Milling Millable Logging Tool Housing to Retrieve Source Element

Solution Overview

Problem

Current well evaluation operations are hindered by logging tools getting stuck in the wellbore, requiring extensive and time-consuming retrieval processes using rigs and piping, which pause evaluations for several days and pose risks with specialized equipment like radioactive materials.

Innovation Solution

A system and method involving a logging tool made of non-metallic materials that can be easily milled through by a metallic milling tool, allowing for the retrieval of stuck tools and sensitive source elements without large conveyance mechanisms, using a milling tool with a drill bit head to expose and extract the source element from the wellbore.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If logging tools are retrieved using rigs and piping, then the source element can be safely retrieved, but the evaluation process is paused for several days

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesafe retrieval of source elementVSAvoidevaluation pause duration

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The logging tool is divided into separable components: the source element can be independently retrieved from the tool body. The milling tool creates a through-hole in the tool body, allowing the source element to be extracted and retrieved separately through the conveyance mechanism, while the tool body remains in the wellbore.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The source element is extracted from the logging tool body by milling through the tool housing. The milling tool creates an opening in the tool body, allowing the source element to be removed and retrieved through the conveyance mechanism without requiring retrieval of the entire logging tool assembly.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Reliability

If the entire logging tool is retrieved using rigs and piping, then the source element is safely recovered, but specialized equipment and complex operations are required

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesource element recoveryVSAvoidretrieval operation complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The source element is extracted from the logging tool body by milling through the tool housing. The milling tool creates an opening in the tool body, allowing the source element to be removed and retrieved through the conveyance mechanism without requiring retrieval of the entire logging tool assembly.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The logging tool body is made of a millable material (such as polymer or composite) that can be easily removed by the milling tool, while the source element is contained in a separate chamber. This local material property difference allows selective removal of the tool body to access the source element.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Loss of time

If the logging tool is milled through to retrieve the source element, then retrieval time is reduced, but the logging tool must be made of millable material

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveretrieval operation timeVSAvoidlogging tool material constraints

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of timeVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The logging tool body is made of a millable material (such as polymer or composite) that can be easily removed by the milling tool, while the source element is contained in a separate chamber. This local material property difference allows selective removal of the tool body to access the source element.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The logging tool employs asymmetric material selection: the tool body housing is made of millable material for easy removal, while the source element chamber and critical components use different materials with appropriate properties. This asymmetric design enables the milling operation to selectively remove only the tool body.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #4Asymmetry

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

This approach minimizes non-productive time, reduces the risk of sidetracking, and safely retrieves sensitive equipment by drilling through the logging tool to a predetermined depth, allowing for direct extraction of the source element without the need for large-scale retrieval operations, thus maintaining well integrity and efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

a drill bit head made of a second material, the drill bit head is configured for milling through the first material

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAbrasion: Abrasion

Data Source

PatentUS11598199B2System and method for retrieving a source element from a logging tool located in a well

Publication Date: 2023.03.07 SAUDI ARABIAN OIL CO

AI summary

A system for retrieving a source element from a well may include a logging tool made of a first material, a milling tool, and a control device. The logging tool may include a cylindrical housing having a central chamber housing the source element and extending through a portion of the cylindrical housing along a central axis thereof. The logging tool may include a first communication device mounted on the cylindrical housing. The milling tool may include a tubing mounting structure that secures the milling tool to a tubing of the well. The milling tool may include a drill bit head made of a second material, the drill bit head may be configured for milling through the first material. The control device may include a second communication device configured to communicate with the first communication device.