Extendable Orienting Tool for Wellbore Space Constraints
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing orienting tools for subterranean wells occupy substantial space, limiting their applicability due to space constraints in wellbores.
Innovation Solution
An extendable orienting tool with a housing that can be retracted during installation and extended outward to increase the interior dimension, allowing for efficient fluid and object passage, utilizing a flow control device, sensors, and motors to control the extension based on pressure differentials or signals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If present orienting tools are used to orient structures in wells, then orienting function is achieved, but substantial space is occupied limiting applicability
Solution Approach 1:
The orienting tool employs a dynamic structure where the housing can transition between retracted and extended states. The housing is retractable relative to the tool body, allowing the tool to adapt its volume to different wellbore conditions. This dynamic configuration enables the tool to pass through restricted areas in a compact state and expand to full functionality when space is available.
Solution Approach 2:
The housing is nested within or relative to the tool body structure, allowing one component to be contained within or alongside another. The flow control device is contained within the housing, creating a nested arrangement where components are organized in concentric or hierarchical fashion to minimize overall volume while maintaining all necessary functions.
2Ease of operation
If housing is extended outward to increase interior dimension, then fluid and object passage is improved, but space restriction during installation worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The housing transitions from a retracted state during installation to an extended state during operation. This dynamic adjustment allows the tool to present a compact profile (reduced length) when being installed in the wellbore, then expand to provide adequate interior dimension for fluid circulation and object passage once positioned.
Solution Approach 2:
The housing is extended outward after the tool has been installed and positioned in the wellbore. The preliminary action of installing the tool in its compact retracted state is completed first, then the housing is subsequently extended to create the larger interior passage space needed for its orienting and fluid control functions.
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 extendable design reduces space restrictions, enabling easier installation and operation of orienting tools, enhancing their applicability and functionality within wellbores by increasing the interior dimension of the tool.
Implementation Method 1
By selectively opening and closing (or decreasing and increasing flow through) a flow control device 28 of the tool 20, pressure signals can be transmitted to the earth's surface or another remote location having a pressure sensor to detect pressure in the flow passage 24
Implementation Method 2
The housing 40 may be extended outward in response to a biasing force applied by an object (such as the dart 42) which displaces through the body 36
Data Source
AI summary
An orienting tool for use in wells can include a flow control device which controls flow between an interior and an exterior of a body of the tool to thereby transmit a signal indicative of an orientation of the body, the flow control device being outwardly extendable relative to the body. A method of orienting a structure in a well can include transmitting at least one signal from an orienting tool, the signal being indicative of an orientation of the orienting tool, and displacing a housing of the tool outward relative to a generally tubular body of the tool. A well system can include an orienting tool connected to a structure and positioned in a wellbore, the tool including a housing which is outwardly extendable relative to a generally tubular body, the tool being configured to transmit at least one signal indicative of an orientation of the structure.