Cable Reel and Fluid Flow Control for Downhole Tool Positioning
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing subterranean drilling operations face challenges in accurately positioning tools in wells, particularly in narrow, deviated, or horizontal sections, where gravity alone is insufficient to overcome frictional forces, limiting the effectiveness of wireline, slickline, or coiled tubing systems.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that utilize a cable reel coupled to a tool, combined with fluid flow around the tool to exert drag forces, allowing for precise control of tool position and cable tension, enabling independent adjustment of tool location and cable tension through controlled reel angle and fluid flow rate manipulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If gravity alone is used to position the tool, then the system is simple, but the tool cannot overcome frictional forces in narrow, deviated, or horizontal wells
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines two control mechanisms: a cable reel system for mechanical positioning and a fluid injection system for generating drag forces. By merging these systems, the tool can be positioned in horizontal and deviated wells where gravity alone is insufficient, while maintaining a relatively simple overall architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses fluid injection (hydraulic principle) to generate drag forces on the tool. By injecting fluid through a nozzle to create a jet that impinges on the tool, or by injecting fluid around the tool to create drag, the system can overcome frictional forces in narrow, deviated, or horizontal wells without requiring complex mechanical drive systems.
2Adaptability or versatility
If fluid flow is used to exert drag forces on the tool, then tool positioning in horizontal wells is enabled, but cable tension control becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a control system that uses feedback from sensors measuring tool position and cable tension to dynamically adjust fluid flow rate and reel angle. This feedback mechanism enables the system to adapt to different well geometries (vertical, deviated, horizontal) while maintaining precise control, preventing the complexity from becoming unmanageable.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the fluid flow rate and reel angle based on real-time conditions. The fluid flow rate can be varied to change the drag force, and the reel angle can be adjusted to control cable tension, allowing the system to adapt to different well geometries and positioning requirements without requiring a completely different system for each case.
3Measurement precision
If both reel angle and fluid flow rate are controlled to independently adjust tool position and cable tension, then precise control is achieved, but the control system becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The control system is segmented into two independent control loops: one for tool position control (using fluid flow rate) and one for cable tension control (using reel angle). This segmentation allows each loop to focus on a specific parameter, achieving precise control while keeping the complexity of each individual loop manageable. The coupled control system coordinates these two loops to achieve independent adjustment of position and tension.
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
Enables accurate positioning of tools in challenging well geometries by overcoming frictional forces, allowing for efficient movement and maintenance of downhole equipment, even in tight or horizontal wells, by interdependently controlling reel angle and fluid flow rate.
Implementation Method 1
utilize a cable reel coupled to a tool, combined with fluid flow around the tool to exert drag forces
Implementation Method 2
A method and system that utilize a cable reel coupled to a tool, combined with fluid flow around the tool to exert drag forces
Data Source
AI summary
Controlling cable (30) tension and tool (34) position in a well (16) may include controlling either or both of tool position and cable tension independently by regulating reel (335) angle and flow rate of a fluid pumped over the tool. Thus, despite physical interdependency of tool position and cable tension, the tool may be controlled such that its position is changed while cable tension remains constant, or its position is held constant while cable tension is changed. In addition, actual downhole tool position, cable tension, and other actual values may be estimated using an observer.