Wireless Wellbore Tool Activation via Triggering Signal

Solution Overview

Problem

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

Innovation Solution

The implementation of a wireless activation system using a transmitting tool to send triggering signals to receiving tools, allowing them to transition from an inactive to an active state, enabling efficient power distribution and extended tool life by minimizing power consumption until activation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Speed

If conventional downhole tools are continuously powered to ensure immediate operation, then operational readiness is improved, but power consumption increases and tool lifespan decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperational readinessVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The tool is activated in advance by a triggering signal transmitted from another tool, so that it is ready to operate immediately when needed without requiring continuous power supply. The activation signal prepares the tool's systems beforehand, enabling rapid response while maintaining low power consumption during the inactive state.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of continuous operation, the tool operates in periodic cycles - remaining in a low-power inactive state and activating only when a triggering signal is received. This periodic activation pattern reduces overall power consumption while maintaining operational readiness when required.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

2Speed

If conventional downhole tools are continuously powered to ensure immediate operation, then operational readiness is improved, but tool lifespan decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperational readinessVSAvoidtool lifespan

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The tool is activated in advance by a triggering signal transmitted from another tool, so that it is ready to operate immediately when needed without requiring continuous power supply. The activation signal prepares the tool's systems beforehand, enabling rapid response while maintaining low power consumption during the inactive state.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of continuous operation, the tool operates in periodic cycles - remaining in a low-power inactive state and activating only when a triggering signal is received. This periodic activation pattern reduces overall power consumption while maintaining operational readiness when required.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

3Use of energy by moving object

If wireless activation system is implemented to reduce power consumption, then power efficiency is improved, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower efficiencyVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

A wireless triggering signal acts as an intermediary between the activating tool and the activated tool. This signal carrier enables remote activation without direct physical contact or complex wired connections, reducing overall system complexity while improving power efficiency. The triggering signal transmits the necessary activation information through the wellbore environment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 efficiency and longevity of downhole tools by reducing power consumption and allowing remote activation, thereby improving safety and operational effectiveness during wellbore servicing operations.

Implementation Method 1

a transmitting tool is disposed within a wellbore and is configured to send a triggering signal to a receiving tool

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic signal transmission: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS10907471B2Wireless activation of wellbore tools

Publication Date: 2021.02.02 HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES INC

AI summary

Systems and methods are disclosed for a well tool. The well tool system includes a receiving tool disposed in a wellbore tubular. 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.