Inflatable Gripper Mechanism for Open Hole Well Navigation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tractor technologies face challenges in moving through open hole completion wells with soft or poorly consolidated formations, as they may damage the walls due to excessive force or restrict the diameter, and struggle with varying diameters caused by wash-outs and cave-ins in horizontal wells.
Innovation Solution
A device with inflatable and deflatable gripping means, comprising a flexible member in a woven member, is used to exert force on the well walls without damaging them, featuring a pressure relief valve and a programmable logic controller to adjust pressure and prevent damage, allowing for movement through varying diameters and unstable formations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If chain tracked tractors are used to move through open hole completion wells, then the tractor can provide sufficient traction force, but the tractor impacts the wall of soft and/or poorly consolidated formations with too large a force causing damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies pneumatic principles by using an inflatable gripping means that can be expanded to engage with the well wall. The gripping means includes a flexible member with an inner tube that can be inflated to create gentle, distributed contact pressure against the well wall, providing traction without the concentrated impact forces of chain tracked tractors. This resolves the contradiction by replacing mechanical impact-based traction with pneumatic inflation-based gripping.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the pressure parameter of the gripping means dynamically. By controlling the inflation pressure of the flexible member, the system can adapt to different well conditions - using lower pressures for soft formations to avoid damage while maintaining sufficient grip, and higher pressures for harder formations. This parameter adjustment resolves the contradiction between needing sufficient force and avoiding wall damage.
2Force
If tractors comprising gripping mechanisms are used, then the tractor can grip the well wall for movement, but the outer diameter is restricted due to the drilled well which restricts the length and mechanical properties of the gripping mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a flexible member in the form of an inflatable shell or film structure. This flexible gripping means can be compressed into a compact form for insertion into the well, then expanded to provide gripping force. The flexible nature allows it to conform to the well diameter without requiring a long, rigid gripping mechanism, thus resolving the contradiction between gripping capability and size constraints.
3Ease of operation
If existing tractor technologies are used in horizontal open hole completion wells, then the tractor can move through the well, but the open hole completion may have a diameter varying from the nominal inner diameter due to wash-outs and/or cave ins
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic gripping means that can change its dimensions and properties in response to varying well conditions. The inflatable flexible member can expand and contract, and its pressure can be adjusted, allowing it to adapt to different well diameters caused by wash-outs or cave-ins. This dynamic adaptability resolves the contradiction between ease of movement and tolerance for diameter variations.
4Force
If inflatable gripping means with high pressure is used to ensure firm grip, then the gripping force is sufficient for movement, but the well wall may be damaged in soft or poorly consolidated formations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs parameter changes by dynamically adjusting the inflation pressure of the gripping means based on formation characteristics. The system can use lower pressures for soft, poorly consolidated formations to avoid damage while maintaining adequate grip, and higher pressures for harder formations. This parameter adaptation resolves the contradiction between sufficient gripping force and prevention of formation damage.
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 device effectively navigates open hole completion wells by controlling pressure and adjusting to changing diameters, preventing damage and ensuring stable movement, even in soft or poorly consolidated formations, while maintaining the integrity of the well walls.
Implementation Method 1
translation of the piston via a pressure difference between the first (B) and a second piston pressure chamber (C) established by the pump results in translation of the hollow tubular member and the second part
Implementation Method 2
A device with inflatable and deflatable gripping means, comprising a flexible member in a woven member, is used to exert force on the well walls without damaging them
Data Source
AI summary
A device for moving in a tubular channel comprises two gripper fluidly connected via a pump. A first gripper comprises a fluid. The pump is adapted to inflate a second gripper by pumping the fluid from the first gripper to the second gripper. The grippers comprises a flexible member contained in a woven member. The flexible member provides fluid-tightness and the woven member provides the shape of the grippers.