Actuator Arm Deployment System for Downhole Tractor Force
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing downhole tractor deployment systems for oil and gas operations in horizontal wells face challenges with insufficient force for tool deployment due to gravity, requiring complex linkage systems and multiple arm sizes for different well diameters, which are costly and time-consuming to manage.
Innovation Solution
A deployment system utilizing an actuator to convert linear force into rotational movement for deploying tractor arms, comprising an actuator arm, link arms, and a crank mechanism that radially extends the deployment arm, allowing for adjustable force output to accommodate various well diameters.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If multiple deployment arm sizes are used for different well diameters, then the contact force between the wheel and the well is optimized, but the system becomes expensive and time-consuming to manage
Solution Approach 1:
The deployment arm system transitions from static fixed-length arms to dynamic adjustable-length arms. The actuator mechanism enables the deployment arm to change its effective length during operation, allowing a single arm design to adapt to different well diameters and optimize contact force across various operating conditions without requiring multiple physical arm sets.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the geometric parameter of the deployment arm length dynamically. By incorporating an actuator that modifies the arm's effective length, the system can adjust its deployment characteristics to match different well diameters, replacing the need for multiple pre-configured arm sets with different fixed lengths.
2Ease of operation
If a simple deployment mechanism is used, then the system is easier to operate, but low deployment forces are achieved in small pipe diameters and very high forces in large pipe diameters
Solution Approach 1:
The deployment mechanism incorporates dynamic length adjustment capability through an actuator system. This allows the mechanism to maintain operational simplicity while dynamically adapting its force output characteristics by changing the effective arm length, thereby controlling deployment forces across different pipe diameters without requiring complex manual configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces purely mechanical linkage systems with a hybrid system that incorporates an actuator (electromechanical or electrohydraulic device). This substitution enables precise control of deployment forces through automated actuation, eliminating the need for complex mechanical adjustment mechanisms while maintaining force control across varying well conditions.
3Productivity
If tractor drive arms are used to pull tools in horizontal wells, then tool deployment is facilitated, but gravity force is insufficient and complex linkage systems are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical linkage deployment systems with an actuator-based mechanism. The actuator directly controls the deployment arm extension, eliminating the need for complicated linkage systems while maintaining the ability to facilitate tool deployment in horizontal wells where gravity is insufficient.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts and removes the unnecessary complex linkage components from the deployment system. By using a direct actuator mechanism, the patent eliminates intermediate linkage elements that added complexity without providing functional benefit, resulting in a simplified system that maintains deployment effectiveness.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system enables efficient and adaptable deployment of tractor arms in various well diameters, providing a consistent or variable force output to ensure effective tool movement, reducing operational complexity and costs.
Implementation Method 1
an actuator that supplies a linear force along a tractor axis... the actuator arm translating the linear force to the first link arm... the second link arm translating rotational movement of the crank to the deployment arm
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the present disclosure include a deployment system including an actuator. The deployment system also includes an actuator arm coupled to the actuator. The deployment system further includes a crank rotatably coupled at a pivot point. The deployment system also includes a first link arm coupled to the actuator arm at a first end and the crank at a second end. The deployment system includes a second link arm coupled to the crank at a first end and a deployment arm at a second end, the second link arm transmitting rotational movement of the crank to the deployment arm.