Control Line Guide Head for Well Operations

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Solution Overview

Problem

There is a continuous need for improved safety and efficiency in well operations to reduce costs, enhance operational uptime, and minimize the risk of injuries or damage to personnel or equipment.

Innovation Solution

A control line handling apparatus comprising a base, a guide head, and a clamp actuator head, with the guide head and clamp actuator head configured to move between retracted and advanced positions to engage and position control lines relative to a pipe string.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If control lines are fixed to the outside of a pipe string and run into the well, then power or control signals can be supplied to downhole tools, but safety risks and operational hazards increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesupply of power or control signals to downhole toolsVSAvoidsafety risks and operational hazards

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The control line handling apparatus integrates the control line positioning function within the pipe string handling system. The guide head with guide slots is nested within the overall apparatus structure, allowing control lines to be positioned and guided alongside the pipe string during insertion into the well, thereby reducing external hazards while maintaining reliable signal supply

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Ease of operation

If manual handling of control lines is used, then flexibility in positioning is maintained, but operational efficiency and safety are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveflexibility in positioning control linesVSAvoidoperational efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The guide head with guide slots enables the control line to self-guide and self-position as the pipe string is inserted into the well. The apparatus automatically maintains proper alignment and positioning of the control line relative to the pipe string without requiring continuous manual intervention, thereby improving operational efficiency while maintaining positioning flexibility

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The guide slots in the guide head act as an intermediary mechanism between the control line and the pipe string. This intermediary structure facilitates smooth, controlled positioning of the control line alongside the pipe string, reducing the need for direct manual handling while maintaining operational flexibility

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Ease of manufacture

If control lines are positioned outside the pipe string, then installation is simpler, but the risk of accidents and equipment damage increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesimplicity of control line installationVSAvoidrisk of accidents and equipment damage

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The control line handling apparatus nests the control line positioning function within the pipe string handling system. The guide head is integrated into the apparatus structure, allowing control lines to be positioned and guided in a protected manner alongside the pipe string during insertion, thereby maintaining installation simplicity while reducing external hazards and equipment damage risks

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Data Source

PatentUS20250172048A1Systems and methods for handling control lines in well operations

Publication Date: 2025.05.29 STAVANGER ENG

AI summary

A control line handling apparatus includes a base, a guide head, and a clamp actuator head. The guide head has at least one guide slot which guides a control line. The guide head is arranged on a guide head actuator arm. The guide head actuator arm moves between a first, retracted guide head position where the guide head is spaced from a pipe string which extends vertically into a well, and a second, advanced guide head position where the guide head engages the pipe string. The clamp actuator head is arranged on a clamp head arm. The clamp head arm moves between a first, retracted clamp actuator head position where the clamp actuator head is spaced from the pipe string, and a second, advanced clamp actuator head position where the clamp actuator head engages the pipe string.