Circumferential Adaptable Apparatus for Deformed Wellbore Access

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional well intervention methods struggle to access or passage through deformed and dissimilar contiguous wellbore walls, particularly due to frictional forces from debris or damage, which restricts access to the lower end of a wellbore, leading to increased costs and safety risks in oil and gas operations.

Innovation Solution

A method and apparatus using a tool string with a circumferential adaptable apparatus, capable of expanding and collapsing to navigate through obstructive passageways by employing interoperable coiled string conveyable tools and shafts, which apply hydraulic, explosive, or rotary forces to deform and traverse through debris or damaged walls, ensuring access to the wellbore's lower end.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If conventional well intervention methods are used to access deformed wellbore walls, then standard operational procedures can be followed, but frictional forces from debris and damage prevent access to the lower end of the wellbore

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccess to wellbore lower endVSAvoidfrictional forces from debris

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The apparatus employs dynamically adjustable circumferential elements that can expand and collapse to adapt to varying wellbore conditions. The system transitions from a collapsed state for navigation to an expanded state for engagement with debris and damaged walls, enabling active response to changing environmental conditions rather than static operation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes physical parameters of the circumferential apparatus including diameter, stiffness, and surface texture to overcome frictional forces. By adjusting these parameters, the apparatus can transition between low-friction navigation mode and high-grip engagement mode, directly addressing the friction problem while maintaining operational capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Force

If conventional rig operations are used to access the lower end of the wellbore, then adequate force can be applied to overcome obstructions, but operational costs increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveforce to overcome obstructionsVSAvoidoperational cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ForceVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The invention replaces heavy mechanical rig systems with a more efficient apparatus that uses hydraulic or pneumatic actuation. This substitution maintains the necessary force capability to overcome obstructions while eliminating the need for expensive rig equipment, directly addressing the cost issue without sacrificing force application capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system employs hydraulic or pneumatic mechanisms to generate and transmit force to the circumferential apparatus. This allows for controlled force application to overcome debris and damaged walls while using relatively small surface equipment, significantly reducing operational costs compared to conventional rig-based mechanical systems

Inventive Principle:

Principle #29Pneumatics and hydraulics

3Ease of operation

If the circumferential apparatus is expanded to engage with debris and damaged walls, then access can be achieved, but the apparatus cannot navigate through restricted passageways

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveengagement with obstructive wallsVSAvoidapparatus diameter

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLength of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The circumferential apparatus dynamically changes its diameter between collapsed and expanded states. In the collapsed state, it has a small diameter for navigating restricted passageways and debris. When expanded, it achieves sufficient diameter to engage with damaged walls and clear obstructions, resolving the contradiction between navigation capability and engagement capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The apparatus is divided into collapsible circumferential segments or elements that can be compressed into a compact configuration for navigation and then deployed outward for engagement. This segmentation allows the system to sequentially perform navigation and obstruction removal functions without requiring two separate tools

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

4Ease of manufacture

If coiled string operations are used instead of jointed pipe operations, then cost and safety are improved, but pressure control capability may be reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperational cost and safetyVSAvoidpressure control capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSStress or pressure

Solution Approach 1:

The apparatus replicates the pressure control functionality of rigid jointed pipe systems while using flexible coiled string construction. By incorporating pressure-containing elements and controlled expansion mechanisms, the system achieves pressure control capability comparable to rigid systems while maintaining the cost and safety advantages of coiled string operations

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

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

This solution provides safer and cost-effective access to the wellbore's lower end, reducing the need for expensive rig operations and minimizing the risk of fluid leaks, while enabling the re-establishment of pressure control and facilitating the abandonment or repair of damaged well components.

Implementation Method 1

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical Force: Mechanical Force

Implementation Method 2

apply hydraulic, explosive, or rotary forces to deform and traverse through debris or damaged walls

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHydraulic force: Hydraulic Press

Implementation Method 3

apply hydraulic, explosive, or rotary forces to deform and traverse through debris or damaged walls

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectExplosive force: Explosion

Implementation Method 4

apply hydraulic, explosive, or rotary forces to deform and traverse through debris or damaged walls

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRotary force: Torque

Data Source

PatentEP2875207B1Method and apparatus for string access or passage through the deformed and dissimilar contiguous walls of a wellbore

Publication Date: 2021.04.07 TUNGET BRUCE A

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AI summary

Method and apparatus for providing access to a lower end wellbore through an impasse using an circumferential adaptable apparatus and downhole devices to pilot a tool string through an existing obstructive frictional or restricted passageway with dissimilar well bore walls, wherein piloting a tool string may comprise displacing debris within and/or deforming its proximally circular and/or deformed bores or traversing an obstructive passageway therebetween, and whereby various downhole devices may be incorporated, deployed and oriented relative to a proximal axis or proximally contiguous wall, using the expandable and collapsible members of the present invention engaged about a plurality of shafts, usable to pilot the tool string through a conventional impasse or restriction of said walls of said dissimilar contiguous passageways.