Equipment and Methods for Deploying Line in a Wellbore

Abstract

The invention is related in general to wellbore-telemetry technology. In particular, the invention relates to improved equipment and methods for deploying line in a wellbore. A continuous line is dispensed from two apparatuses. One apparatus is attached to a device such as a wiper plug that travels through a tubular body such as casing. The other apparatus is fixed either inside or outside a wellhead. As a process fluid is pumped into the tubular body, forcing the first apparatus and the device through the tubular body, line may unfurl from the first apparatus, the second apparatus, or both. In this way, stress on the line during deployment is minimized.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0001]The statements in this section merely provide background information related to the present disclosure and may not constitute prior art.[0002]The invention is related in general to wellbore-telemetry technology. In particular, the invention relates to improved equipment and methods for deploying line in a wellbore. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the term “line” is applicable to fiber, wire, rope and the like. In addition, a line may comprise one or more strands of material.[0003]In recent years, the deployment of fiber lines in subterranean wellbores has become increasingly frequent. The most common application is to install optical fiber as a conduit through which various downhole measurements may be performed. Such measurements include temperature, pressure, pH, density, resistivity, conductivity, salinity, carbon dioxide concentration, asphalene concentration, etc. Today, optical fiber technologies may be employed throughout the lif...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0015]The first aspect of the invention is a system for deploying line in a subterranean wellbore. It preferably comprises three principal elements. The first element is a device that travels down a tubular body inside the subterranean wellbore. In the present application, the first element is presented as a wiper plug; however, those skilled in the art will appreciate that other devices such as sondes, darts, balls, canisters, bombs and the like would be equally appropriate. The second element is a first apparatus for dispensing line, comprising a first reel of line. The line is preferably attached to the wiper plug, and is able to be unwound from the first reel of the first apparatus as process fluid is pumped into the tubular body and the wiper plug travels through the tubular body. The third element is a second apparatus for dispensing line, comprising a second reel of line. The line wound around both the first and second apparatuses is preferably one continuous line. The second apparatus is installed at a location away from the device; however, line from the second reel may also be unwound as the device travels through the tubular body. In this way, stress on the line is minimized during deployment. Those skilled in the art will recognize that the line may comprise a bundle of individual strands, each strand having the ability to operate independently. For example, one or more strands may transmit measurement data, while other strands may transmit power to operate devices located downhole.

Problems solved by technology

The second apparatus is installed at a location away from the device; however, line from the second reel may also be unwound as the device travels through the tubular body.

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