Wellbore Logging Latching Assembly with Bias Spring

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Solution Overview

Problem

In oil and gas exploration, deviated wellbores and challenging geological formations make it difficult for logging tools to move downward, risking damage due to insufficient gravitational force and adverse conditions such as swelling or caving formations, and high fluid pressures.

Innovation Solution

A wellbore logging tool assembly with a bottom hole assembly featuring a landing sub and latch mechanism, including movable latching jaws and a bias spring to absorb impact energy, along with a magnetic switch for position sensing and additional battery sections for extended recording, enables reliable and safe conveyance and landing of logging tools.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If logging tools are lowered into deviated wellbores using conventional methods, then the tools can be deployed for data acquisition, but the tools risk damage due to insufficient gravitational force and adverse wellbore conditions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelogging tool deployment reliabilityVSAvoiddamage risk from wellbore conditions

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies beforehand cushioning by incorporating a latch mechanism with biasing springs that absorb impact energy during tool landing. The biasing spring is pre-loaded to cushion the logging tool string against the landing shoulder, protecting the tools from damage due to adverse wellbore conditions such as swelling formations, caving formations, and high fluid pressures mentioned in the background.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

2Ease of operation

If logging tools are conveyed downward using gravitational force, then the deployment process is simple, but the force is insufficient in deviated or horizontal wellbores

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedeployment simplicityVSAvoiddownward conveyance force

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSForce

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the anti-weight principle by using a latch mechanism that actively engages to hold the logging tool string in position against gravitational and wellbore resistance forces. The biasing spring provides a counteracting force to the insufficient gravitational force, enabling the tools to be conveyed and retained in deviated or horizontal wellbores where gravity alone is inadequate.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #8Anti-weight (Counterweight)

3Reliability

If a latch mechanism with bias spring is added to absorb impact energy, then the logging tools are protected from damage, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetool protection capabilityVSAvoidlatching mechanism complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies self-service by designing a latch mechanism that automatically engages and disengages without requiring external intervention. The biasing spring is configured to automatically cushion the logging tool string upon landing and can be released by applying force in the direction of movement, allowing the mechanism to serve itself through simple operational inputs rather than complex control systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

4Duration of action of moving object

If additional battery sections are added for extended recording, then the logging duration is increased, but the weight and device complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelogging recording durationVSAvoidtool string weight

Core Design Contradiction:

Duration of action of moving objectVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies segmentation by dividing the power source into multiple battery sections that can be individually added or removed. This allows the system to be configured with additional battery sections for extended recording duration while maintaining the ability to adjust the overall weight by selectively including or excluding battery modules based on mission requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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 reduces the risk of damage to logging tools, increases the speed and reliability of their movement into and out of wellbores, and allows for effective data acquisition in challenging conditions by ensuring proper positioning and power-up signaling for logging operations.

Implementation Method 1

latch mechanism, including movable latching jaws and a bias spring to absorb impact energy

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectImpact energy absorption: Damping

Implementation Method 2

a magnetic switch for position sensing

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic field sensing: Magnetic Field

Data Source

PatentUS9909376B2Latching assembly for wellbore logging tools and method of use

Publication Date: 2018.03.06 HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES INC

AI summary

A latching assembly for wellbore logging tools includes a bottom hole assembly to be disposed on a distal end of a drill string. The bottom hole assembly includes a landing sub having a bore with a latching mechanism that includes latch jaws and bias springs. The latch jaws can receive a landing shoulder. The biasing spring has a closing arm and an opening arm to respectively close and open the latch jaws. The bottom hole assembly includes a tool string that includes the landing shoulder for engaging with the latch jaw of the landing sub, the biasing spring, and a logging assembly that includes at least one logging tool for obtaining and storing data about at least one geologic formation penetrated by the wellbore.