Dual Spool Wireline System for Subsea Well Intervention

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current wireline-based light well intervention services in subsea oil and gas wells are time-consuming and costly due to the need for multiple runs, which can be inefficient and costly.

Innovation Solution

A method utilizing a light well intervention vessel with dual spool units to simultaneously deploy and retrieve tool strings on separate flexible elongate members, allowing for continuous operation with one tool string in the well while the other is retrieved or prepared, reducing downtime and increasing efficiency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple wireline runs are used to perform intervention work in subsea wells, then the well can be serviced with different tool strings, but the operation becomes time-consuming and costly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveability to service well with different tool stringsVSAvoidoperation time
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The invention applies preliminary action by preparing and suspending the second tool string on the second wireline in advance, before the first tool string is removed from the well. This allows the second tool string to be ready for immediate deployment once the first tool string completes its intervention work, eliminating the time loss associated with retrieving and preparing tool strings on the same wireline.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The invention achieves continuity of useful action by maintaining both tool strings in a ready state simultaneously - the first tool string is actively working in the well while the second tool string is suspended and prepared in the water column. This continuous preparation and deployment sequence eliminates idle time between intervention operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple wireline runs are performed for well intervention, then different tools can be deployed, but the operation becomes costly and inefficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedeployment of different toolsVSAvoidoperation efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention applies segmentation by dividing the intervention capability into separate, independent tool strings suspended on different wirelines. Each tool string can be independently prepared, deployed, and retrieved, allowing parallel operations that significantly improve productivity while maintaining the ability to service the well with different tools.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

By preparing the second tool string in advance while the first tool string is still in operation, the system eliminates downtime between interventions. This preliminary preparation of subsequent tool strings transforms a sequential, inefficient process into a continuous, productive operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Device complexity

If tool strings are sequentially deployed and retrieved on the same wireline, then equipment complexity is reduced, but significant downtime occurs between operations

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveequipment configurationVSAvoiddowntime between operations
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The invention applies universality by using multiple wirelines that can each independently support different tool strings. This multi-functional capability allows the system to perform multiple intervention tasks simultaneously or in rapid succession, reducing downtime without requiring complex reconfiguration of a single wireline system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system reduces downtime by suspending and preparing subsequent tool strings in advance on ready-to-deploy wirelines. This preliminary action ensures that when one tool string completes its task, another is already positioned and ready for immediate deployment, eliminating idle time while maintaining relatively simple equipment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP3762575B1Improvements relating to well operations using flexible elongate members
Publication Date: 2024.04.24 ISLAND OFFSHORE SUBSEA AS
  • EP3762575B1 patent drawingFigure 1A~1B
  • EP3762575B1 patent drawingFigure 1C~1D
  • EP3762575B1 patent drawingFigure 2

AI summary

In an example of a method of performing work in a well, a vessel is provided, a wellbore assembly such as a tool string is suspended on a first flexible elongate member from the vessel, and the wellbore assembly is used to perform work in the well. In this example, a wellbore assembly such as a tool string is suspended on a second flexible elongate mem-ber from the vessel, the wellbore assembly on the first flexible elongate member is re-moved from the well, and after the removal, the wellbore assembly on the second flexible elongate member is inserted into the well. The inserted wellbore assembly in the well can then be used to perform further work. The wellbore assemblies may be deployed and retrieved on independently operable wirelines. A related vessel and apparatus is also described.