Downhole Bypass Tool for Vibratory Perforator Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Vibratory tools in bottom hole assemblies are susceptible to reduced lifespan and pressure drop when abrasive fluids are used, necessitating a solution to bypass these tools during fluid flow.
Innovation Solution
A downhole bypass tool with a flow directing apparatus that selectively diverts fluid away from the operational flow path of the vibratory tool, allowing abrasive fluids to bypass the vibratory tool and flow out of the bypass tool, thereby preventing damage and maintaining tool functionality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If abrasive fluid is pumped through the vibratory tool to the perforator, then perforation creation is enabled, but the lifespan of the vibratory tool is reduced and pressure drop increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into two separate flow paths: one for abrasive fluid (bypassing the vibratory tool) and one for non-abrasive fluid (flowing through the vibratory tool). This segmentation allows each fluid type to be routed through appropriate pathways, protecting the vibratory tool from abrasive damage while maintaining perforation capability.
Solution Approach 2:
A flow directing apparatus acts as an intermediary between the fluid source and the vibratory tool/perforator system. This apparatus selectively directs abrasive or non-abrasive fluids to appropriate destinations, enabling the system to switch between modes of operation and protect the vibratory tool from abrasive fluid exposure.
2Reliability
If non-abrasive fluid is pumped through the vibratory tool, then the vibratory tool operates without damage, but abrasive fluid cannot reach the perforator to create perforations
Solution Approach 1:
The flow directing apparatus is designed to be dynamically switchable, allowing the system to change fluid routing based on operational requirements. The apparatus can transition between directing non-abrasive fluid through the vibratory tool and directing abrasive fluid to the perforator, providing adaptive control over the fluid flow paths.
3Reliability
If a bypass system is added to protect the vibratory tool, then tool lifespan is extended, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The bypass system is merged with the existing drill string and bottom hole assembly structure. The flow directing apparatus is integrated into the existing tool architecture, combining the bypass functionality with the vibratory tool and perforator system rather than adding completely separate, independent components.
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 bypass tool effectively extends the lifespan of vibratory tools by preventing abrasive fluids from directly interacting with them, while ensuring the vibratory tool can still operate by allowing non-abrasive fluids to flow through its operational path, thus maintaining efficient perforation creation in wells.
Implementation Method 1
a flow directing apparatus disposed in the housing for directing fluid to flow into an operational flow path of a vibratory tool... The flow directing apparatus operates selectively to bypass the operational flow path of the vibratory tool such that the fluid bypasses the operational flow path of the vibratory tool and flows out of an outlet of the bypass tool
Data Source
AI summary
A downhole bypass tool that includes an inlet for receiving fluid into a housing of the bypass tool is described herein. The bypass tool also includes a flow directing apparatus disposed in the housing for directing fluid to flow into an operational flow path of a vibratory tool. The vibratory tool is at least partially disposed within the hosing of the bypass tool. The flow directing apparatus operates to selectively bypass the operational flow path of the vibratory tool such that the fluid bypasses the operational flow path of the vibratory tool and flows out of an outlet of the bypass tool.