Annular Inspection Camera Assembly for Wellbore Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing inspection systems for oil and gas wells are cumbersome, time-consuming, and unable to accurately access and visualize the complex annular regions of wellbores, particularly the lateral access ports and adjacent annular cavities.
Innovation Solution
A visual inspection system comprising a camera and light source assembly installed on an annulus intervention apparatus, which can be extended and rotated to provide clear imagery of the annular region, including lateral access ports and adjacent annular cavities, through standard wellhead ports.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional survey tools are used to inspect annular regions, then inspection coverage is obtained, but the inspection process becomes cumbersome and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple optical imaging tools into a single integrated assembly that can be deployed together into the wellbore. This merging eliminates the need to deploy multiple separate tools, reducing deployment time and complexity while maintaining comprehensive inspection coverage of the annular region, lateral access ports, and wellhead components.
Solution Approach 2:
The inspection assembly is designed as a multi-functional unit that can inspect multiple targets simultaneously including the annular region, lateral access ports, wellhead components, and intervening equipment. This universal design allows a single deployment to perform what previously required multiple separate inspection operations, significantly reducing total inspection time.
2Measurement precision
If multiple optical imaging tools are deployed separately, then comprehensive inspection coverage is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple optical imaging tools into a single unified assembly with a common deployment mechanism. This consolidation reduces the number of separate deployment operations required and simplifies the overall system architecture while maintaining the ability to capture comprehensive images of all target areas through coordinated operation of the integrated tools.
Solution Approach 2:
The inspection assembly is segmented into functional modules including multiple optical imaging tools, each positioned to target specific areas (annular region, lateral ports, wellhead). This modular segmentation allows each tool to perform its specialized function while being managed as part of a single integrated system, reducing operational complexity compared to managing multiple separate tools.
3Loss of information
If bulky camera assemblies are lowered into the wellbore, then visual monitoring is achieved, but the equipment becomes heavy and difficult to deploy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs compact, lightweight camera assemblies that can be housed in slender, flexible housings suitable for deployment through standard wellbore access. This design eliminates the need for bulky protective casings while maintaining adequate protection for the imaging equipment, enabling easy deployment through narrow openings and complex wellbore geometries.
Solution Approach 2:
The inspection system uses optical imaging to create visual copies (images and videos) of the difficult-to-reach annular region and lateral access ports. These optical copies provide complete visual access to the inspection areas without requiring physical presence of heavy equipment in those confined spaces, achieving monitoring goals with minimal equipment weight.
4Measurement precision
If intricate inspection systems are used to access remote annular environment, then inspection capability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The inspection assembly is designed as a universal platform that can access and inspect multiple locations including the remote annular environment, lateral access ports, and wellhead components through a single standardized deployment interface. This multi-functionality simplifies operations by allowing inspectors to achieve comprehensive coverage through one deployment rather than operating multiple specialized tools for different locations.
Solution Approach 2:
The inspection assembly incorporates self-contained features including integrated lighting, powered optical imaging tools, and autonomous navigation capabilities that allow the system to perform its inspection function without requiring complex external support equipment or elaborate deployment procedures. The system serves itself by carrying all necessary components for operation within the confined annular environment.
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 accurate visualization of difficult-to-reach annular areas, enhancing the success rate of annulus interventions, improving safety, and reducing the carbon footprint of well intervention operations.
Implementation Method 1
a camera and light source assembly installed on an annulus intervention apparatus
Data Source
AI summary
A visual inspection system intended for inspection of the difficult to reach lateral wellhead ports and annulus is provided. The inspection of the annular ports is carried out prior to running a simplified annulus intervention system. The imaging assembly of the visual inspection system of the present invention can be manoeuvred to view and capture images of remote, inaccessible, difficult to reach locations in the lateral access port and the adjacent annular region, prior to running of annulus intervention system, thus enhancing the success rate of carrying out annulus interventions and increasing safety by increasing the efficiency of well intervention operations and reducing the risk of unintended incidents.