Hydraulic Assembly Sequential Valve Downhole Tool Sticking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Downhole tools used in oil and gas wells often get stuck when activating their wheels to propel themselves forward, due to limited control systems and the harsh environment, making them difficult and costly to retrieve.
Innovation Solution
A downhole tool with a hydraulic assembly, arm assembly, and hydraulic motor that uses two pressurized fluids to control the arm's position and rotation, featuring a hydraulic control block with sequential valves to manage fluid pressure and direction, ensuring the arm can be safely retracted and projected, preventing jamming.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If control valves and sequence valves are used to control hydraulic engines in downhole equipment, then the hydraulic system can be controlled, but the control is limited for the user due to the special situation many kilometers down the borehole and requires surface control which may not be available in case of breakdowns
Solution Approach 1:
The hydraulic system is designed to be self-controlling through autonomous sequence valves that automatically manage the operation of hydraulic engines based on predefined sequences, eliminating the need for continuous surface control and enabling the system to operate independently downhole
Solution Approach 2:
The sequence valves are pre-configured with predetermined operation sequences that are established before deployment, allowing the hydraulic system to automatically execute the correct sequence of operations without real-time surface intervention, even in case of communication breakdowns
2Productivity
If the arm assembly is projected to drive the downhole tool forward, then the tool can propel itself, but the tool may get stuck when activating the wheels on the projecting arms
Solution Approach 1:
The sequence valve ensures that the hydraulic motor is activated before the arm assembly is projected, pre-rotating the wheels to prevent sticking when the arm contacts the borehole wall or production casing
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically controls the sequence of operations through pressure-sensitive sequence valves that automatically coordinate the projection of the arm assembly with the rotation of the hydraulic motor, adapting the timing based on real-time pressure conditions
3Adaptability or versatility
If the hydraulic pump generates pressurised fluid for controlling the arm assembly and hydraulic motor, then the system can operate, but the control of such equipment has to be independent of surface control in case of breakdowns
Solution Approach 1:
The sequence valves are designed to automatically manage the hydraulic control functions without requiring external control signals, enabling the system to independently coordinate the operation of the arm assembly and hydraulic motor based on internal pressure conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The sequence valves act as intermediary components that automatically coordinate the timing and sequence of hydraulic fluid delivery to the arm assembly and hydraulic motor, simplifying the overall control system by eliminating the need for complex external control mechanisms
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 solution enables reliable and efficient operation of downhole tools by preventing sticking and allowing for independent control, facilitating safe retraction and forward movement, even in harsh conditions, reducing the risk of costly retrieval operations.
Implementation Method 1
a hydraulic pump unit for simultaneous generation of a first and a second pressurised fluid
Implementation Method 2
the sequential valve is fluidly connected with one of the fluids and changes between an open and a closed position based upon the pressure of the other fluid
Implementation Method 3
a hydraulic motor for rotating the wheel, thereby driving the downhole tool in a forward direction
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a downhole tool, comprising a hydraulic assembly, an arm assembly, the arm assembly comprising a wheel, a hydraulic motor for rotating the wheel, thereby driving the downhole tool in a forward direction, and a hydraulic pump unit for simultaneous generation of a first and a second pressurized fluid, characterized in that the arm assembly is movable between a retracted position and a projecting position in relation to the tool housing, and the downhole tool furthermore comprises an arm activation assembly for moving the arm assembly between the retracted position and the projecting position, and the hydraulic motor drives the downhole tool in the forward direction when the arm assembly is in the projecting position, the arm activation assembly being in fluid connection with the first pressurized fluid and the hydraulic motor being in fluid connection with the second pressurized fluid, a hydraulic control block for controlling the pressure of the first pressurized fluid having a first pressure and controlling a second pressure of the second pressurized fluid, and a hydraulic control block comprising a first sequential valve for controlling a sequence of retraction of the arm assembly, a projection of the arm assembly and a rotation of the wheel, wherein the sequential valve is fluidly connected with one of the fluids and changes between an open and a closed position based upon the pressure of the other fluid. Furthermore, the present invention relates to a method of controlling a projection of an arm assembly of a driving unit of a downhole tool and to a downhole system.