Annular Ring Speed Control for Logging Tool Shock
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing logging tools face challenges in controlling their speed during conveyance through wellbores, which can lead to damage from shock events upon landing, especially when positioning tools at specific locations within the wellbore.
Innovation Solution
A speed control device with an annular ring member that flexes between nominal and larger diameters to vary the annular flow space, increasing flow resistance and controlling the tool's speed, thereby reducing the risk of damage and absorbing impact energy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the logging tool is conveyed quickly through the wellbore, then productivity is improved, but shock damage risk increases upon landing
Solution Approach 1:
The speed control device is activated before the tool reaches the bottom of the wellbore, preemptively restricting fluid flow and reducing speed to prevent shock damage upon landing. The annular ring member begins to flex and restrict flow space in advance, creating a controlled deceleration phase before impact.
Solution Approach 2:
The speed control device acts as a cushioning mechanism by gradually restricting fluid flow through the annular ring member's flexing action. This creates a progressive resistance that absorbs kinetic energy before the tool impacts the bottom, cushioning the shock rather than allowing direct impact.
2Speed
If the annular ring member flexes to larger diameter, then flow resistance increases and speed is controlled, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The annular ring member is designed to automatically flex and adjust the annular flow space in response to fluid pressure and flow conditions. The device self-regulates speed control without external actuation, using the natural elastic deformation of the ring member to modulate flow resistance and maintain desired tool speed.
Solution Approach 2:
The speed control mechanism works by changing the physical parameter of the annular flow space through elastic deformation of the ring member. As the ring flexes between nominal and larger diameters, the flow area changes, naturally regulating speed without complex mechanical control systems.
3Reliability
If the annular ring member is made more flexible, then speed control effectiveness is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The annular ring member is designed as a flexible component that can elastically deform to control flow. This flexibility allows the ring to adapt to varying flow conditions and provide reliable speed control through passive elastic deformation, reducing the need for extremely tight manufacturing tolerances while maintaining 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 speed control device effectively maintains the logging tool at a desired speed or within a range, reducing the risk of damage and absorbing shock, ensuring precise positioning and data accuracy while minimizing mechanical stress on the tool.
Implementation Method 1
The annular ring member flexes between a nominal diameter and a second larger diameter
Implementation Method 2
absorbing impact energy
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for evaluating an earth formation intersected by a wellbore may include a logging tool conveyed into the wellbore through a drilling tubular, a speed control device associated with the logging tool, and a sensor operatively associated with the logging tool. In use, the speed control device varies an annular flow space between the speed control device and a surface adjacent to control speed. The flow space may be varied using a annular member that flexes between a nominal diameter and a second larger diameter.