Dislodging Tool Assembly for Retrieving Stuck Subterranean Service Tools
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Solution Overview
Problem
Subterranean service tools, such as gravel pack and frac pack tools, often become stuck in wellbores due to downhole debris, pipe tensile limits, and the elastic nature of drill pipes, making it difficult to retrieve them from the wellbore.
Innovation Solution
A dislodging tool assembly is integrated into the tubing string, which includes disconnect, jarring, and reverse circulation tools to mechanically or hydraulically free stuck service tools by applying forces or reversing fluid flow to loosen debris and facilitate retrieval.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If service tools are used in subterranean operations, then operational functionality is achieved, but the tools become stuck in the wellbore
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the retrieval problem into segments by placing multiple dislodging tools at different locations along the tubing string. Each dislodging tool can independently address sticking issues at different depths, allowing the system to tackle the retrieval problem in manageable segments rather than as a single complex operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The dislodging tools are pre-positioned and integrated into the tubing string before subterranean operations begin. This preliminary action ensures that the tools are already in place and ready to activate if sticking occurs, eliminating the need for complex intervention operations later.
2Ease of operation
If conventional fishing operations are used to retrieve stuck tools, then retrieval is possible, but the process is costly and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The dislodging tools are designed to activate automatically or on-demand to free the service tools themselves, without requiring external fishing operations. The system essentially services itself by using the integrated dislodging tools to dislodge debris and free the stuck equipment, eliminating the need for costly and time-consuming conventional fishing operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The dislodging tools utilize hydraulic or pneumatic mechanisms to generate the forces needed to free stuck service tools. By using fluid pressure to activate the dislodging action, the system can quickly and efficiently overcome sticking forces without mechanical intervention from surface equipment.
3Ease of operation
If dislodging tools are integrated into the tubing string, then tool retrieval is facilitated, but the assembly complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The dislodging tools are merged with the tubing string structure, combining multiple functions (tubing conveyance and dislodging) into a single integrated assembly. This merging reduces the need for separate components and simplifies the overall system architecture while maintaining retrieval capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The tubing string is designed with multi-functionality, serving both as the conduit for subterranean operations and as the structural framework for integrating dislodging tools. This universal design allows the same assembly to perform multiple functions without requiring additional specialized equipment.
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 effectively frees stuck service tools without damaging the wellbore assembly, allowing for efficient retrieval and reducing the need for costly and time-consuming conventional fishing operations.
Implementation Method 1
a first dislodging tool coupled to a bottom end of a tube pipe of a tubing string, where the first dislodging tool, when enabled at a first time, performs a first action to free at least one service tool
Implementation Method 2
reverse circulation tools to mechanically or hydraulically free stuck service tools by applying forces or reversing fluid flow to loosen debris
Data Source
AI summary
An assembly disposed within a subterranean wellbore can include a first dislodging tool coupled to a bottom end of a tubing string, wherein the first dislodging tool, when enabled at a first time, performs a first action to free at least one service tool, disposed below the first dislodging tool in the subterranean wellbore, from being stuck.