Downhole Tool Deployment Device with Latching Clamp

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Solution Overview

Problem

The deployment of downhole tools in wells is complex, unsafe, and costly due to high mechanical tension, requiring multiple deployment devices and a slow process that increases safety risks and operational costs.

Innovation Solution

A single deployment device with a latching compartment and clamp system that secures the downhole tool's fishing neck, allowing for efficient and safe deployment by reducing the need for multiple devices and minimizing operator risk through controlled tension management.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If multiple deployment devices are used to manage the weight and tension of downhole tools, then the safety and control of deployment is improved, but the device complexity and operational time increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesafety of deploymentVSAvoidnumber of deployment devices
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The deployment device is divided into two functional parts: a fixed support structure and a movable clamping mechanism. The clamping mechanism can be independently positioned and locked onto the fishing neck, while the support structure remains stationary. This segmentation allows the complex clamping function to be isolated from the simple support function, enabling safer deployment with reduced overall device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The fishing neck acts as an intermediary element between the downhole tool and the deployment device. The clamping mechanism engages with the fishing neck to provide controlled tension management, while the fishing neck transmits forces to the downhole tool. This intermediary approach allows for safer, more controlled deployment without requiring multiple complex deployment devices.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If multiple deployment devices are used to support and lower downhole tools, then the control and safety of operation is improved, but the deployment time and productivity decrease

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol of deploymentVSAvoiddeployment speed
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention merges the support function and the clamping function into a single integrated deployment device. The fixed support structure and movable clamping mechanism work together as one unit, eliminating the need for multiple separate devices. This merging maintains operational control while significantly improving deployment speed and productivity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The clamping mechanism is pre-positioned and pre-configured to engage with the fishing neck before the actual deployment begins. The support structure is预先 set up to bear the weight of the downhole tools. This preliminary preparation allows for rapid, controlled deployment without requiring multiple devices to be assembled and positioned during the operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Reliability

If the deployment process is made slower and more controlled, then safety and operator protection is improved, but the operational cost and time increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperator safetyVSAvoiddeployment time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The deployment device is designed to be self-regulating through its mechanical structure. The clamping mechanism automatically locks onto the fishing neck at the correct position, and the support structure self-adjusts to bear the appropriate load. This self-service design ensures safe, controlled deployment without requiring multiple devices or extended operational time for manual adjustment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

4Device complexity

If a single deployment device is used to lower downhole tools, then the device complexity and cost are reduced, but the ability to manage high mechanical tension and weight increases difficulty

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenumber of deployment devicesVSAvoidmechanical tension
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSForce

Solution Approach 1:

The clamping mechanism is designed with dynamic positioning capability, allowing it to adjust and lock at various positions along the fishing neck. This dynamic feature enables the single deployment device to manage varying mechanical tensions and weights effectively, maintaining simplicity while handling the forces required for safe deployment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP2957711B1Device and method for fast deployment of downhole tool
Publication Date: 2018.05.23 SERCEL SAS
  • EP2957711B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2957711B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2957711B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention provides for a deployment system (1200) for deploying a downhole tool in a well, the deployment system comprising: plural downhole tools (800) for measuring at least one parameter within the well (402); a deployment device (500) for deploying the plural downhole tools (800); a rig-up plate (1000) for covering a head of the well (402) and supporting the plural downhole tools (800) already deployed in the well (402); and a crane (1210) configured to connect to the deployment device (500), the deployment device (500) being configured to latch onto at least a portion of a fishing neck (804) of a downhole tool (800) for raising or lowering it.