Drag-Enhancing Structures for Downhole Conveyance Efficiency
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Solution Overview
Problem
Downhole operations in deviated and horizontal wellbore conduits face challenges in efficiently conveying downhole assemblies due to limited fluid flow rates and restricted passage of sealing materials, as existing solutions either require large-diameter devices that obstruct fluid flow or increase the assembly's diameter, limiting other operations.
Innovation Solution
Drag-enhancing structures that extend beyond the maximum transverse perimeter of the tool string, increasing fluid resistance during conveyance, and include release mechanisms or frangible designs to separate and allow for the passage of sealing materials, thereby enhancing conveyance efficiency and reducing post-operation retrieval complexities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a plug or large-diameter device is attached to increase cross-sectional area for efficient pumping, then conveyance efficiency is improved, but fluid flow passage is blocked and retrieval complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The drag-enhancing structure is divided into multiple drag elements arranged along the tool string, with each element having a drag portion extending radially outward. This segmentation allows fluid to flow through channels between elements rather than being completely blocked, maintaining conveyance efficiency while enabling fluid passage.
Solution Approach 2:
The drag elements are positioned at specific locations along the tool string where drag enhancement is most beneficial for conveyance, rather than using a single large plug. The radial extension of drag portions provides localized drag enhancement while maintaining fluid flow paths through the structure.
2Productivity
If the outer diameter of the downhole assembly is increased to improve conveyance, then conveyance efficiency is improved, but passage of sealing materials is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The tool string is segmented into multiple sections with drag elements distributed along its length. This segmentation creates channels and pathways that allow sealing materials to pass through the tool string while still providing sufficient drag enhancement for efficient conveyance.
Solution Approach 2:
The drag elements extend radially outward from the tool string in a direction perpendicular to the flow direction. This radial extension provides drag enhancement in the flow direction without significantly increasing the axial dimension, maintaining space for sealing material passage.
3Productivity
If a plug is used to enhance drag, then conveyance efficiency is improved, but additional retrieval processes are required
Solution Approach 1:
The drag-enhancing structure is designed to be discarded after use. The drag elements can be left in the wellbore after the tool string is retrieved, eliminating the need for complex retrieval processes. The structure performs its drag-enhancement function during conveyance and is then abandoned.
Solution Approach 2:
The drag-enhancing structure is designed as a disposable component that is inexpensive to deploy and does not need to be retrieved. This eliminates retrieval complexity while providing effective drag enhancement during the conveyance operation.
4Productivity
If drag-enhancing structures with radial extension are used, then conveyance efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The complex drag-enhancing function is achieved through multiple simple drag elements distributed along the tool string, rather than a single complex structure. Each drag element has a simple radial geometry, but their collective arrangement provides the desired drag enhancement.
Solution Approach 2:
The drag elements serve multiple functions: they provide drag enhancement for conveyance, create channels for fluid flow, and allow passage of sealing materials. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components, simplifying the overall device.
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 drag-enhancing structures improve the conveyance speed and efficiency of downhole assemblies by increasing fluid resistance during deployment and allowing for the passage of sealing materials, reducing the need for additional retrieval processes and maintaining tool string functionality post-deployment.
Implementation Method 1
Drag-enhancing structures for downhole operations... increase a resistance to fluid flow past the downhole assembly when the downhole assembly is pumped in a downhole direction within a wellbore conduit
Data Source
AI summary
Drag-enhancing structures for downhole operations are included in a downhole assembly that further includes a tool string, extends past a maximum transverse perimeter of the tool string, and increases resistance to fluid flow past the downhole assembly when the downhole assembly is pumped in a downhole direction within a wellbore conduit. The systems and methods include conveying the downhole assembly in the downhole direction within the wellbore conduit. The systems and methods further may include decreasing the resistance to fluid flow past the downhole assembly after the downhole assembly is located within a target region of the wellbore conduit and/or flowing a sealing material past the downhole assembly while the downhole assembly is located within the wellbore conduit.