical penetrator system with a wireless communication system. Instead of physically penetrating the pressure barrier with cables and connectors, the system uses electromagnetic signals to transmit data and power wirelessly through the barrier, eliminating the need for mechanical feedthrough components that compromise pressure integrity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces wireless communication signals as an intermediary medium to transfer information and power across the pressure barrier without physical contact. The barrier itself becomes a non-intrusive medium through which electromagnetic signals can pass, rather than requiring physical openings
2Reliability
If penetrators with robust sealing systems are installed to maintain pressure barriers, then pressure integrity is maintained, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates mechanical sealing systems by replacing them with wireless communication technology. The complex multi-layer sealing systems required for penetrators are removed entirely, as wireless signals do not require physical pathways through the pressure barrier
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts and removes the penetrator assembly and its associated sealing systems from the flow completion system. By taking out the mechanical feedthrough components, the system eliminates the complexity and cost of robust sealing mechanisms while maintaining pressure integrity
3Reliability
If large penetrators are used to ensure robust sealing, then pressure barrier reliability is improved, but the number of accessible downhole lines is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the limited mechanical penetrator interface with a wireless communication system that can support multiple simultaneous communication channels. This substitution enables numerous downhole devices to be accessed through a single wireless interface, dramatically increasing system versatility without compromising pressure integrity
Solution Approach 2:
The wireless communication system provides universal access to multiple downhole devices through a single interface. Instead of requiring separate penetrators for each line, the wireless system can simultaneously communicate with numerous sensors and actuators, making the system highly adaptable and versatile
4Adaptability or versatility
If multiple feedthrough ports are created in the christmas tree or wellhead, then more downhole lines can be accessed, but the pressure barrier integrity is further compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces multiple mechanical feedthrough ports with a wireless communication system. This substitution allows unlimited access points for downhole devices without creating any physical openings in the pressure barrier, thereby maintaining full pressure integrity while providing unlimited accessibility
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 solution enhances the integrity of flow completion systems by reducing design complexities and costs, enabling more efficient data and power transfer while maintaining pressure barrier integrity and allowing for the use of optical fiber sensing systems to monitor wellbore parameters.
Implementation Method 1
The first and second wireless nodes are configured to communicate wirelessly through the tubing spool using near field magnetic induction (NFMI) communications
Implementation Method 2
converting optical signals into electrical signals for wireless transmission through wellbore barriers
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for communicating signals across a wellbore barrier defined by a first flow completion system component positioned at an upper end of the wellbore and a second flow completion system component mounted within the first flow completion system component includes a first wireless node which is mounted on the first flow completion system component on a first side of the wellbore barrier, the first wireless node being configured to be connected to an external device, and a second wireless node which is mounted on the second flow completion system component on a second side of the wellbore barrier, the second wireless node being located generally opposite the first wireless node and being configured to be connected to a downhole device. The first and second wireless nodes are configured to communicate wirelessly through the wellbore barrier using near field magnetic induction (NFMI) communications.