Movable Work Platform for Well Lubricator Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current systems for downhole well operations, particularly those involving manual intervention, face challenges in efficiency and safety due to the need for manual handling of tools and equipment, which can be risky and time-consuming.
Innovation Solution
A work platform with a movable support frame and a support tool that can engage a lubricator, allowing it to be vertically and horizontally supported, enabling the lubricator to be positioned accurately above the well pipe, facilitating safer and more efficient tool string insertion and retrieval.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual handling of tools and equipment is used in downhole well operations, then human operators can perform complex intervention tasks, but safety risks increase and operational efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The work platform serves as an intermediary between human operators and downhole equipment. It provides a stable, positioned platform that holds tools and equipment, reducing the need for operators to manually handle heavy or hazardous equipment while maintaining the ability to perform complex intervention tasks.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical handling with an automated positioning system. The movable support frame with actuators automatically positions the lubricator and tool strings, substituting manual mechanical operations with controlled mechanical automation, thereby improving safety while maintaining operational capability.
2Ease of operation
If manual handling of tools and equipment is used in downhole well operations, then human operators can perform complex intervention tasks, but operational time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The work platform acts as an intermediary that streamlines the operation flow. By pre-positioning tools and equipment on the movable support frame, it eliminates time-consuming manual handling and positioning steps, allowing operators to focus on decision-making while the platform handles positioning efficiently.
Solution Approach 2:
The movable support frame provides dynamic positioning capability, allowing the platform to move between advanced and retracted positions as needed. This dynamic adjustment optimizes operational flow by positioning equipment exactly where needed without manual intervention, improving overall operational efficiency.
3Device complexity
If a fixed positioning system is used for the lubricator, then positioning simplicity is maintained, but positioning precision and adaptability decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The support frame is designed to be movable between a retracted position and an advanced position where it intersects the well centre line. This dynamic positioning capability allows the system to achieve high positioning precision when needed while maintaining operational flexibility. The movability is controlled by actuators that provide precise positional control.
Solution Approach 2:
The work platform is designed with multi-functionality to work both with and without a wireline mast. The movable support frame can operate in different configurations, providing precise positioning when the advanced position is required, while maintaining simplicity in other operational modes. This universal design achieves precision without sacrificing adaptability.
Data Source
AI summary
A work platform (10) for use in well operations, the work platform (10) being configured for positioning above a well pipe (15), the work platform (10) having a support frame (12), a support tool (13) arranged on the support frame (12), the support tool (13) operable to engage a lubricator (14) and vertically and horizontally support the lubricator (14), wherein the support frame (12) is movable between an advanced position and a retracted position. There is also provided an assembly for carrying out well operations comprising a wireline mast (11), and methods of inserting and retrieving a tool string into or from a well pipe (15).