Autonomous Wireline Service

This application claims benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/648,777 filed May 17, 2024, which is incorporated herein by reference.

The present technology pertains to controlling a wireline system during operation within a wellbore, and more particularly, to autonomously controlling operation of the wireline system during operation within the wellbore based on accessed wireline information.

Tools have been developed that can be deployed downhole to characterize aspects of formations, wellbores, and other downhole components for use in the exploration and extraction of various materials through the wellbores. Such tools cane be deployed and operated in a wellbore through various tools and techniques. One class of such tools and techniques are wireline systems and methods that lower and raise a tool within a wellbore through a wire that extends to a surface and is manipulated at the surface to control deployment of the tool.

Various embodiments of the disclosure are discussed in detail below. While specific implementations are discussed, it should be understood that this is done for illustration purposes only. A person skilled in the relevant art will recognize that other components and configurations may be used without parting from the spirit and scope of the disclosure.

Additional features and advantages of the disclosure will be set forth in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or can be learned by practice of the principles disclosed herein. The features and advantages of the disclosure can be realized and obtained by means of the instruments and combinations particularly pointed out in the appended claims. These and other features of the disclosure will become more fully apparent from the following description and appended claims or can be learned by the practice of the principles set forth herein.

It will be appreciated that for simplicity and clarity of illustration, where appropriate, reference numerals have been repeated among the different figures to indicate corresponding or analogous elements. In addition, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the embodiments described herein. However, it will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art that the embodiments described herein can be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, methods, procedures, and components have not been described in detail so as not to obscure the related relevant feature being described. The drawings are not necessarily to scale and the proportions of certain parts may be exaggerated to better illustrate details and features. The description is not to be considered as limiting the scope of the embodiments described herein.

As discussed previously, tools have been developed that can be deployed downhole to characterize aspects of formations, wellbores, and other downhole components for use in the exploration and extraction of various materials through the wellbores. Such tools cane be deployed and operated in a wellbore through various tools and techniques. One class of such tools and techniques are wireline systems and methods that lower and raise a tool within a wellbore through a wire that extends to a surface and is manipulated at the surface to control deployment of the tool.

Wireline systems including the systems for deploying the wireline tools and the wireline tools themselves can be controlled by operators at a wellsite. This is, however, a difficult and dangerous job which requires that an operator is proficient in operating a wide range of different tools that can be deployed and operated through a wireline system. Further, human error in controlling deployment and operation of the tools through wireline can lead to damage to the tool and potentially severed line. In turn, this can necessitate an expensive and timely recovery operation.

The disclosed technology addresses the foregoing by accessing wireline information associated with operation of a wireline system including a wireline tool in relation to a wellbore. The wireline information can include applicable information related to operation of a wireline tool through a wireline system. Specifically, the wireline information can include information that is generated before deployment and operation of a wireline tool in a wellbore. For example, wireline information can include a wireline job plan indicative of a range of depths and wireline speeds for deploying and operating a wireline tool. Further, wireline information can include information that is gathered during deployment and operation of a wireline tool in a wellbore. For example,

Referring to, an example systemis depicted for conducting downhole measurements after at least a portion of a wellbore has been drilled and the drill string removed from the well. Various wireline tools can be operated in the example systemshown into log the wellbore. A downhole tool is shown having a tool bodyin order to carry out logging and/or other operations. For example, instead of using a drill string to lower the downhole tool, which can contain sensors and/or other instrumentation for detecting and logging nearby characteristics and conditions of the wellboreand surrounding formations, a wireline conveyancecan be used. Specifically, the tool bodycan be lowered into the wellboreby wireline conveyance. The wireline conveyancecan be anchored in the drill rigor by a portable means such as a truck. The wireline conveyancecan include one or more wires, slicklines, cables, and/or the like, as well as tubular conveyances such as coiled tubing, joint tubing, or other tubulars. The downhole tool can include an applicable tool for collecting measurements in a drilling scenario, such as the electromagnetic imager tools described herein.

The illustrated wireline conveyanceprovides power and support for the tool, as well as enabling communication between data processorsA-N on the surface. In some examples, the wireline conveyancecan include electrical and/or fiber optic cabling for carrying out communications. The wireline conveyanceis sufficiently strong and flexible to tether the tool bodythrough the wellbore, while also permitting communication through the wireline conveyanceto one or more of the processorsA-N, which can include local and/or remote processors. The processorsA-N can be integrated as part of an applicable computing system, such as the computing device architectures described herein. Moreover, power can be supplied via the wireline conveyanceto meet power requirements of the tool. For slickline or coiled tubing configurations, power can be supplied downhole with a battery or via a downhole generator.

illustrates a schematic diagram of a wireline system. The wireline systemincludes a wireline tool, a wireline winch system, a master controller, a wireline winch controller, a depth and tension measurement system, a tool power controller and telemetry system, and a safety monitoring system.

The wireline toolis any applicable tool that can be disposed through a wireline for operation within a wellbore. Specifically, wireline toolcan include tools for wireline logging (formation evaluation/Reservoir monitoring/Well Integrity) or wireline well intervention services. The wireline toolcan power from the tool power control and telemetry systemand will have a communication link over wireline telemetry or some other applicable coupling with the tool power control and telemetry system. Tool operation commands (initiate/abort/hold/stop logging/intervention) can be transmitted from the tool power control and telemetry system. Such commands, as will be discussed in greater detail later, can be generated by the master controller. Specifically, such commands can be generated by the master controlleras part of autonomously controlling operation of the wireline systembased on gathered wireline information, e.g. based on a job plan implementing a service sequence of commands/operations. Log data, which includes applicable sensor data and status data that is generated and/or gathered by the wireline tool, can be transmitted from the tool processors to the tool power control and telemetry systemover the wireline telemetry.

The wireline winch systemfunctions to provide conveyance to the wireline toolin operation in a wellbore. The wireline winch systemcomprises a drive system for a drum. The drive system can be an electric motor driving a hydraulic pump or engine shaft driving the hydraulic pump. The wireline winch systemcan also comprise a transmission between the drive system and the drum, a spooling guidance system for the wireline on the drum, a braking system for the drum, valves to provide mooring system, and a console with manual controls, e.g. a joystick for speed, switches for brake enable/disable. In providing conveyance to the wireline tool, the wireline winch system can control a tension of the line both at the wireline tooland at the surface, a line speed change of the line in deploying the wireline toolby controlling a speed power of the line. Further, the wireline winch systemcan perform auto-spooling.

The wireline winch systemcan communicate with the wireline winch controllerfor controlling operation of the wireline winch system. Specifically, the wireline winch controllercan send commands to the wireline winch systemfor controlling operation of the wireline winch systemitself. For example, the wireline winch controllercan send commands to the wireline winch systemfor adjusting a power speed/winch speed of the line. Such commands for controlling the wireline winch systemcan ultimately be generated by or caused to be generated by the master controller, as will be discussed in greater detail later, in an autonomous manner. The wireline winch systemcan interface with a switch that allows for operation of the wireline winch systemthrough autonomous control or in a manual mode, e.g. through a joystick on the console by which a user can provide user inputs for the winch speed.

The master controllerfunctions to control operation of the wireline system. Specifically, the master controllercan control operation of the wireline systemin an autonomous manner. More specifically, the master controllercan control operation of the wireline systembased on wireline information associated with operation of the wireline system. In controlling operation of the wireline system, the master controller can control the wireline winch system, the power that is delivered to the wireline tool, and actual operation of the wireline tool. This control of the wireline toolcan be performed by the master controllerbased on wireline information in an autonomous manner. Specifically, the master controllercan autonomously control the delivery of power to the wireline toolbased on wireline information.

Wireline information, as used herein, can include applicable information that is associated with operation of a wireline system in a wellbore. Specifically, wireline information can include information that is generated before actual operation of the wireline system. For example, wireline information can include a job/intervention plan for operating a wireline tool through a wireline system. The job/intervention plan can be developed and input to the controlleras part of user input. Further, wireline information can include information that is generated during actual operation of the wireline system. For example, wireline information can include wireline depth and tension measurements, wireline toll information, and safety issues/concerns detected during safety monitoring associated with operation of the wireline system. In various embodiments, wireline information can comprise tension of a line of the wireline system at a point at a surface of the wellsite, a depth of the wireline tool in the wellbore, a line speed change of the line of the wireline system in deploying the wireline tool in the wellbore, a downhole tension of the line in proximity to the wireline tool deployed in the wellbore, or a combination thereof, the method further comprising autonomously controlling the operation of the wireline system at the wellsite based on the tension of the line of the wireline system at a point at the surface of the wellsite, the depth of the wireline tool in the wellbore, the line speed change of the line of the wireline system in deploying the wireline tool in the wellbore, the downhole tension of the line in proximity to the wireline tool deployed in the wellbore, or a combination thereof.

In autonomously controlling operation of the wireline system, the master controllercan generate commands based on the wireline information. In turn, the master controllercan send those commands to appropriate controllers within the wireline systemor otherwise cause the wireline systemto operate according to the commands. The master controllercan generate the commands based on wireline information that is gathered during operation of the wireline system. For example, the master controllercan generate the commands based on a measured tension of a line of the wireline system at a point at a surface of the wellsite, a measured depth of the wireline tool in the wellbore, a measured line speed change of the line of the wireline system in deploying the wireline tool in the wellbore, a measured downhole tension of the line in proximity to the wireline tool deployed in the wellbore, or a combination thereof. Further, the master controllercan generate the commands based on user input for the job logging/intervention plan such as speed schedule for logging/conveyance, definition of the tools in the tool string, well survey, type of wireline cable, and other applicable user input.

In autonomously controlling operation of the wireline system, the master controllercan receive a job plan for operating the wireline system, e.g. as part of user input. The master controllercan then modify the job plan based on gathered wireline information, e.g. in runtime during operation of the wireline system. As follows, the master controllercan implement the modified job plan by generating commands for controlling the wireline systemaccording to the modified job plan.

The master controllercan comprise a logging and job sequence controller comprising a processing unit which is communicatively coupled to the tool power control and telemetry system, the depth and tension measurement system, and the winch controller. The controller can determine the expected tension on the cable based on limits defined in user input. The controller can also compute maximum and minimum tensions expected at various depths and compare these expected tension values with the limits defined by the user input. In turn, this can be used to autonomously send control commands to the wireline winch controllerfor ultimately controlling operation of the wireline winch system. In controlling the wireline winch controller, the master controllercan send commands either in runtime or before the job.

The master controllercan send initiate, abort, stop, hold commands to the wireline winch controller. Further, the master controllercan send control signals to tool power supplies in the tool power control and telemetry system. For example, the master controllercan control tool power delivery through the tool power control and telemetry system. The master controllercan also receive information on runtime depth of the wireline tooland tension on cable by the depth and tension measurement system. In turn this information, as part of wireline information, can be used to control operation of the wireline system. The master controllercan also communicate through a graphical user interface with a user for configuring the service, entering job plan/well survey, controlling runtime running of wireline tools, and display log data gathered by the wireline tool.

The master controllercan autonomously control operation of the wireline systembased on log data that is generated by the wireline tool, e.g. as part of controlling operation of the wireline systembased on wireline information. Specifically, the master controllercan interpret log data gathered by the wireline tooland then autonomously control operation of the wireline systembased on the interpretation of the log data. For example, the master controllercan determine whether gathered log data is of a suitable quality, e.g. with respect to a threshold. As follows, the master controllercan cause the wireline systemto regenerate the log data if it determines that the gathered log data is not of a suitable quality.

The wireline winch controllerfunctions to control operation of the wireline winch system, e.g. based on commands received from the master controller. In various embodiments, The wireline winch controllercan take either runtime or depth vs speed schedule command from the master controllerand control the wireline winch system, e.g. in runtime. The wireline winch controllercan comprise a controller for a spooling system, a drive system for the wireline drum, winch brakes, transmission shifts (for slow/high speed control), mooring control, auto to manual & manual to auto mode transition and slow speed controls.

The wireline winch controllercan receive the job logging/intervention plan, speed schedule for logging/conveyance, definition of the tools in the tool string, well survey, type of wireline cable etc. from the master controllerand get initiate, stop and modify commands from the master controllerin runtime. The wireline winch controllercan receive the runtime depth and wireline tension measurements from the depth and tension measurement system. In turn, the wireline winch controllercan control the wireline winch systembased on such information.

The wireline winch controllercan control the wireline winch systemin either automatic or manual modes. In automatic mode, the desired winch speed command is built into speed scheduler from the master controller. The wireline winch controllerthen controls the winch speed in runtime based on the speed schedule from the master controller, unless wireline tension at surface, is above or lower than limits communicated by the master controller. The wireline winch controllercan also control the wireline winch systembased on downhole tension, e.g. as measured by downhole tension sensors. In this case, the tool power control and telemetry systemcan receive the runtime downhole tension measurement values over wireline telemetry and provide such measurement to the wireline winch controller.

Either or both the master controllerand the wireline winch controllercan operate to autonomously control the operation of the wireline system. Specifically, either or both the master controllerand the wireline winch controllercan operate to autonomously control a speed power of the line of the wireline system, a tension in the line of the wireline system, performance of auto-spooling, or a combination thereof. Such autonomous control can be achieved based on the previously described wireline information.

The depth and tension measurement systemfunctions to generate wireline information related to depth and tension measurements. Specifically, the depth and tension measurement systemcan measure surface tension of the wireline and depth based on an encoder wheel on the wireline. As follows, the wireline information generated by the depth and tension measurement systemcan be sent to the master controllerand the wireline winch controllerfor controlling/autonomously controlling the wireline system.

The tool power control and telemetry systemfunctions to generate wireline information related to components in proximity to and including the wireline tool. Specifically, the tool power control and telemetry systemhouses communication hardware to send commands to the wireline tooland receive data from sensors or the status of wireline tool controllers, e.g. through a telemetry connection. The tool power control and telemetry systemcan also control provisioning of power to the wireline tool. For example, the tool power control and telemetry systemcan provide more power to the wireline toolwhen the wireline toolis operating in a well intervention.

The safety monitoring systemfunctions to identify the occurrence of a safety concern in relation to operation of the wireline system. A safety concern, as used herein, includes an applicable event that occurs in relation to operation of the wireline systemand presents either an actual or a potential hazard to a human, a wellsite, or equipment at the wellsite. For example, a safety concern can include an intruder in the unsafe area near wireline, or wireline break. If a safety concern is detected, then the safety monitoring systemcan present the concern to the master controller, e.g. as part of wireline information. As follows, the master controllercan control operation of the wireline systembased on the detected safety concern. For example, the master controllercan cause the wireline systemto perform an abort wireline operation, if an unsafe condition is detected by the safety monitoring system.

The safety monitoring systemcan comprise a camera system and AI driven processor. Video stream from the camera system can be continuously analyzed to detect an unsafe operation. As follows an abort signal can be sent to either or both the master controllerand the wireline winch controllerto abort the operation by stopping the winch and applying brake.

All or applicable components of the wireline systemcan have interfaces with edge devices that are accessible from a remote site. Specifically, the master controllercan be connected through a network to a remote user, otherwise connected at a remote site. In turn, a remote user can provide input for controlling operation of the wireline systemremotely, e.g. by remotely controlling operation of the master controller.

illustrates a flowchart for an example method of autonomously performing a wireline service. The method shown inis provided by way of example, as there are a variety of ways to carry out the method. Additionally, while the example method is illustrated with a particular order of steps, those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate thatand the modules shown therein can be executed in any order and can include fewer or more modules than illustrated. Each module shown inrepresents one or more steps, processes, methods or routines in the method.

At step, a well survey, tool string information, service sequence information, and a speed schedule for a wireline service are accessed. At step, tension limits vs. depth are determined for the wireline service based on the data that is accessed at step. At step, confirmation to initiate the wireline service is received. At step, commands are sent to the tool power and telemetry system and the wireline winch controller that cause the performance of the wireline service. At step, a command is sent to stop the wireline service. This can be done in response to completion of the wireline service or a need to abort the wireline service.

illustrates an example computing device architecturewhich can be employed to perform various steps, methods, and techniques disclosed herein. Specifically, the computing device architecture can be integrated with the electromagnetic imager tools described herein. Further, the computing device can be configured to implement the techniques of controlling borehole image blending through machine learning described herein.

As noted above,illustrates an example computing device architectureof a computing device which can implement the various technologies and techniques described herein. The components of the computing device architectureare shown in electrical communication with each other using a connection, such as a bus. The example computing device architectureincludes a processing unit (CPU or processor)and a computing device connectionthat couples various computing device components including the computing device memory, such as read only memory (ROM)and random access memory (RAM), to the processor.

The computing device architecturecan include a cache of high-speed memory connected directly with, in close proximity to, or integrated as part of the processor. The computing device architecturecan copy data from the memoryand/or the storage deviceto the cachefor quick access by the processor. In this way, the cache can provide a performance boost that avoids processordelays while waiting for data. These and other modules can control or be configured to control the processorto perform various actions. Other computing device memorymay be available for use as well. The memorycan include multiple different types of memory with different performance characteristics. The processorcan include any general purpose processor and a hardware or software service, such as service 1, service 2, and service 3stored in storage device, configured to control the processoras well as a special-purpose processor where software instructions are incorporated into the processor design. The processormay be a self-contained system, containing multiple cores or processors, a bus, memory controller, cache, etc. A multi-core processor may be symmetric or asymmetric.

To enable user interaction with the computing device architecture, an input devicecan represent any number of input mechanisms, such as a microphone for speech, a touch-sensitive screen for gesture or graphical input, keyboard, mouse, motion input, speech and so forth. An output devicecan also be one or more of a number of output mechanisms known to those of skill in the art, such as a display, projector, television, speaker device, etc. In some instances, multimodal computing devices can enable a user to provide multiple types of input to communicate with the computing device architecture. The communications interfacecan generally govern and manage the user input and computing device output. There is no restriction on operating on any particular hardware arrangement and therefore the basic features here may easily be substituted for improved hardware or firmware arrangements as they are developed.

Storage deviceis a non-volatile memory and can be a hard disk or other types of computer readable media which can store data that are accessible by a computer, such as magnetic cassettes, flash memory cards, solid state memory devices, digital versatile disks, cartridges, random access memories (RAMs), read only memory (ROM), and hybrids thereof. The storage devicecan include services,,for controlling the processor. Other hardware or software modules are contemplated. The storage devicecan be connected to the computing device connection. In one aspect, a hardware module that performs a particular function can include the software component stored in a computer-readable medium in connection with the necessary hardware components, such as the processor, connection, output device, and so forth, to carry out the function.

For clarity of explanation, in some instances the present technology may be presented as including individual functional blocks including functional blocks comprising devices, device components, steps or routines in a method embodied in software, or combinations of hardware and software.

In some embodiments the computer-readable storage devices, mediums, and memories can include a cable or wireless signal containing a bit stream and the like. However, when mentioned, non-transitory computer-readable storage media expressly exclude media such as energy, carrier signals, electromagnetic waves, and signals per se.

Methods according to the above-described examples can be implemented using computer-executable instructions that are stored or otherwise available from computer readable media. Such instructions can include, for example, instructions and data which cause or otherwise configure a general purpose computer, special purpose computer, or a processing device to perform a certain function or group of functions. Portions of computer resources used can be accessible over a network. The computer executable instructions may be, for example, binaries, intermediate format instructions such as assembly language, firmware, source code, etc. Examples of computer-readable media that may be used to store instructions, information used, and/or information created during methods according to described examples include magnetic or optical disks, flash memory, USB devices provided with non-volatile memory, networked storage devices, and so on.

Devices implementing methods according to these disclosures can include hardware, firmware and/or software, and can take any of a variety of form factors. Typical examples of such form factors include laptops, smart phones, small form factor personal computers, personal digital assistants, rackmount devices, standalone devices, and so on. Functionality described herein also can be embodied in peripherals or add-in cards. Such functionality can also be implemented on a circuit board among different chips or different processes executing in a single device, by way of further example.

The instructions, media for conveying such instructions, computing resources for executing them, and other structures for supporting such computing resources are example means for providing the functions described in the disclosure.

In the foregoing description, aspects of the application are described with reference to specific embodiments thereof, but those skilled in the art will recognize that the application is not limited thereto. Thus, while illustrative embodiments of the application have been described in detail herein, it is to be understood that the disclosed concepts may be otherwise variously embodied and employed, and that the appended claims are intended to be construed to include such variations, except as limited by the prior art. Various features and aspects of the above-described subject matter may be used individually or jointly. Further, embodiments can be utilized in any number of environments and applications beyond those described herein without departing from the broader spirit and scope of the specification. The specification and drawings are, accordingly, to be regarded as illustrative rather than restrictive. For the purposes of illustration, methods were described in a particular order. It should be appreciated that in alternate embodiments, the methods may be performed in a different order than that described.

Where components are described as being “configured to” perform certain operations, such configuration can be accomplished, for example, by designing electronic circuits or other hardware to perform the operation, by programming programmable electronic circuits (e.g., microprocessors, or other suitable electronic circuits) to perform the operation, or any combination thereof.

The various illustrative logical blocks, modules, circuits, and algorithm steps described in connection with the examples disclosed herein may be implemented as electronic hardware, computer software, firmware, or combinations thereof. To clearly illustrate this interchangeability of hardware and software, various illustrative components, blocks, modules, circuits, and steps have been described above generally in terms of their functionality. Whether such functionality is implemented as hardware or software depends upon the particular application and design constraints imposed on the overall system. Skilled artisans may implement the described functionality in varying ways for each particular application, but such implementation decisions should not be interpreted as causing a departure from the scope of the present application.

The techniques described herein may also be implemented in electronic hardware, computer software, firmware, or any combination thereof. Such techniques may be implemented in any of a variety of devices such as general purposes computers, wireless communication device handsets, or integrated circuit devices having multiple uses including application in wireless communication device handsets and other devices. Any features described as modules or components may be implemented together in an integrated logic device or separately as discrete but interoperable logic devices. If implemented in software, the techniques may be realized at least in part by a computer-readable data storage medium comprising program code including instructions that, when executed, performs one or more of the method, algorithms, and/or operations described above. The computer-readable data storage medium may form part of a computer program product, which may include packaging materials.

The computer-readable medium may include memory or data storage media, such as random access memory (RAM) such as synchronous dynamic random access memory (SDRAM), read-only memory (ROM), non-volatile random access memory (NVRAM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), FLASH memory, magnetic or optical data storage media, and the like. The techniques additionally, or alternatively, may be realized at least in part by a computer-readable communication medium that carries or communicates program code in the form of instructions or data structures and that can be accessed, read, and/or executed by a computer, such as propagated signals or waves.

Other embodiments of the disclosure may be practiced in network computing environments with many types of computer system configurations, including personal computers, hand-held devices, multi-processor systems, microprocessor-based or programmable consumer electronics, network PCS, minicomputers, mainframe computers, and the like. Embodiments may also be practiced in distributed computing environments where tasks are performed by local and remote processing devices that are linked (cither by hardwired links, wireless links, or by a combination thereof) through a communications network. In a distributed computing environment, program modules may be located in both local and remote memory storage devices.

In the above description, terms such as “upper,” “upward,” “lower,” “downward,” “above,” “below,” “downhole,” “uphole,” “longitudinal,” “lateral,” and the like, as used herein, shall mean in relation to the bottom or furthest extent of the surrounding wellbore even though the wellbore or portions of it may be deviated or horizontal. Correspondingly, the transverse, axial, lateral, longitudinal, radial, etc., orientations shall mean orientations relative to the orientation of the wellbore or tool. Additionally, the illustrate embodiments are illustrated such that the orientation is such that the right-hand side is downhole compared to the left-hand side.