Flexible Conduit Probe for Well Access Deviation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for accessing wells via lateral access passages face challenges in achieving consistent straightening of coiled tubing, leading to limited depth penetration and potential plastic deformation, while traditional hoses may not effectively navigate through congested or contaminated well spaces.
Innovation Solution
A flexible conduit system featuring a probe with a spring mechanism that deviates from lateral to downward direction without plastic deformation, allowing self-straightening and enhanced penetration capabilities, accompanied by a drive mechanism and seal system for pressure containment and fluid delivery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If steel coiled tubing is used for well access, then structural strength is improved, but plastic deformation occurs during bending from horizontal to vertical orientation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter from rigid steel coiled tubing to flexible hose material that can bend without plastic deformation. The hose material properties allow it to elastically deform during the bending process from horizontal to vertical orientation, eliminating the permanent deformation issues associated with steel tubing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a dynamic weight assembly with articulated elements that can change configuration during insertion. The weight assembly transitions from a horizontal configuration during lateral access passage traversal to a vertical configuration during well depth descent, enabling adaptive navigation through different spatial orientations without causing deformation to the hose.
2Ease of operation
If a guide conduit with curved portion is used to bend coiled tubing, then direction change from horizontal to vertical is achieved, but the bending radius is small causing plastic deformation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical state and material properties of the conduit from rigid steel tubing to flexible hose material. This material parameter change allows the hose to follow the curved guide conduit path without experiencing the high stresses that cause plastic deformation in steel tubing, eliminating the need for complex straightening operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a flexible hose instead of rigid steel tubing as the conduit for well access. The flexible hose can elastically deform to follow the curved path of the guide conduit during insertion through the lateral access passage, and then naturally straightens or maintains its configuration as it descends into the well, avoiding plastic deformation issues.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If polymeric insert with curved upper face is used to guide hose, then hose protection during bending is improved, but navigation through congested areas is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a dynamic weight assembly with articulated elements that can actively adapt its configuration during insertion. The weight assembly transitions from horizontal to vertical orientation, providing active guidance and protection for the hose during bending, while its articulated nature allows it to navigate through congested and contaminated well spaces that rigid or fixed-configuration guides cannot handle.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a composite system combining flexible hose material with an articulated weight assembly. This composite approach provides both the protective guidance function at the forward end and the adaptability to navigate congested areas, combining the benefits of structured guidance with flexible adaptability.
4Ease of operation
If weight assembly with articulated elements is used, then deviation from horizontal to vertical is facilitated, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The weight assembly with articulated elements is designed to automatically transition from horizontal to vertical configuration through its own weight and gravity, without requiring external control mechanisms or complex actuation systems. The articulated elements self-adjust based on the orientation during insertion, providing the required deviation capability while minimizing control complexity.
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 deeper well access with reduced risk of deformation, improved navigation through congested areas, and efficient fluid circulation, maintaining pressure containment during interventions.
Implementation Method 1
The probe may comprise a spring which can deviate from the direction of lateral insertion to the generally downward direction without plastic deformation
Implementation Method 2
a flexible conduit system featuring a probe with a spring mechanism that deviates from lateral to downward direction without plastic deformation, allowing self-straightening
Implementation Method 3
accompanied by a drive mechanism and seal system for pressure containment and fluid delivery
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
Apparatus for gaining access to a well via a lateral access passage comprises a flexible conduit which is to be inserted into the well via the lateral access passage so as to deviate from a direction of lateral insertion to a generally downward direction down the well, the flexible conduit comprising a probe at a front end thereof, the probe comprising a spring at least 0.5m in length. The apparatus comprises a probe container for accommodating the probe before it is inserted into the well and whilst the probe is exposed to well pressure in the probe container, the probe container accommodating the probe with at least part of the probe extending along a curved path. The apparatus may comprise a guide for insertion along the lateral access passage and for assisting deviation of the flexible conduit from a direction of lateral insertion, the guide being resiliently biased so that when a forward end portion thereof extends out of the lateral access passage into the well, the resilient bias causes the forward end portion to be directed in a direction different from the direction of lateral insertion. The apparatus may comprise a head portion configured to be inserted into the lateral access passage and to guide a flexible conduit into the well, and a cutting blade configured to cut the flexible conduit when it extends into the well.