Detonation Wireline Release Tool for Stuck String Separation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wireline release tools in the oil and gas industry face challenges in efficiently releasing stuck tool strings from wellbores without damaging the remaining equipment, particularly due to the limitations of existing release methods which often require additional electrical wiring, ballistic components, and can leave explosive remnants, posing safety risks and inefficiencies.
Innovation Solution
A wireline cable release tool utilizing a detonator to generate a pressure impulse for controlled separation of the tool string from the wireline cable, allowing direct insertion of the detonator without additional electrical wiring or ballistic components, ensuring minimal re-dressing efforts and no explosive remnants, thereby enhancing safety and operational efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional release tools are used to release stuck tool strings, then the wireline cable can be separated from the tool string, but additional electrical wiring and ballistic components are required which increases device complexity and creates safety risks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the complex electrical wiring and ballistic components from the release tool system. By using a simplified detonator mechanism that directly generates the pressure impulse needed for release, the invention removes unnecessary subsystems while maintaining the core release function, thereby reducing device complexity and eliminating associated safety risks.
Solution Approach 2:
The detonator mechanism serves multiple functions: it generates the pressure impulse for cable separation, eliminates the need for additional electrical wiring, and provides a reliable activation mechanism. This multi-functionality reduces the overall number of components required in the release tool system.
2Productivity
If existing release methods are used, then tool strings can be released from wellbores, but explosive remnants are left posing safety risks and requiring additional re-dressing efforts
Solution Approach 1:
The invention converts the potentially harmful explosive remnants into a beneficial controlled pressure impulse. The detonator is designed to generate the exact pressure needed for cable separation and then dissipate, leaving no harmful remnants. This transforms a harmful byproduct into a useful, controlled mechanism for achieving the release function.
3Reliability
If additional electrical wiring and ballistic components are used in release tools, then the release function can be achieved, but the device complexity increases and operational delays occur
Solution Approach 1:
The release mechanism is segmented into a single integrated detonator unit that performs all necessary functions. This segmentation eliminates the need for separate electrical wiring assemblies and ballistic components, reducing the number of parts that need to be assembled, installed, and managed during operational procedures.
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 solution enables safe and efficient release of stuck tool strings with minimal equipment damage, allowing for the reuse of valuable wireline cables and reducing operational costs and delays in oil and gas production.
Implementation Method 1
the pressure impulse from a detonator located within the release tool to effectuate upon detonation the release of the wireline cable
Data Source
AI summary
A detonator activated wireline release tool is provided for use in geological well operations that enables the wireline cable to be easily released from tool string equipment upon activation of a detonator housed within the release tool. The release tool has a wireline subassembly portion that is connected to a tool string subassembly portion during assembly. It is sometimes necessary to disconnect the wireline subassembly from the tool string subassembly at a time when accessing the either is not physically possible. Such release is achieved by sending an electronic signal that detonates an explosive load which actuates a latch through an expansion chamber. The latch shifts and allows the finger flanges previously connecting the subassemblies to disengage, thus releasing the subassemblies.