Wireless Pipe Lifting System for Cementing
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Solution Overview
Problem
The deployment of casing in horizontal wells is challenging due to cement migration issues and the use of centralizers, which slow down the process and can cause delays and additional costs.
Innovation Solution
A downhole wireless actuation-based pipe lifting system with wireless communications and data acquisition capabilities that allows casing to be freely deployed without resistance, using a housing with actuable arms and modules for actuation, communication, and data collection, enabling cement flow around the casing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If centralizers are deployed as part of the casing string to prevent the pipe from settling, then the casing stability is improved, but the deployment speed decreases and the risk of getting stuck increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes centralizers from the casing string entirely, extracting the problematic component that caused deployment delays and getting stuck issues. Instead of using traditional centralizers, the system allows the casing to deploy freely without mechanical obstruction, thereby maintaining stability through alternative means while eliminating the productivity penalty.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from a static centralizer-based stability mechanism to a dynamic approach where the casing can move freely during deployment. The wireless actuation system provides dynamic control and monitoring capabilities, allowing the system to adapt to changing conditions during the cementing process rather than relying on fixed mechanical centralizers.
2Manufacturing precision
If centralizers are used to prevent pipe settling, then the casing position control is improved, but the deployment time increases and additional costs are incurred
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical centralizer system with a wireless actuation and monitoring system. Instead of using mechanical devices to control casing position, the system employs wireless communication, sensors, and actuation mechanisms that can adjust and monitor casing position dynamically without physical contact, thereby reducing deployment time and costs while maintaining position control precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces wireless communication as an intermediary between the casing and the surface control system. This allows for real-time monitoring and control of casing position without requiring physical centralizers, enabling precise position control through information exchange rather than mechanical intervention, thus reducing deployment time and associated costs.
3Reliability
If cement is used to prevent fluid migration, then the wellbore sealing is improved, but the cementing process becomes challenging when casing is laying on the formation
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables dynamic control during the cementing process by allowing the casing to be freely deployed and then actuated to the proper position. The wireless actuation system can adjust the casing position in real-time during cementing, making the cementing process easier by eliminating the challenge of cementing around stationary centralizers and ensuring proper cement flow paths are created.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operational parameters of the casing deployment process by transitioning from a fixed centralizer-based system to a dynamically adjustable wireless actuation system. This allows for real-time modification of casing position and orientation during cementing, thereby simplifying the cementing process while ensuring reliable wellbore sealing through proper cement placement.
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
Facilitates efficient casing deployment and cementing by eliminating resistance from centralizers, allowing for real-time data collection and ensuring proper cement placement, thereby reducing deployment time and costs.
Implementation Method 1
A housing deployable along a pipe string with a hermetically sealed interior
Implementation Method 2
A communications module, disposed within the interior of the housing and operatively in communication with the electronics module, can receive and transmit signals
Data Source
AI summary
A downhole wireless actuation based pipe lifting system with wireless communications and data acquisition capabilities for lifting casing from a well formation. The system may be deployed along a casing string with centralizers in the closed position to prevent any resistance that would be created by the centralizers. Upon reaching the proper location in the well, one or more pipe lifting systems may be actuated to lift the pipe from the well formation thereby providing a path for cement to flow around the casing. The system may collect, and store data before, during, and after the cementing process is performed, and may transmit the data wirelessly or by cable.