Hydraulic Downhole Tool Decelerator for Impact Mitigation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for conveying downhole tools through drill pipe in an untethered manner often result in high and uncontrollable impact forces when the tools reach a hard stop, potentially damaging mechanical and electronic components due to uncontrolled deceleration.
Innovation Solution
A hydraulic downhole tool deceleration system featuring a hydraulic decelerator affixed to the tool string, which contacts a hard shoulder and utilizes hydraulic fluid to gradually decelerate the tool, dissipating kinetic energy and reducing shock through controlled fluid flow and metering mechanisms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If downhole tools are conveyed through drill pipe in an untethered manner using fluid drag, then the tools can be pushed along non-vertical sections of the well, but the tools may contact hard stops causing high and uncontrollable impact forces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies beforehand cushioning by introducing a deceleration device that creates a cushioning effect before the downhole tool contacts the hard stop. The deceleration device uses fluid pressure to gradually slow the tool, converting kinetic energy into pressure energy, thereby cushioning the impact before it reaches the hard stop and preventing high impact forces.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses an intermediary approach by introducing a deceleration device as a mediator between the moving downhole tool and the stationary hard stop. This intermediary device controls the deceleration process through fluid pressure, preventing direct high-impact contact between the tool and hard stop.
2Measurement precision
If the downhole tool is stopped using hard stops at particular downhole locations, then the tool can be positioned at target locations, but the impact forces become relatively high and uncontrollable
Solution Approach 1:
The deceleration device provides beforehand cushioning by gradually reducing the tool's velocity through fluid pressure control before the tool reaches the hard stop. This cushioning effect maintains positioning accuracy while preventing high impact forces during the stopping process.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies hydraulics by using fluid pressure within the deceleration device to control the deceleration process. The fluid pressure acts as a controllable force that gradually slows the tool, enabling precise positioning while maintaining controllable and limited impact forces.
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 system effectively limits the initial deceleration force and varies the deceleration rate over time, reducing the risk of damage to the downhole tool components and ensuring controlled energy dissipation during impact, thereby protecting the tool from excessive shock.
Implementation Method 1
A hydraulic downhole tool deceleration system featuring a hydraulic decelerator affixed to the tool string, which contacts a hard shoulder and utilizes hydraulic fluid to gradually decelerate the tool
Implementation Method 2
dissipating kinetic energy and reducing shock through controlled fluid flow and metering mechanisms
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments described herein provide systems and methods for minimizing deceleration of downhole tools when the downhole tools are pumped down into wellbores through drill pipe in an untethered manner. For example, embodiments described herein include a hydraulic downhole tool deceleration system that includes a hydraulic decelerator configured to be affixed to a downhole tool string pumped down through drill pipe during operation. The hydraulic decelerator is configured to contact a hard shoulder while traveling through the drill pipe, and to limit an initial magnitude of deceleration of the downhole tool string caused at the initial moment of contact of the hydraulic decelerator against the hard shoulder.