CA2960784A1 - Suspension of sensor components in high shock applications - Google Patents
Suspension of sensor components in high shock applications Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- CA2960784A1 CA2960784A1 CA2960784A CA2960784A CA2960784A1 CA 2960784 A1 CA2960784 A1 CA 2960784A1 CA 2960784 A CA2960784 A CA 2960784A CA 2960784 A CA2960784 A CA 2960784A CA 2960784 A1 CA2960784 A1 CA 2960784A1
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- suspension assembly
- outer housing
- radial
- axial
- coiled spring
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
Links
- 239000000725 suspension Substances 0.000 title claims abstract description 45
- 230000035939 shock Effects 0.000 title claims abstract description 25
- 229920000642 polymer Polymers 0.000 claims description 6
- 229920001343 polytetrafluoroethylene Polymers 0.000 claims description 3
- 239000004810 polytetrafluoroethylene Substances 0.000 claims description 3
- -1 polytetrafluoroethylene Polymers 0.000 claims description 2
- 238000004519 manufacturing process Methods 0.000 description 4
- 238000004891 communication Methods 0.000 description 2
- 238000005553 drilling Methods 0.000 description 2
- 238000005259 measurement Methods 0.000 description 2
- 239000003208 petroleum Substances 0.000 description 2
- 238000005086 pumping Methods 0.000 description 2
- 230000015556 catabolic process Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000010779 crude oil Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000006731 degradation reaction Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000012530 fluid Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000005251 gamma ray Effects 0.000 description 1
- 229930195733 hydrocarbon Natural products 0.000 description 1
- 150000002430 hydrocarbons Chemical class 0.000 description 1
- 229910052500 inorganic mineral Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 239000002184 metal Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000011707 mineral Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000003921 oil Substances 0.000 description 1
- XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N water Substances O XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
Classifications
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E21—EARTH OR ROCK DRILLING; MINING
- E21B—EARTH OR ROCK DRILLING; OBTAINING OIL, GAS, WATER, SOLUBLE OR MELTABLE MATERIALS OR A SLURRY OF MINERALS FROM WELLS
- E21B47/00—Survey of boreholes or wells
- E21B47/01—Devices for supporting measuring instruments on drill bits, pipes, rods or wirelines; Protecting measuring instruments in boreholes against heat, shock, pressure or the like
- E21B47/017—Protecting measuring instruments
Landscapes
- Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Geology (AREA)
- Mining & Mineral Resources (AREA)
- Geophysics (AREA)
- Environmental & Geological Engineering (AREA)
- Fluid Mechanics (AREA)
- General Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
- Geochemistry & Mineralogy (AREA)
- Vibration Prevention Devices (AREA)
- Springs (AREA)
Abstract
A suspension assembly for supporting a shock-sensitive component includes an outer housing and a plurality of radial canted coil springs that surround and support the shock- sensitive component. Each of the plurality of radial canted coil springs is preferably a toroid. The exterior of each of the plurality of radial canted coil springs is in contact with the outer housing and the interior of each of the plurality of canted radial canted coil springs is in contact with the exterior of the shock-sensitive component. The radial canted coil springs dampen mechanical shock and vibration applied in a lateral direction. The suspension assembly optionally includes an axial canted coil spring that dampens mechanical shock in the axial direction. The outer housing may include grooves that locate the radial canted coil springs within the suspension assembly.
Description
SUSPENSION OF SENSOR COMPONENTS IN HIGH SHOCK APPLICATIONS
Field of the Invention [001] This application relates generally to sensors and sensitive instruments and more particularly, but not by way of limitation, to a suspension system for supporting sensor components that resists shock and vibration.
Background
Field of the Invention [001] This application relates generally to sensors and sensitive instruments and more particularly, but not by way of limitation, to a suspension system for supporting sensor components that resists shock and vibration.
Background
[002] Sensors are often susceptible to damage or performance degradation when exposed to mechanical shock and vibration. In downhole applications, sensor components must be made to withstand inhospitable conditions that include elevated temperatures, pressures and mechanical shock. Fragile sensor components must be suspended in a manner that will protect them from damage or performance failures when exposed to shock or vibration.
[003] In the past designers have suspended sensor components with leaf springs and wave springs to dampen shock and vibration. Although generally accepted, the use of leaf springs and wave springs complicates the manufacturing process and may produce inconsistent results. Accordingly, there is a need for an improved mechanism for suspending sensor components in a downhole environment. It is to this and other needs that the preferred embodiments are directed.
Summary of the Invention
Summary of the Invention
[004] Preferred embodiments of the present invention include a suspension assembly for supporting a shock-sensitive component includes an outer housing and one or more radial canted coil springs that surround and support the shock-sensitive component. Each of the plurality of radial canted coil springs is preferably a toroid.
The exterior of each of the plurality of radial canted coil springs is in contact with the outer housing and the interior of each of the plurality of canted radial canted coil springs is in contact with the exterior of the shock-sensitive component. The radial canted coil springs dampen mechanical shock and vibration applied in a lateral direction. The suspension assembly optionally includes an axial canted coil spring that dampens mechanical shock in the axial direction. The outer housing may include grooves that locate the radial canted coil springs within the suspension assembly.
The exterior of each of the plurality of radial canted coil springs is in contact with the outer housing and the interior of each of the plurality of canted radial canted coil springs is in contact with the exterior of the shock-sensitive component. The radial canted coil springs dampen mechanical shock and vibration applied in a lateral direction. The suspension assembly optionally includes an axial canted coil spring that dampens mechanical shock in the axial direction. The outer housing may include grooves that locate the radial canted coil springs within the suspension assembly.
[005] In another preferred embodiment, the present invention includes a downhole instrument for measuring a condition in a wellbore. The downhole instrument includes a sensor module, which in turn includes a sensor and a suspension assembly that supports to sensor within the sensor module. The suspension assembly preferably includes an outer housing that contains the sensor, an annulus between the interior surface of the outer housing and the sensor, and a plurality of radial coiled springs.
Each of the plurality of radial coiled springs preferably comprises a toroidal coiled spring that is positioned within the annulus between the outer housing and the sensor.
The suspension assembly optionally includes an axial coiled spring.
Brief Description of the Drawings
Each of the plurality of radial coiled springs preferably comprises a toroidal coiled spring that is positioned within the annulus between the outer housing and the sensor.
The suspension assembly optionally includes an axial coiled spring.
Brief Description of the Drawings
[006] FIG. 1 is an elevational view of a downhole instrument constructed in accordance with a preferred embodiment.
[007] FIG. 2 is cross-sectional elevational view of the suspension assembly of the downhole instrument of FIG. 1.
[008] FIG. 3 is cross-sectional top view of the suspension assembly of the downhole instrument of FIG. 2.
[009] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a toroidal canted coil spring of the suspension assembly of FIGS. 2 and 3.
Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiment
Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiment
[010] In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, FIG.
shows an elevational view of a downhole instrument 100 attached to a deployment cable 102. The downhole instrument 100 and deployment cable 102 are disposed in a wellbore 104, which is drilled for the production of a fluid such as water or petroleum.
As used herein, the term "petroleum" refers broadly to all mineral hydrocarbons, such as crude oil, gas and combinations of oil and gas.
shows an elevational view of a downhole instrument 100 attached to a deployment cable 102. The downhole instrument 100 and deployment cable 102 are disposed in a wellbore 104, which is drilled for the production of a fluid such as water or petroleum.
As used herein, the term "petroleum" refers broadly to all mineral hydrocarbons, such as crude oil, gas and combinations of oil and gas.
[011] The downhole instrument 100 includes a sensor module 106. The sensor module 106 may include sensors, analyzers, control systems, power systems, data processors and communication systems, all of which are well-known in the art.
The deployment cable 102 connects the downhole instrument to surface-based facilities and provides power and communication to and from the downhole instrument 100. It will be appreciated that the downhole instrument 100 may alternatively be configured as part of a larger downhole assembly. For example, in an alternate preferred embodiment, the downhole instrument 100 is attached to a submersible pumping system or as part of a measurement while drilling system. If the downhole instrument 100 is incorporated within a measurement while drilling system, the instrument may be powered by one or more batteries rather than through an umbilical extending to surface-based power supplies. Although demonstrated in a vertical wellbore 104, it will be appreciated that downhole instrument 100 may also be implemented in horizontal and non-vertical wellbores. The preferred embodiments may also find utility in surface pumping applications and in other applications in which a sensor or other sensitive component is exposed to the potential of shock and vibration.
The deployment cable 102 connects the downhole instrument to surface-based facilities and provides power and communication to and from the downhole instrument 100. It will be appreciated that the downhole instrument 100 may alternatively be configured as part of a larger downhole assembly. For example, in an alternate preferred embodiment, the downhole instrument 100 is attached to a submersible pumping system or as part of a measurement while drilling system. If the downhole instrument 100 is incorporated within a measurement while drilling system, the instrument may be powered by one or more batteries rather than through an umbilical extending to surface-based power supplies. Although demonstrated in a vertical wellbore 104, it will be appreciated that downhole instrument 100 may also be implemented in horizontal and non-vertical wellbores. The preferred embodiments may also find utility in surface pumping applications and in other applications in which a sensor or other sensitive component is exposed to the potential of shock and vibration.
[012] Turning to FIGS. 2 and 3, shown therein are elevational and top cross-sectional views, respectively, of a suspension assembly 108 constructed in accordance with a preferred embodiment. In the presently preferred embodiment, the suspension assembly 108 is incorporated within the sensor module 106. The suspension assembly 108 preferably includes an outer housing 110, one or more radial coiled springs 112, one or more axial coiled springs 114, a sealed cap 116, a locking ring 118 and a shock and vibration sensitive component 120. The space between the interior of the outer housing 110 and the exterior of the component 120 defines an annulus 122. The outer housing 110 preferably provides an access port 124 for making connections to the component 120.
[013] The component 120 is preferably selected from the group of sensitive components that includes scintillators, gamma ray detectors, x-ray detectors, accelerometers, photomultipliers, and other shock-sensitive components. It will be appreciated, however, that the component 120 could alternatively be selected from other mechanical, electrical or electro-mechanical devices and that the component 120 and suspension assembly 108 could be positioned outside the sensor module 106.
[014] The radial coiled springs 112 are sized and configured to occupy the annular space between the interior of the outer housing 110 and the exterior of the component 120. The axial coiled springs 114 are sized and configured to occupy the space between the end of the component 120 and the sealed cap 116. The radial and axial coiled springs 112, 114 are preferably toroidal and canted coiled springs that are constructed from a resilient metal. The canted coiled springs preferably exhibit a resilient and substantially uniform force that increases less than conventional springs during deflection. The exterior of each of the radial canted coil springs 112 is in contact with the outer housing 110 and the interior of each of the plurality of canted radial canted coil springs 112 is in contact with the exterior of the component 120. The suspension assembly 108 optionally includes a force distribution plate 130 positioned between the component 120 and the axial spring 114. The force distribution plate 130 more evenly distributes the application of forces between the axial spring 114 and the component 120.
[015] Turning to FIG. 4, shown therein is a front perspective view of a particularly preferred embodiment of the radial and axial coiled springs 112, 114. In the particularly preferred embodiment depicted in FIGS. 3 and 4, the radial and axial coiled springs 112, 114 include a polymer envelope 126 that entirely or partially encompasses the radial and axial coiled springs 112, 114. In highly preferred embodiments, the envelope is constructed from polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), which is available from a number of commercial sources. The envelope 126 protects the component 120 from direct contact with the radial and axial coiled springs 112, 114.
[016] The outer housing 110 preferably includes one or more grooves 128 at selected locations along the interior of the outer housing 110. The machined grooves 128 are preferably machined in the outer housing 110 and sized and configured to accept the one or more radial coiled springs 112. In the particularly preferred embodiment depicted in FIG. 2, the suspension assembly 108 includes three radial coiled springs 112, each disposed in a separate groove 128. The combined use of the radial coiled springs 112 and the grooves 128 facilitates the manufacturing process because the radial coiled springs 112 can more easily be located in the appropriate place within the suspension assembly 108.
[017] During use, the radial coiled springs 112 reduce mechanical shock applied from a lateral direction by absorbing a portion of the kinetic energy imparted on the suspension assembly 108. Similarly, when a shock is applied in the longitudinal direction, the axial coiled spring 114 absorbs a portion of the kinetic energy to reduce the shock applied to the component 120. The outer housing 110, the radial coiled springs 112 and the axial coiled springs 114 are preferably sized to permit the component 120 to deflect up to a predetermined threshold amount. Together, the outer housing 110, radial coiled springs 112 and axial coiled springs 114 provide a durable and resilient suspension system that is cost-effective and easy to manufacture.
[018] It is to be understood that even though numerous characteristics and advantages of various embodiments of the present invention have been set forth in the foregoing description, together with details of the structure and functions of various embodiments of the invention, this disclosure is illustrative only, and changes may be made in detail, especially in matters of structure and arrangement of parts within the principles of the present invention to the full extent indicated by the broad general meaning of the terms in which the appended claims are expressed. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the teachings of the present invention can be applied to other systems without departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention.
Claims (20)
1. A suspension assembly for securing a sensitive component within a shock-resistant housing, the suspension assembly comprising:
an outer housing that contains the component, wherein the outer housing has an interior surface;
an annulus between the interior surface of the outer housing and the sensitive component; and one or more radial coiled springs, wherein each of the one or more radial coiled springs comprises a toroidal coiled spring that is positioned within the annulus between the outer housing and the component.
an outer housing that contains the component, wherein the outer housing has an interior surface;
an annulus between the interior surface of the outer housing and the sensitive component; and one or more radial coiled springs, wherein each of the one or more radial coiled springs comprises a toroidal coiled spring that is positioned within the annulus between the outer housing and the component.
2. The suspension assembly of claim 1, wherein the outer housing comprises one or more grooves along the interior surface and wherein each of the one or more radial coiled springs can be secured within a corresponding one of the one or more grooves.
3. The suspension assembly of claim 2, further comprising three radial coiled springs positioned in the annulus between the outer housing and the component, wherein each of the three radial coiled springs is a toroidal and canted coiled spring.
4. The suspension assembly of claim 3, wherein each of the three radial coiled springs further comprises a polymer envelope that at least partially surrounds the radial coiled spring.
5. The suspension assembly of claim 4, wherein the polymer envelope comprises a polytetrafluoroethylene envelope.
6. The suspension assembly of claim 1, further comprising:
a cap enclosing a first end of the outer housing; and an axial coiled spring, wherein the axial coiled spring is captured between the cap and the component.
a cap enclosing a first end of the outer housing; and an axial coiled spring, wherein the axial coiled spring is captured between the cap and the component.
7. The suspension assembly of claim 6, wherein the axial coiled spring comprises a toroidal and canted coiled spring.
8. The suspension assembly of claim 7, wherein the axial coiled spring further comprises an envelope.
9. The suspension assembly of claim 8, wherein the axial coiled spring further comprises a polymer envelope.
10. The suspension assembly of claim 9, wherein the component is a sensor.
11. The suspension assembly of claim 9, wherein the component is selected from the group consisting of scintillators and photomultipliers.
12. A sensor module for measuring a condition in a wellbore, the sensor module comprising:
a sensor; and a suspension assembly that supports the sensor within the sensor module, wherein the suspension assembly comprises:
an outer housing that contains the sensor, wherein the outer housing has an interior surface;
an annulus between the interior surface of the outer housing and the sensor; and a plurality of radial coiled springs, wherein each of the plurality of radial coiled springs comprises a toroidal coiled spring that is positioned within the annulus between the outer housing and the sensor.
a sensor; and a suspension assembly that supports the sensor within the sensor module, wherein the suspension assembly comprises:
an outer housing that contains the sensor, wherein the outer housing has an interior surface;
an annulus between the interior surface of the outer housing and the sensor; and a plurality of radial coiled springs, wherein each of the plurality of radial coiled springs comprises a toroidal coiled spring that is positioned within the annulus between the outer housing and the sensor.
13. The sensor module of claim 12, wherein the outer housing comprises a plurality of grooves along the interior surface and wherein each of the plurality of radial coiled springs can be secured within a corresponding one of the plurality of grooves.
14. The sensor module of claim 12, wherein the suspension assembly of further comprises:
a cap enclosing a first end of the outer housing;
a force distribution plate in contact with the component; and an axial coiled spring, wherein the axial coiled spring is captured between the cap and the force distribution plate.
a cap enclosing a first end of the outer housing;
a force distribution plate in contact with the component; and an axial coiled spring, wherein the axial coiled spring is captured between the cap and the force distribution plate.
15. The sensor module of claim 14, wherein the axial coiled spring comprises a toroidal and canted coiled spring.
16. A suspension assembly for supporting a shock-sensitive device, the suspension assembly comprising:
an outer housing; and a plurality of radial canted coil springs, wherein each of the plurality of radial canted coil springs is a toroid and wherein the exterior of each of the plurality of radial canted coil springs is in contact with the outer housing and the interior of each of the plurality of canted radial canted coil springs is in contact with the exterior of the shock-sensitive device.
an outer housing; and a plurality of radial canted coil springs, wherein each of the plurality of radial canted coil springs is a toroid and wherein the exterior of each of the plurality of radial canted coil springs is in contact with the outer housing and the interior of each of the plurality of canted radial canted coil springs is in contact with the exterior of the shock-sensitive device.
17. The suspension assembly of claim 16, wherein each of the plurality of radial canted coil springs further includes a polymer envelope.
18. The suspension assembly of claim 16, wherein the outer housing further comprises a plurality of grooves extending along the interior surface and wherein each of the plurality of canted coil springs is secured within a corresponding one of the plurality of grooves.
19. The suspension assembly of claim 16 further comprising:
a cap enclosing a first end of the outer housing;
a force distribution plate in contact with the component; and an axial canted coiled spring, wherein the axial coiled spring is captured between the cap and the force distribution plate.
a cap enclosing a first end of the outer housing;
a force distribution plate in contact with the component; and an axial canted coiled spring, wherein the axial coiled spring is captured between the cap and the force distribution plate.
20. The suspension assembly of claim 19, wherein the axial canted coil spring further includes a polymer envelope.
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| PCT/US2014/056176 WO2016043741A1 (en) | 2014-09-17 | 2014-09-17 | Suspension of sensor components in high shock applications |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2960784A1 true CA2960784A1 (en) | 2016-03-24 |
Family
ID=55533625
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA2960784A Abandoned CA2960784A1 (en) | 2014-09-17 | 2014-09-17 | Suspension of sensor components in high shock applications |
Country Status (4)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| US (1) | US20170248005A1 (en) |
| EP (1) | EP3194191B1 (en) |
| CA (1) | CA2960784A1 (en) |
| WO (1) | WO2016043741A1 (en) |
Families Citing this family (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US10519762B2 (en) * | 2017-06-20 | 2019-12-31 | Baker Hughes, A Ge Company, Llc | Lateral support for downhole electronics |
Family Cites Families (9)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US3435919A (en) * | 1967-04-03 | 1969-04-01 | Mechanics Research Inc | Energy absorbing arrangement |
| GB8926223D0 (en) | 1989-11-20 | 1990-01-10 | Solinst Canada Ltd | Water level probe |
| US6538576B1 (en) * | 1999-04-23 | 2003-03-25 | Halliburton Energy Services, Inc. | Self-contained downhole sensor and method of placing and interrogating same |
| US7849928B2 (en) * | 2008-06-13 | 2010-12-14 | Baker Hughes Incorporated | System and method for supporting power cable in downhole tubing |
| US8878126B2 (en) * | 2009-07-01 | 2014-11-04 | Ge Oil & Gas Logging Services, Inc. | Method for inspecting a subterranean tubular |
| US9004156B2 (en) * | 2011-03-22 | 2015-04-14 | Schlumberger Technology Corporation | Flow activated sensor assembly |
| US9371714B2 (en) * | 2011-07-20 | 2016-06-21 | Tubel Energy LLC | Downhole smart control system |
| US10523199B2 (en) * | 2011-12-20 | 2019-12-31 | Robert Hooper | Housings for inductive proximity sensors |
| US9506356B2 (en) * | 2013-03-15 | 2016-11-29 | Rolls-Royce North American Technologies, Inc. | Composite retention feature |
-
2014
- 2014-09-17 US US15/512,072 patent/US20170248005A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 2014-09-17 CA CA2960784A patent/CA2960784A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 2014-09-17 EP EP14902202.2A patent/EP3194191B1/en active Active
- 2014-09-17 WO PCT/US2014/056176 patent/WO2016043741A1/en active Application Filing
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| WO2016043741A1 (en) | 2016-03-24 |
| EP3194191A4 (en) | 2018-10-10 |
| EP3194191A1 (en) | 2017-07-26 |
| US20170248005A1 (en) | 2017-08-31 |
| EP3194191B1 (en) | 2020-06-17 |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| EEER | Examination request |
Effective date: 20190903 |
|
| FZDE | Discontinued |
Effective date: 20220608 |
|
| FZDE | Discontinued |
Effective date: 20220608 |