Distributed Vibration System for Coiled Tubing Buckling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Coiled tubing operations in extended reach wells face helical buckling issues due to axial compressive loads, leading to lock-up and reduced reach, which conventional methods like vibrators can partially mitigate but not fully address, especially in high friction regions and horizontal wellbores.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a system with multiple vibration sources along the length of the coiled tubing, capable of inducing orthogonal, parallel, or rotational motion, controlled by a system to manage frictional contact, including axial, lateral, and torsional vibrations, distributed across the tubing to delay or prevent helical buckling and extend reach.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If conventional vibrators are used to reduce drag forces, then the depth of penetration is increased, but the reach is still limited by helical buckling in horizontal wellbores
Solution Approach 1:
The vibration system is divided into multiple distributed vibration sources along the tubing length rather than using a single vibrator at the BHA. This segmentation allows vibration to be applied at multiple critical locations simultaneously, effectively preventing helical buckling throughout the entire tubing string and enabling greater reach in horizontal wellbores.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces distributed vibration sources at multiple locations along the tubing length, transforming the vibration application from a single-point (BHA-only) approach to a multi-dimensional distributed system. This dimensional change enables simultaneous drag reduction and buckling prevention throughout the entire tubing string.
2Length of moving object
If axial compressive load increases to push tubing deeper, then the reach is extended, but helical buckling and lock-up occur
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple vibration sources distributed along the tubing generate mechanical vibrations that reduce frictional contact between the tubing and wellbore wall. This vibration-induced drag reduction allows the tubing to be pushed deeper without experiencing excessive axial compressive loads that would cause helical buckling and lock-up.
Solution Approach 2:
The distributed vibration sources operate continuously along the tubing length, maintaining constant drag reduction and buckling prevention throughout the entire string. This continuous action enables sustained advancement of the tubing to greater depths without interruption from frictional lock-up.
3Reliability
If multiple vibration sources are distributed along the tubing, then helical buckling is prevented, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Each distributed vibration source serves multiple functions: it reduces drag forces on the tubing, prevents helical buckling at its location, and contributes to overall friction reduction along the string. This multi-functionality justifies the added complexity by delivering multiple benefits from each vibration source.
Solution Approach 2:
The vibration sources are integrated into the tubing string itself, allowing the tubing to generate and distribute its own vibration for drag reduction and buckling prevention. This self-service capability eliminates the need for external vibration generation systems and simplifies the overall device architecture.
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 controlled vibration system effectively delays or prevents helical buckling, allowing coiled tubing to reach deeper into wellbores by reducing frictional loads, thereby increasing the reach and preventing lock-up, even in critical locations within the wellbore.
Implementation Method 1
multiple vibration sources positioned along the length of the rod... inducing orthogonal, parallel, or rotational motion... axial, lateral, and torsional vibrations
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatus and a method for delivering a rod in a cylinder including propagating a rod in a cylinder along the interior of the cylinder, and introducing a motion in an orientation orthogonal to a length of the rod, wherein the motion comprises multiple motion sources along the length of the rod, and wherein the multiple motion sources comprise a control system that controls at least one of the motion sources. An apparatus and method for delivering a rod in a cylinder including a cylinder comprising a deviated portion, a rod comprising a length within the cylinder, multiple motion sources positioned along the length of the rod, and a control system in communication with at least one of the motion sources, wherein the control system controls the location of frictional contact between the rod and cylinder over time.