Acoustic-Controlled Downhole Zonal Controller: Technology and Experimental Verification

As oilfield development progresses into middle-late stages, oil wells generally exhibit increased comprehensive water cut, intensified interlayer conflicts, and growing difficulties in production stabilization. Constrained by factors including wellbore conditions and geological formation characteristics, the production profiles of individual reservoir layers remain ambiguous, posing significant challenges to comprehensive reservoir management requirements. Downhole zonal control technology has proven to be an effective approach for reducing water cut and enhancing oil production. The acoustic-controlled downhole zonal controller enables layer-specific regulation through acoustic signal transmission while allowing real-time production zone adjustment during operations. Laboratory tests on switching mechanisms revealed that the switch valve demonstrated a pressure-bearing capacity of 20 MPa during activation/deactivation processes. Packer pressure differential tests confirmed that the piston assembly maintained leak-free dynamic sealing under 25 MPa differential pressure, with pressure balancing devices effectively counteracting pressure gradients through motor-driven reciprocating motion. Field trials verified that the acoustic receiver successfully translated surface commands into operational controls, achieving reliable switch valve actuation. These experimental results demonstrate that this system provides effective technical support for intelligentized control of oil well drilling and production operations.