Wireless Wellbore Tool Activation via Inductive Coupling

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional downhole tools used in wellbore operations face limitations due to power consumption and lifespan issues, as they are often inefficient and have restricted usage due to power availability, necessitating improved tools and methods for wireless activation.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of a wireless activation system that uses triggering signals to transition tools from an inactive to an active state, allowing for efficient power distribution to electrical loads within downhole tools, utilizing inductive, magnetic, acoustic, or electrical coupling mechanisms for remote activation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If conventional downhole tools are continuously powered, then they can perform operations, but power consumption increases and lifespan decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperational efficiencyVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements periodic action by transitioning downhole tools between inactive and active states. Tools are activated only when needed for specific operations (e.g., hydraulic fracturing, perforating) and deactivated otherwise, replacing continuous operation with intermittent periodic operation to reduce overall power consumption while maintaining productivity when required.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies preliminary action by pre-positioning tools in an inactive state within the wellbore before they are needed. Tools are prepared and staged in advance, then activated on-demand when specific operational conditions are met, allowing the system to respond quickly without continuous power consumption during the preparation phase.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Reliability

If conventional downhole tools are continuously powered, then they remain ready for operation, but their useful life and duration of use are limited by power availability

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvereadiness for operationVSAvoiduseful life

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The system maintains reliability by implementing periodic activation based on operational needs rather than continuous operation. Tools are activated in synchronized cycles with the wellbore treatment process, ensuring they are ready when needed while extending their useful life through reduced cumulative operating time and lower power consumption.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs feedback mechanisms where surface systems monitor downhole conditions and transmit activation signals to tools when specific operational parameters are met. This feedback loop ensures tools are activated at the appropriate time to maintain operational reliability while minimizing unnecessary power consumption and extending tool lifespan.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Ease of operation

If tools are manually controlled in hazardous wellbore environments, then operations can be performed, but safety risks increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontrol capabilityVSAvoidsafety hazards

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual mechanical control with wireless electromagnetic communication systems. Activation signals are transmitted wirelessly from surface equipment to downhole tools, eliminating the need for direct human intervention in hazardous environments. This substitution maintains full control capability while removing operators from exposure to dangerous conditions such as high pressure, toxic gases, and extreme temperatures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 operational efficiency and lifespan of downhole tools by reducing power consumption until activation, enabling safer and more effective wellbore servicing operations, and allowing remote control of hazardous equipment.

Implementation Method 1

utilizing inductive, magnetic, acoustic, or electrical coupling mechanisms for remote activation

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectInductive coupling: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

utilizing inductive, magnetic, acoustic, or electrical coupling mechanisms for remote activation

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic coupling: Magnetic Field

Implementation Method 3

A switching system of the receiving tool is configured such that in response to the triggering signal, the switching system transitions from an inactive state to an active state

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrical conduction: Conduction (electrical)

Data Source

PatentUS10808523B2Wireless activation of wellbore tools

Publication Date: 2020.10.20 HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES INC

AI summary

Systems and methods are disclosed for a well tool. The well tool system includes a receiving tool including two ends positioned in a wellbore tubular in a predetermined orientation. The receiving tool is configured to transition from an inactive state to an active state in response to a triggering signal. The well tool system further includes a transmitting tool at a surface and proximate to the receiving tool. The transmitting tool is configured to wirelessly transmit the triggering signal to the receiving tool using inductive coupling based on the predetermined orientation.