Integrated Downhole Logging and Production Tool
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for logging a wellbore below a hydrocarbon production unit, such as those using Y-tools, require mobilizing a logging crew, leading to non-productive time and high costs due to scheduling and crew availability issues, especially when a Y-tool is installed, limiting economical data acquisition for production planning.
Innovation Solution
A downhole tool that integrates a production unit and a logging unit, allowing simultaneous production and logging operations, with a cable spooler and sensors to record parameters like resistivity, conductivity, pressure, and temperature, enabling independent operation and reducing the need for separate logging crews.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a Y-tool is installed to access the reservoir for logging purposes, then logging capability is enabled, but non-productive time and costs increase due to crew mobilization requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the logging unit with the production unit into a single integrated downhole tool assembly. The logging unit, which includes logging sensors and a cable spooler, is directly coupled to the production unit, allowing both production and logging operations to be performed simultaneously from a single deployment, eliminating the need for separate Y-tool installations and crew mobilizations
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated downhole tool assembly serves multiple functions: it can perform production operations through the production unit and logging operations through the logging unit simultaneously. This multi-functional design allows the same tool to replace both the production equipment and separate logging equipment, eliminating non-productive time associated with crew mobilization
2Loss of information
If a logging crew is mobilized to perform logging operations, then reservoir data can be acquired, but costs increase due to scheduling and crew availability constraints
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the logging unit with the production unit into a single integrated assembly that can be deployed together. The logging unit includes sensors and a cable spooler mechanism that operates independently within the integrated tool, allowing data acquisition without requiring separate logging crew mobilization and reducing operational complexity
3Loss of information
If separate logging operations are performed after production setup, then comprehensive reservoir data is collected, but productivity decreases due to additional non-productive time
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated downhole tool assembly enables continuous useful action by allowing production and logging operations to occur simultaneously. The production unit continues producing while the logging unit collects reservoir data through its sensors, eliminating idle time between production setup and logging operations, thereby maintaining continuous productivity
Solution Approach 2:
By merging production and logging capabilities into a single tool assembly, the patent enables both functions to operate concurrently, ensuring comprehensive data collection without interrupting production operations, thus maintaining high productivity while achieving complete reservoir characterization
Data Source
AI summary
A downhole tool to log a horizontal or deviated wellbore includes a production unit and a logging unit. The production unit can fluidly couple to a production tubing positioned in a wellbore that includes a vertical portion and a horizontal portion. The production unit can be positioned in the vertical portion. The logging unit is coupled to a downhole end of the production unit. The logging unit includes a tractor and logging sensors. The tractor can detach from the logging unit and carry the sensors through the wellbore downhole of the production unit and into the horizontal portion. The sensors can perform logging operations within the wellbore, and the tractor can carry the sensors back to the logging unit. The tractor can be reattached to the logging unit.