Electronic Release Tool for Downhole Stuck Strings
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for releasing perforating guns and other tools from stuck tool strings in oil wells are costly and time-consuming, often requiring explosive tools that pose safety risks and regulatory issues, and shear bolts may fail to function properly, leading to tool loss or wireline failure.
Innovation Solution
A releasable tool system utilizing a motor-coupled super nut and collet assembly that converts rotational motion into linear travel, with an indicator switch to detect stop positions, allowing for controlled release and retrieval of tools without breaking wirelines, using a collet mechanism with pivotable arms and a rocker arm for secure engagement and disengagement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If explosive tools are used to release stuck tool strings, then the release function is achieved, but safety risks and regulatory issues increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces explosive mechanical systems with an electronic motor-driven retractable collet system. The motor (127) drives a retractable collet (125) through mechanical engagement and disengagement to release tool strings, eliminating the need for hazardous explosive materials while achieving the same release function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary electronic control system between the wireline and the release mechanism. The electronic collet assembly acts as a mediator that can be precisely controlled via wireline to engage or disengage from the quick change sub, providing controlled release without direct explosive action.
2Device complexity
If shear bolts are used to release tools, then the release mechanism is simple, but they may fail to function properly causing tool loss
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces passive shear bolt mechanisms with an active motor-driven retractable collet system. The motor (127) provides controlled mechanical force to engage or disengage the collet (125) from the quick change sub, replacing unreliable shear bolts with a controllable electronic system that can be activated on demand.
Solution Approach 2:
The retractable collet system is self-actuating through the motor mechanism. When the motor rotates, it automatically drives the collet to engage or disengage from the quick change sub without requiring external intervention or complex linkage mechanisms, making the system both simple and reliable.
3Productivity
If wireline is broken to retrieve stuck tools, then the tool can be retrieved, but expensive fishing tools and extensive time are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the release function from the wireline itself by incorporating a retractable collet mechanism into the tool assembly. The collet can be independently engaged or disengaged from the quick change sub without affecting the wireline, allowing the wireline to remain intact while the tool is retrieved.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the tool assembly into modular components: the quick change sub, the retractable collet assembly, and the wireline connection. This segmentation allows the collet to be independently controlled to release the tool string while the wireline remains connected to the surface system for continued operation.
4Ease of operation
If a retractable collet mechanism is implemented, then controlled release is achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The motor-driven retractable collet mechanism serves multiple functions: it can engage the quick change sub for tool deployment, hold the tool string during operations, and disengage for tool retrieval. This multi-functionality justifies the added complexity by eliminating the need for separate release mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical linkage systems with a simplified motor-driven retractable collet mechanism. The motor (127) directly drives the collet (125) through rotational motion, converting electrical control signals into precise mechanical engagement or disengagement actions, thereby reducing overall system complexity despite the electronic components added.
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
Enables safe and efficient release of stuck tool strings without breaking the wireline, reducing the need for expensive fishing tools and minimizing the risk of tool loss, allowing for informed decision-making during retrieval processes.
Implementation Method 1
a motor (127) coupled to a super nut (117), wherein the super nut (117) converts rotation motion into a set linear travel
Implementation Method 2
at least one collet arm (113) pivoting about a pin (121) and having a rocker arm
Data Source
AI summary
A releasable tool using an electronic motor to drive a collet and associated collet arms to engage or release a quick change sub that may be coupled to additional downhole tools, such as a perforating gun string.