Disconnect Tool With Electrical Motor and Weak Link for Stuck String Retrieval
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing technologies face challenges in efficiently disconnecting sections of a well tool string from each other in a subterranean well, particularly when the tool string becomes stuck due to wellbore collapse or other issues.
Innovation Solution
A disconnect tool featuring an electrical motor and a weak link is used to disconnect sections of a well tool string. The motor applies a tensile force to the weak link, causing it to part and allowing the upper section of the tool string to be retrieved, leaving the lower section stuck in the well.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a tool string becomes stuck in a wellbore due to collapse or other issues, then the entire tool string cannot be retrieved, but attempting to retrieve the entire stuck tool string increases the risk of further complications and loss
Solution Approach 1:
The tool string is divided into separable sections with a disconnect tool positioned between them. When the tool string becomes stuck, the disconnect tool can be activated to separate the tool string into an upper retrievable section and a lower stuck section, allowing selective retrieval of the upper section while leaving the lower section in place.
Solution Approach 2:
The disconnect tool acts as an intermediary device between the upper and lower sections of the tool string. It provides a controlled separation mechanism that allows the tool string to be divided into manageable sections, with the disconnect tool itself serving as the mediator that enables safe disconnection under stuck conditions.
2Loss of substance
If the entire tool string is attempted to be retrieved when stuck, then complete recovery may be achieved, but the risk of wellbore damage and operational complications increases
Solution Approach 1:
The disconnect tool enables extraction of the upper section of the tool string from the stuck configuration. By separating the tool string into upper and lower sections, the upper section can be retrieved through the wellbore while the lower section remains in place, thereby extracting the recoverable portion without attempting to move the entire stuck assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The disconnect tool provides a pre-planned separation capability that cushions against the harmful effects of forced retrieval. By having the disconnect mechanism in place beforehand, the system can safely separate the tool string sections if sticking occurs, preventing the need for forceful retrieval operations that could damage the wellbore.
3Ease of operation
If a disconnect mechanism is integrated into the tool string, then selective section retrieval becomes possible, but the device complexity and number of components increase
Solution Approach 1:
The disconnect tool combines multiple functions into a single integrated device: it serves as both a connector between tool string sections and a separation mechanism. The actuator, weak link, and housing are merged into one compact assembly that can be positioned between tool string sections, providing both connection and controlled disconnection capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The disconnect tool is designed as a multi-functional device that can both connect and disconnect tool string sections. The same device structure serves as the mechanical link between sections while also containing the actuation mechanism for separation, making it a universal component that performs multiple critical functions in the tool string assembly.
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 disconnect tool enables safe and efficient retrieval of the upper section of the tool string, even when the lower section is stuck, facilitating contingency measures such as fishing operations or side-tracking the well.
Implementation Method 1
an electrical motor configured to part the weak link in response to electrical power applied to the electrical motor
Implementation Method 2
A tensile force is applied to the weak link in response to linear displacement of the support member
Data Source
AI summary
A disconnect tool can include an electrical motor and a weak link. The electrical motor can be configured to part the weak link in response to electrical power applied to the electrical motor. A method of disconnecting sections of a tool string from each other in a well can include connecting a disconnect tool in the tool string, the disconnect tool including an electrical motor and a weak link, conveying the tool string into the well, and then applying electrical power to the electrical motor, thereby parting the weak link and disconnecting the tool string sections.