Angle-Orienting Well Tool to Avoid Sand Buildup in Horizontal Wells
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing centralization tools for curved and horizontal wells and pipes often get stuck in sand and debris at the bottom, increasing resistance and failing to reduce friction effectively, especially when encountering varying pipe sizes and restrictions.
Innovation Solution
A centralization and orientation tool with rocker arms oriented 180 degrees relative to the longitudinal axis, incorporating swivels and an orienting feature, which uses freely or driven wheels to maintain the tool clear of debris by leveraging gravity or actuator-controlled orientation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional centralization tools with arms or arc springs contact the pipe wall at three or more locations, then centralization is achieved, but the tool gets stuck in sand or debris at the bottom of the pipe, increasing resistance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a rotational degree of freedom around the longitudinal axis, transforming the centralization problem from a static multi-point contact solution to a dynamic rotational system. The tool can now orient itself in the rotational dimension to avoid sand deposits while maintaining centralization through wall contact.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transforms static arms or springs into dynamically adjustable components that can rotate around the longitudinal axis. This dynamic capability allows the tool to adapt its orientation to avoid sand deposits, changing from a fixed configuration to a movable, adaptable system.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the tool uses multiple flexible arms oriented at fixed angles (90 or 120 degrees), then structural stability is maintained, but the tool cannot adapt to varying pipe sizes and debris distribution
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces rotational movement around the longitudinal axis, transforming the static arm configuration into a dynamic system. The arms maintain their structural positions relative to the tool body while the entire assembly can rotate to adapt to different pipe conditions and debris distributions.
Solution Approach 2:
The rotational capability enables the same tool configuration to handle multiple scenarios: different pipe diameters, various debris distributions, and different orientation requirements. A single tool design becomes universally applicable across varying well conditions through its ability to rotate and reorient.
3Power
If conventional traction tools use complex electric motors with hydraulic pumps and driven wheels, then propulsion capability is achieved, but the system becomes technically complex and less efficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the complex hydraulic pump and transmission components from the system. By extracting these intermediate elements, the design simplifies to a direct electric motor-to-wheel drive system, reducing technical complexity while maintaining propulsion capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical-hydraulic transmission system with a direct electric drive system. The electric motor directly drives the wheels without requiring hydraulic fluid, pumps, or complex gear transmissions, substituting a simpler electromagnetic system for a complex mechanical-hydraulic one.
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 tool efficiently centralizes the string while keeping it clear of sand and debris, reducing friction and ensuring smooth passage through horizontal or inclined pipes with varying diameters.
Implementation Method 1
an angle orienting feature that orients the at least three wheels away from a lower portion of the well inner wall
Implementation Method 2
each wheel extends from a longitudinal well tool body and is adapted to contact a well inner wall
Implementation Method 3
at least three wheels each adapted to define a wheel contact point
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a well tool 1 adapted to be centralized in a well. The well tool includes an angle orienting feature, for orienting the well tool 1, 50 around a longitudinal axis of the well tool. The well tool includes at least three wheels 3, 53 each adapted to define a wheel contact point. Each wheel extends from a longitudinal well tool body 6, 56 and is adapted to contact a well inner wall. The well tool 1 includes a swivel 28 adapted to allow the well tool to be attached to a longitudinal element 29 and to allow the longitudinal element 29 to rotate in relation to the well tool. The angle orienting feature is adapted to orient the at least three wheels 3, 53 extending from the well tool body 6, 56 away from a lower portion of the well inner wall 44 when the well is inclined or horizontal.