Wireless Sliding Sleeve System for CO2 Injection Monitoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current CO2 injection techniques into geological formations lack real-time monitoring and data support, making the process inefficient and difficult to verify injection accuracy and potential leaks in wells.
Innovation Solution
A controlled sleeve system with wireless remotely actuated sliding sleeves, sensors, and a communication module for real-time monitoring and control, allowing for precise management of CO2 flow and leak detection within the well.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If traditional sliding sleeves are used for CO2 injection, then the injection process is simple to implement, but the injection accuracy and leak verification are difficult to achieve
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a nested sensor system where multiple sensors (pressure, temperature, flow, CO2 detection) are integrated within the sliding sleeve assembly. The sensors are positioned concentrically around the CO2 flow path, allowing them to monitor injection parameters without adding external monitoring equipment. This nested configuration enables precise injection verification while maintaining a compact downhole device structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent establishes a feedback loop where sensors continuously monitor CO2 injection parameters (pressure, temperature, flow rate, CO2 presence) and transmit data to the surface control system. The control system processes this feedback information and adjusts sliding sleeve positioning or injection rates in real-time to maintain optimal injection accuracy and detect leaks immediately, transforming the open-loop traditional system into a closed-loop controlled system.
2Productivity
If blind CO2 injection is performed without monitoring, then the equipment cost is low, but the process efficiency and verification capability are poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent deploys the complete sensor monitoring system and communication equipment before initiating CO2 injection. Pressure sensors, temperature sensors, flow meters, and CO2 detection sensors are pre-positioned in the wellbore and activated before injection begins. This preliminary setup ensures that all injection parameters are captured from the start, enabling immediate verification and optimization of the injection process without data gaps.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a telemetry communication system as an intermediary between the downhole sensors and the surface control system. This communication infrastructure transmits injection data in real-time through the wellbore conduit, allowing continuous monitoring and verification of CO2 injection without requiring physical intervention or sampling. The intermediary communication channel preserves complete injection information for analysis and optimization.
3Measurement precision
If multiple sensors are deployed for monitoring, then the detection capability is improved, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple sensing functions (pressure measurement, temperature measurement, flow rate detection, and CO2 presence detection) into a single integrated downhole monitoring assembly. The sensors are physically clustered together and electronically linked to a common data transmission system, allowing simultaneous multi-parameter monitoring through one deployed device rather than requiring separate sensor installations. This merging reduces operational complexity while maintaining comprehensive monitoring capability.
Data Source
AI summary
Injection of CO2 may be controlled and optimized, and CO2 plume leaks monitored in real time, using a controlled sleeve system deployed into a well, where the controlled sleeve system comprises a predetermined set of ports extending from an outer surface of a substantially tubular housing through to an inner annulus of the housing and one or more selectively actuated sliding sleeves configured to selectively open, occlude, and close the predetermined set of ports. One or more sensors configured to be deployed in the well may be present. A wireless remotely actuated flow controller disposed at least partially within the housing and operatively in communication with the sensor comprises a sleeve actuator controller operatively connected to the selectively actuated sliding sleeve and a sensor data acquisition module operatively in communication with the sensor. A communications module is operatively in communication with the wireless remote actuated flow controller. Power may be supplied via a power supply operatively in communication with the wireless remote actuated flow controller, the communications module, and the sensor. The controlled sleeve system is placed into communication with a surface control system disposed proximate a surface location of the well and CO2 injected into a geological formation of the well, at least partially through the controlled sleeve system. The surface system is used to selectively actuate the selectively actuated sleeve to selectively choke, occlude, and permit the flow of CO2.