Abstract
The downhole drone is directed toward an autonomous Oil & Gas (O&G) utilization of a drone in subsurface wells. The autonomous submersible O&G drone comprises a circular shaped housing, a propulsion system with one or more spinner blades located at the front and rear sides driven by electromotors that can pivot along the axis of drone for locomotion determination and a control package unit: wireless transponder, power, control and data storage and sensors.
Existing technologies for surveying, such as production logging conveyed into the wellbore by coiled tubing limits wellbore access due to factors such as the length and size of wellbore, the trajectory/inclination. These factors, and in situ environmental parameters, may limit and restrict access surveying the entire wellbore via existing technologies. This adaptable for wellbore surveillance and logging includes: body, circular structure for stabilization, rechargeable spinners, digital temperature and pressure, gradiometer, gyroscope and wireless communication package. The drone is dropped into the well from the surface under shut in conditions and falls by gravity into the lowest section of the hole.
The implementation associates with minimization of man-hours with cost avoidance. The concept has a positive influence on the environment since personnel will be less exposed to hydrocarbons, especially hazardous gases such as Hydrogen Sulfide and Carbon Dioxide. The autonomous, remotely guided downhole drone surveys a predetermined area in the downhole well environment to collect well production data in terms of fluid entry/exit from the well bore, velocity as the well is in production or shut in conditions. Data such as: flow rate, temperature & pressure profiling and leak deduction. The drone moves into the production section of the well by its own propulsion as directed by the surface control system. At selected locations, it stops and takes measurements by rotating two propulsion spinners that are rechargeable; converting mechanical energy into electrical. Pressure, temperature and gradiometer information is collected continuously as the drone is propelled through the productive zone as well as when stationary. Upon completion of required data collection through the productive zone, the vehicle is simply lifted out of the hole by the flow of the well assisted by the propulsion system as required.
The future of fourth Industrial Revolution (IR 4.0) was paved commencing from the pioneering realization of the value of well intervention. This invention has a magnificent contribution in cost saving, conveyance methodologies improvement, personnel safety, energy conservation, downhole visualization and perpetuating the investment in the human capital.
