Articulated Retrieval Tool for Angled Wellbore Engagement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Well tools with offset or angled neck portions are difficult to secure and remove from subterranean wellbores, often requiring fluid pressure for release.
Innovation Solution
A retrieval tool with an outer housing, rotational drive element, and articulated shaft assembly, featuring a locating plate, guide sleeve, and positioning assembly to align and threadedly attach to the tool's neck portion, and a clutch assembly to apply torque and release the tool, along with a fluid conduit for pressure application.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional retrieval methods are used for tools with offset or angled neck portions, then the tools can be removed from standard positions, but the retrieval device cannot engage with offset or angled neck portions
Solution Approach 1:
The retrieval device employs an articulated shaft assembly with multiple degrees of freedom that can dynamically adjust its orientation and angle. The shaft can articulate through various angles to align with offset or angled neck portions of tools, allowing the device to adapt to different tool configurations without requiring multiple specialized devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The retrieval device is divided into modular components including an outer housing, articulated shaft assembly, attachment sub, and clutch mechanism. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining overall adaptability, and enables the device to engage with various tool configurations through coordinated movement of discrete segments.
2Ease of operation
If the attachment sub is rigidly fixed to the rotational drive member, then torque can be applied directly, but the attachment sub cannot be aligned with offset or angled neck portions
Solution Approach 1:
The articulated shaft assembly provides dynamic alignment capability, allowing the attachment sub to be oriented at various angles relative to the rotational drive member. The shaft can articulate to match the angle of offset neck portions while still transmitting rotational motion and torque from the drive member to the attachment sub for engagement and retrieval operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The articulated shaft assembly acts as an intermediary between the rotational drive member and the attachment sub. It mediates the transmission of torque while accommodating angular misalignment, allowing the drive member to rotate along its axis while the shaft transmits this motion to the attachment sub at a different angle to match the tool's neck portion orientation.
3Power
If the outer housing is permanently attached to the rotational drive member, then the device structure is simple, but the rotational drive member cannot apply torque independently to the attachment sub
Solution Approach 1:
The clutch mechanism is pre-configured with frangible shear members that are designed to break at a predetermined torque threshold. During initial operation, the shear members maintain the connected state for alignment purposes, and when the attachment sub is properly positioned, the shear members break to enable independent torque application. This preliminary configuration simplifies the control sequence.
Solution Approach 2:
The frangible shear members are designed to be broken and separated, extracting the outer housing from the rotational drive member connection. This deliberate separation allows the rotational drive member to subsequently apply torque independently to the attachment sub through the articulated shaft assembly without being constrained by the outer housing, enabling the power transmission function to be decoupled from the structural housing.
4Reliability
If tools require fluid pressure for release, then tools can be secured firmly in the wellbore, but additional equipment and complexity are required for tool removal
Solution Approach 1:
The retrieval device integrates multiple functions into a single system: it provides mechanical engagement through the articulated shaft and attachment sub for secure tool capture, includes a fluid pressure delivery system through the hollow shaft for tool release, and incorporates torque application capability for tool retrieval. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate equipment for fluid pressure application, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining reliable tool securing and release capabilities.
Data Source
AI summary
A retrieval tool and method for retrieving a remote tool with a threaded connection from a remote location. The retrieval tool includes a rotational drive member which rotates an attachment sub having a complimentary threaded portion. An articulated shaft assembly permits the attachment sub to move laterally and angularly with respect to the axis of the rotational drive member. A fluid conduit supplies fluid pressure for releasing the remote tool.