Wireless Well Completion Apparatus Pressure Actuation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for completing oil and gas wellbores require expensive intervention equipment or complex cable systems, leading to delays and increased costs due to the need for slickline systems or electrical cables to set downhole completion tools.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that utilize wireless signal transmission and powered actuation mechanisms to control completion tools, such as flapper valves, packers, and circulation sleeves, eliminating the need for intervention equipment and cables by using RFID tags and pressure signature detection to remotely operate tools within the wellbore.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If intervention equipment such as slickline systems is used to set downhole completion tools, then the completion tools can be set downhole, but expensive intervention rigs and personnel are required causing significant delays and costs
Solution Approach 1:
The completion tools are equipped with powered actuation mechanisms that enable them to set themselves automatically based on pressure differential signals, eliminating the need for external intervention equipment and personnel to set the tools
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical intervention system (slickline systems and intervention rigs) with a pressure-based control system that uses pressure differential signals to automatically actuate the completion tools
2Ease of operation
If electrical cables are run from downhole completion tools to the surface for power and control signals, then the completion tools can be controlled, but the cables are complicated to fit and must be securely strapped and pass over joints requiring expensive cable protectors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the cables from the system entirely, replacing them with a wireless pressure-based control mechanism that eliminates the need for physical cable installation and cable protectors
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces pressure differential signals as an intermediary medium to transmit control information from the surface to downhole tools without requiring physical cable connections
3Ease of operation
If electrical cables are run into the wellbore for completion tool control, then the completion tools can be controlled, but the cables may be damaged requiring the production tubing to be pulled out causing further delays and expense
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the vulnerable electrical cable system with a pressure-based control system that uses pressure differential signals transmitted through the production fluid, eliminating the risk of cable damage and the need to pull production tubing
4Reliability
If intervention equipment is used to set completion tools, then the completion can be set, but expensive intervention rigs and personnel are required increasing costs
Solution Approach 1:
The completion tools automatically set themselves using pressure differential signals, eliminating the need for expensive intervention rigs and specialized personnel, thereby reducing completion costs
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the expensive mechanical intervention system with an automated pressure-based control system that reduces the need for specialized equipment and personnel
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
Enables efficient and cost-effective completion of wellbores without the need for intervention equipment or cables, reducing delays and expenses by allowing remote operation of completion tools using wireless signals and pressure changes.
Implementation Method 1
a signal processing tool capable of decoding pressure differential signals received relating to the operation of tools a) to c)
Implementation Method 2
a tool comprising a powered actuation mechanism capable of operating tools a) to c) under instruction from tool d)
Data Source
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AI summary
A completion apparatus for completing a wellbore comprises a) a tool to alternatively open and close a throughbore of the completion; b) a tool to alternatively open and close an annulus defined between the outer surface of the completion and the inner surface of the wellbore; c) a tool to alternatively provide and prevent a fluid communication route between the throughbore of the completion and the said annulus; and d) at least one signal receiver and processing tool capable of decoding signals received relating to the operation of tools a) to c). The apparatus is run into the well bore, tool a) is operated to close the throughbore; the pressure within the fluid in the tubing is increased to pressure test the completion; tool b) is operated to close the annulus; tool c) is operated to provide a fluid communication route between the throughbore and the annulus; tool c) is then operated to prevent the fluid communication route between the throughbore and the annulus such that fluid communication is prevented; and tool a) is operated to open the throughbore.