Wireless Transmission Assemblies for Wellbore Telemetry

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional well systems lack efficient mechanisms for transmitting data and energy downhole, limiting the ability to monitor and control wellbore parameters and reservoir conditions across multiple zones without physical intervention.

Innovation Solution

An intelligent well system with multiple transmission assemblies in both main and lateral bores, utilizing wireless connections and sensor/actuator packs to establish efficient communication and power transfer between surface devices and downhole tools, enabling real-time monitoring and control of reservoir conditions and fluid flow.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If conventional well systems are used without wireless transmission assemblies, then device complexity is reduced, but the ability to monitor and control wellbore parameters and reservoir conditions across multiple zones is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveability to monitor and control wellbore parameters and reservoir conditionsVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The transmission system is divided into multiple independent transmission assemblies, with each assembly serving specific bore zones. Each assembly includes sensors, actuators, and wireless transmission units that can operate independently, allowing modular deployment and simplified maintenance while providing comprehensive monitoring across multiple zones.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The transmission assemblies are designed to perform multiple functions: sensing wellbore parameters, actuating control devices, transmitting data wirelessly, and receiving power. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated systems for each function, thereby improving versatility without proportionally increasing complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Ease of operation

If physical connections are used for power and signal transmission downhole, then reliability of energy and signal transfer is improved, but the need for physical intervention and system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveneed for physical interventionVSAvoidreliability of energy and signal transfer
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical physical connections with wireless transmission assemblies that use electromagnetic fields to transfer power and signals downhole. This eliminates the need for physical intervention to establish connections, reduces mechanical wear and failure points, and maintains reliable energy and signal transfer through the wellbore environment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple transmission assemblies are deployed in main and lateral bores, then adaptability for monitoring multiple zones is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemonitoring capability across multiple zonesVSAvoidnumber of transmission assemblies
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system is segmented into multiple identical or standardized transmission assembly modules that can be deployed in different locations (main bore and lateral bores). Each module is a self-contained unit with standardized interfaces and functions, allowing flexible configuration to match specific monitoring needs while simplifying deployment and maintenance through modular repetition.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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 reliable and efficient data and energy transmission across multiple bore junctions, allowing for improved monitoring and control of well operations, reducing the need for physical connections and enhancing system reliability.

Implementation Method 1

Each of the transmission assemblies includes one or more wireless transmission units configured to establish a wireless connection with one or more other transmission units

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectWireless transmission: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentEP2380041B1Wireless power and telemetry transmission between connections of well completions
Publication Date: 2018.10.31 SERVICES PETROLIERS SCHLUMBERGER SA
  • EP2380041B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2380041B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2380041B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

An intelligent well system may include a first main bore transmission assembly disposed in a main bore and a first lateral bore transmission assembly disposed in a lateral bore. The first main bore transmission assembly may include a first main bore transmission unit, and the first lateral bore transmission assembly may include a first lateral bore transmission unit. The first main bore transmission unit and the first lateral bore transmission unit may be configured to establish a wireless connection there between, such that at least one of power or telemetry can be wirelessly transmitted. The first main bore transmission assembly may be configured to be communicatively connected to a surface communication device.