Downhole Patch Running Tool With Heated Adhesive Bonding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing running tools lack an efficient method for patching conduit walls, particularly in conduits like wellbores or pipelines, where different apparatuses are required for various purposes, and there is a need for a tool that can effectively deploy and activate patching materials with improved adhesive properties.
Innovation Solution
A running tool equipped with a heater to enhance the adhesive properties of a patching material by heating an adhesive compound, combined with a forcing device to securely attach the patch to the conduit wall, allowing for efficient patching and repair of conduit damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the adhesive compound is heated to improve adhesive strength, then the bonding reliability improves, but the energy consumption and device complexity increase due to the heater requirement
Solution Approach 1:
The heater is integrated into the running tool that also contains the forcing device, merging heating and mechanical application functions into a single deployed unit. This reduces overall system complexity compared to separate heating and application devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The adhesive compound is pre-applied to the patching material before deployment. The heating action is then applied immediately upon deployment to activate the adhesive, eliminating the need for separate pre-heating equipment and reducing device complexity.
2Reliability
If the adhesive compound is heated to activate adhesive properties, then the bonding effectiveness improves, but the operation time increases due to heating duration
Solution Approach 1:
The heater is activated in periodic cycles rather than continuously - heating is applied in intervals that are sufficient to activate the adhesive properties of the compound, then paused. This reduces total heating time while maintaining bonding effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The heating temperature and duration parameters are optimized based on the specific adhesive compound used. By adjusting these parameters, the minimum effective heating time is achieved, reducing operation time while ensuring adequate adhesive activation.
3Reliability
If a forcing device is used to apply force to the patching material, then the secure attachment improves, but the device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The forcing device utilizes pneumatic or hydraulic pressure to apply force to the patching material against the conduit wall. This replaces complex mechanical linkage systems with simpler fluid pressure actuation, easing manufacturing while maintaining reliable attachment.
Solution Approach 2:
The forcing device is designed to work with various patching material types and conduit configurations. By creating a universal forcing mechanism that can adapt to different scenarios, the device achieves secure attachment across multiple applications without requiring complex specialized mechanisms for each case.
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 effective patching of conduit walls by improving the adhesive strength of the patching material with heat, ensuring a secure bond to the conduit wall, thus facilitating reliable repair and maintenance operations.
Implementation Method 1
the running tool comprises a heater for providing heat for the apparatus for heating the compound
Data Source
AI summary
A running tool for running an apparatus for patching a wall of a downhole casing and activating the apparatus in a location in the conduit includes a rolled up or curled up piece of material for patching the wall. The piece of material has a surface comprising an adhesive compound for fastening the piece of material securely to the wall of the casing. The running tool has a heater for providing heat for the apparatus for heating the compound and a forcing device for applying a force to the piece of material for forcing or holding the piece of material against the wall of the casing.