Internal Wireline Drill Pipe for Rotating Wellbore Logging

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional wireline cables deployed externally on drill pipe strings face challenges such as exposure to drilling fluid, synchronization issues, and risk of damage due to rotation, leading to inefficiencies and increased costs in logging operations.

Innovation Solution

Drill pipe segments equipped with internal wireline cables and flow guides that protect the cables from drilling fluid and allow for axial movement and rotation, enabling secure signal transmission and fluid flow without external cable exposure.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the wireline cable is deployed externally along the drill pipe string, then the cable can be connected to the logging tool, but the cable is exposed to drilling fluid which limits the pumping rate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecable protectionVSAvoiddrilling fluid pumping rate

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The wireline cable is nested within the drill pipe string, specifically routed through the hollow interior of the drill pipe. This nesting configuration protects the cable from external drilling fluid exposure while allowing drilling fluid to be pumped through the annulus between the drill pipe and wellbore casing at unrestricted rates, thereby resolving the contradiction between cable protection and pumping rate.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Adaptability or versatility

If the wireline cable is positioned externally, then it can be connected to the logging tool, but the drill pipe string cannot be rotated during tripping as rotation would damage the cable

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedrill pipe rotation capabilityVSAvoidcable integrity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The wireline cable is nested within the hollow interior of the drill pipe string, which allows the drill pipe to be rotated freely during tripping operations without exposing or damaging the cable. The cable remains protected inside the pipe while the pipe rotates externally, enabling versatile drill pipe manipulation while maintaining cable integrity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The drill pipe string is segmented into multiple joints with threaded connections, allowing the pipe to be assembled and disassembled. The wireline cable passes through these segments internally, enabling the pipe to be rotated and manipulated in tight wellbore regions while the cable remains protected within each segment's hollow interior.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Reliability

If the wireline cable is deployed externally, then it can reach the logging tool, but the cable may be damaged due to friction when squeezed between the drill pipe string and casing

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecable protectionVSAvoidcable routing complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The wireline cable is nested within the hollow interior of the drill pipe string, eliminating the need for the cable to be squeezed between the pipe and casing. This internal routing protects the cable from friction damage while simplifying the overall system by removing the need for external cable support structures and side-entry subs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

4Reliability

If the wireline cable is connected through a side-entry sub, then the cable can be inserted into the drill pipe string, but significant time and costs are incurred for cable replacement when damage occurs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecable protectionVSAvoidoperational downtime

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The wireline cable is nested within the drill pipe string from the beginning, eliminating the need for complex side-entry sub assemblies and external cable routing. This integrated configuration protects the cable throughout its entire length, preventing friction damage and eliminating the need for time-consuming cable replacements, thereby significantly reducing operational downtime and costs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Data Source

PatentUS11274549B2Logging operations in oil and gas applications

Publication Date: 2022.03.15 SAUDI ARABIAN OIL CO

AI summary

A method of performing a logging operation at a wellbore includes providing first and second pipe segments respectively including a first internal electrical cable and a second internal electrical cable, connecting a first end of the first internal electrical cable to a wireline cable of a logging tool to form a drill pipe string, lowering the drill pipe string, including the logging tool and the first pipe segment, into the wellbore, connecting a first end of the second internal electrical cable to a second end of the first internal electrical cable to add the second pipe segment to the drill pipe string, lowering the drill pipe string, including the logging tool, the first pipe segment, and the second pipe segment, into the wellbore, and connecting a second end of the second internal electrical cable to a surface logging unit to couple the surface logging unit to the drill pipe string.