Extendable Orienting Tool for Wellbore Orientation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing orienting tools for subterranean wells occupy substantial space, limiting their applicability and efficiency in wellbore operations.
Innovation Solution
An extendable orienting tool with a flow control device and orientation sensor that selectively controls fluid flow to transmit orientation signals and extends outwardly to increase interior dimensions, allowing for reduced restrictions and enhanced functionality within the wellbore.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If present orienting tools are used to orient structures in wells, then orientation functionality is provided, but substantial space is occupied limiting applicability
Solution Approach 1:
The orienting tool incorporates an extendable housing that can transition between retracted and extended configurations. The housing extends outwardly from the tool body to increase interior dimensions when needed, and can be retracted to minimize space occupation during transportation or when extended functionality is not required. This dynamic configuration allows the tool to adapt its volume to operational needs.
2Ease of operation
If the tool structure is extended to increase interior dimensions, then displacement of fluids and objects is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The orienting tool is divided into distinct functional segments: a tool body containing the orientation sensor and flow control device, and a separate extendable housing that can be deployed from the tool body. This segmentation allows the extension mechanism to be independently controlled and managed, reducing the complexity burden on the overall system while providing enhanced interior dimensions when the housing is extended.
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 efficiently transmits orientation signals and increases interior space, enabling better displacement of fluids and objects, thus improving the applicability and efficiency of well operations without restricting the wellbore space.
Implementation Method 1
a flow control device (28) which controls flow between an interior and an exterior of the body (36) to thereby transmit at least one pressure signal indicative of an orientation of the body (36)
Implementation Method 2
an orientation sensor (30) which detects an orientation of the body (36) in the wellbore (14)
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~6
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.