Modular Well Tool Interchangeable Adapter Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing well tools are either full-featured and expensive, with features that may never be used, or specialized and limited to specific operating conditions, requiring multiple tools to be manufactured and inventoried to meet various conditions.
Innovation Solution
A modular well tool system with interchangeable adapter components that can be changed between set and unset states, allowing for different functionalities such as wireline and tubing operations, sensor integration, and other features like fiber optic communications and laser induced breakdown spectroscopy, without the need for multiple specialized tools.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If full-featured well tools are used to operate under all operating conditions, then versatility is improved, but cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The well tool system is divided into a base tool and separate interchangeable adapter components. Each adapter provides specific functionality for different operating conditions (wireline, coiled tubing, tubing operations). This segmentation allows the base tool to be manufactured once, with multiple specialized adapters created separately and attached as needed, reducing the cost of manufacturing full-featured tools while maintaining versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The base tool is designed with a universal adapter component engaging portion that can accept multiple types of adapters. This universal interface allows a single base tool to perform multiple functions by simply changing the adapter, eliminating the need to manufacture separate specialized tools for each operating condition and thereby reducing overall manufacturing costs.
2Ease of manufacture
If specialized well tools are manufactured for specific operating conditions, then cost for each tool is reduced, but device complexity increases due to multiple tools required
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple specialized tool functionalities are merged into a single base tool through the use of interchangeable adapters. Instead of maintaining separate specialized tools in inventory, the system combines all specialized functions into adapter components that can be attached to the same base tool, simplifying inventory management while keeping individual tool costs low.
Solution Approach 2:
The base tool is designed as a universal platform that can be configured for different operating conditions by attaching the appropriate adapter. This universality eliminates the need to manufacture and inventory multiple specialized tools, reducing device complexity while maintaining the ability to address specific operating conditions cost-effectively.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple specialized well tools are manufactured to meet various operating conditions, then adaptability is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the well tool into a base tool and separate adapters, each optimized for specific functions. This segmentation allows each component to be manufactured with appropriate precision levels for its specific purpose, rather than requiring the entire tool to meet the highest precision requirements for all possible operations, thereby reducing overall manufacturing precision requirements while maintaining adaptability.
Data Source
AI summary
A well tool is adapted to couple to at least one of a wireline service tool and a tubing string and has an adapter component engaging portion adapted to couple to an adapter component. At least a first and a second interchangeable adapter components are operable to couple to the adapter component engaging portion. The first adapter component is adapted to perform a first function and the second adapter component is adapted to perform a second function.