Downhole Wireline Cleaning Tool Projectable Arms
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing downhole cleaning tools face difficulties in passing restrictions and effectively removing scale in wellbores, particularly in cased and open hole sections, due to limited flexibility and inability to cover the entire internal cross-sectional area, which restricts the inner diameter and hampers oil or gas flow.
Innovation Solution
A downhole wireline cleaning tool with projectable arms pivotably connected to a housing, featuring a rotatable shaft and bits arranged along a curved extension that can move between retracted and projected positions, allowing the bits to scrape the entire internal cross-sectional area, even in restricted spaces, and includes an arm activation assembly with hydraulic pressure and a spring mechanism for safe operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a flexible brush is used to pass restrictions, then the tool can navigate narrow cased parts, but it cannot effectively remove certain types of scale
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning tool employs projectable arms that can dynamically change their configuration between retracted and extended states. The arms are pivotably connected to the tool body and can be projected outward to engage with scale deposits, then retracted to pass through restrictions. This dynamic transformation allows the tool to adapt its geometry to different wellbore conditions while maintaining effective cleaning capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The cleaning tool is divided into multiple independent projectable arms that can be individually controlled and positioned. Each arm can be projected or retracted independently, allowing the tool to navigate complex geometries while maintaining cleaning contact with the wellbore surface. The segmented design provides flexibility without compromising cleaning effectiveness.
2Productivity
If a rigid cleaning tool is used to remove scale effectively, then cleaning performance improves, but the tool cannot pass through restrictions with reduced inner diameter
Solution Approach 1:
The projectable arms provide dynamic geometric transformation, allowing the tool to transition between a compact configuration for passing restrictions and an extended configuration for effective scale removal. The arms can be projected outward to engage with scale deposits with sufficient force, then retracted to navigate through narrow cased parts and restrictions.
Solution Approach 2:
The projectable arms are nested within the tool body when in the retracted position, allowing the tool to pass through restrictions with minimal outer diameter. When cleaning is required, the arms are projected outward from the tool body, providing the necessary cleaning surface area and leverage while maintaining the compact form factor for navigation.
3Device complexity
If cleaning bits are arranged only on one side of the tool axis, then the structure is simpler, but the entire internal cross-sectional area cannot be cleaned
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning bits on each projectable arm are arranged asymmetrically relative to the tool axis, with bits positioned at different radial distances and angular positions. This asymmetric arrangement, combined with the curved extension of the arms, ensures that the rotating arms can cover the entire internal cross-sectional area of the wellbore, including areas that would be inaccessible to symmetrically arranged bits.
Solution Approach 2:
The cleaning bits are arranged along a curved extension that extends across the tool axis, adding a dimensional component that enables coverage of the entire cross-sectional area. The curved path of the bits during rotation creates overlapping trajectories that ensure complete coverage of the wellbore surface, transforming a one-sided arrangement into a comprehensive cleaning system.
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 tool effectively increases the inner diameter of the wellbore by removing scale, ensuring thorough cleaning and maintaining tool integrity, even in fully blocked or restricted areas, thereby enhancing oil or gas flow and facilitating tool passage through narrow sections.
Implementation Method 1
an arm activation assembly for moving the projectable arm between the retracted position and the projected position
Implementation Method 2
includes an arm activation assembly with hydraulic pressure and a spring mechanism for safe operation
Implementation Method 3
adapt to scrape and remove objects, such as scale decreasing an inner diameter of a casing
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
Downhole wireline cleaning tool (1) adapted to scrape and remove objects, such as scale decreasing an inner diameter of a casing in a wellbore, comprising a tool housing (4) having a first housing part (5) and a second housing part (6), a projectable arm (7) which is pivotably connected with the first housing part at a first end of the projectable arm, the projectable arm having a plurality of bits (9) in a second end, said projectable arm (7) being movable between a retracted position and a projected position in relation to the tool housing (4), an arm activation assembly (11) for moving the projectable arm between the retracted position and the projected position, and a rotatable shaft (12) for rotating the projectable arm (7), wherein the bits are arranged along an extension of the projectable arm, wherein the extension of the arm extends across the centre tool axis in at least the retracted position, so that the bits of the arm are arranged to scrape the entire internal cross-sectional area of the casing..