Well Logging Instrument Deployment Tool with Regenerative Braking

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing well logging instruments face challenges in controlling the speed of movement within conduits, particularly in vertical or highly inclined wellbores, where gravity is insufficient to facilitate adequate movement.

Innovation Solution

A deployment device featuring a mandrel with a controllable brake and motorized traction wheels, allowing for controlled speed regulation and motive power to move the instrument along the conduit, utilizing induction motors and regenerative braking to maintain a selected speed.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Speed

If gravity is used to move the well logging instrument in vertical wellbores, then the instrument can be deployed, but the speed control is insufficient and movement is inadequate in highly inclined wellbores

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemovement speed of instrumentVSAvoidspeed controllability

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the purely gravitational mechanical system with an electromechanical system. Induction motors are installed on the well logging instrument to provide powered movement through the conduit, substituting reliance on gravity with controllable electromagnetic motorization. This enables speed control and movement capability in highly inclined wellbores where gravity is insufficient.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the operational parameters of the instrument by adding motorized propulsion capability. The instrument can now operate with variable speed control through motor activation, transitioning from passive gravitational movement to active motorized movement with controllable speed parameters, enabling operation in various wellbore inclinations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Ease of operation

If induction motors are added to the instrument for powered movement, then speed control is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvespeed control capabilityVSAvoidinstrument structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The induction motors serve multiple functions: they provide powered movement through the conduit, enable speed control, and can potentially serve as generators during retrieval. This multi-functionality justifies the added complexity by providing several operational capabilities from a single added component.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The regenerative braking system allows the instrument to self-charge during deployment by converting kinetic energy back into electrical energy to recharge batteries. This self-service capability reduces the need for external power sources and extends operational autonomy, offsetting the complexity of adding motorized systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Loss of energy

If regenerative braking is implemented to recover energy, then energy efficiency is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenergy recovery capabilityVSAvoidbraking system structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of energyVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The braking system is merged with the induction motors themselves. The same motors that provide powered movement also function as generators during regenerative braking, eliminating the need for separate braking components. This integration reduces overall system complexity while maintaining energy recovery capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The system converts the harmful effect of kinetic energy dissipation during braking into a beneficial energy recovery process. The regenerative braking captures energy that would otherwise be lost, converting it back into electrical energy to recharge batteries, thus transforming energy waste into energy recovery.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

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

Enables precise control over the movement speed of well logging instruments within conduits, ensuring effective deployment and retrieval, even in challenging wellbore orientations, by combining motorized traction with regenerative braking.

Implementation Method 1

utilizing induction motors

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

regenerative braking

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS7549471B2Deployment tool for well logging instruments conveyed through the interior of a pipe string

Publication Date: 2009.06.23 SCHLUMBERGER TECH CORP

AI summary

A deployment device for controlling rate of movement of an instrument inside a conduit includes a mandrel having a coupling to affix the deployment device to the instrument and a controllable brake disposed in the mandrel, the brake controllably actuatable to maintain the mandrel and instrument at a selected speed within the conduit.