Multi-Diameter Thrust Cup for Downhole Tool Conveyance
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for conveying downhole tools through non-vertical wells face challenges due to insufficient fluid drag when the inner diameter of the drill pipe is significantly larger than the outer diameter of the downhole tool, leading to issues like abrasion, potential failure, and inability to overcome frictional forces.
Innovation Solution
A multi-diameter thrust device is introduced, featuring one or more thrust cups with first and second axial end hubs and a plurality of bowsprings disposed circumferentially. The device is designed to receive a flow of fluid at one end and block it at the other, generating thrust while collapsing radially to adjust to varying conduit diameters.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If fluid drag is used to propel the downhole tool through drill pipe, then the downhole tool can be conveyed through non-vertical wells, but the fluid drag is insufficient when the inner diameter of the drill pipe is significantly larger than the outer diameter of the downhole tool
Solution Approach 1:
The thrust cup is designed with a collapsible structure that can dynamically adjust its outer diameter to match the inner diameter of the drill pipe. This dynamic adaptation allows the thrust cup to maintain optimal contact with the drill pipe wall across varying annular cross sections, ensuring sufficient fluid drag is generated regardless of the drill pipe size.
Solution Approach 2:
The thrust cup's outer diameter parameter is made variable through its collapsible design. By changing the diameter parameter to match different drill pipe inner diameters, the system adapts to varying annular cross sections and maintains adequate fluid drag for effective downhole tool conveyance.
2Productivity
If rapid travel of downhole tool conveyance is used to increase productivity, then conveyance speed is improved, but abrasion and potential failure of the conveyance system increase
Solution Approach 1:
The thrust cup is constructed as a flexible collapsible structure that can adapt its shape and size. This flexibility allows it to conform to the drill pipe inner diameter, distributing contact forces more evenly and reducing localized abrasion during rapid conveyance operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The collapsible nature of the thrust cup allows it to dynamically adjust during conveyance, maintaining optimal contact with the drill pipe wall. This dynamic adaptation reduces impact forces and abrasion during rapid travel, improving reliability while maintaining high productivity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the thrust cup structure is made more complex to adjust to varying conduit diameters, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The thrust cup is divided into multiple segments or elements that can collapse independently. This segmentation allows the structure to adapt to varying diameters through a series of simple, discrete movements rather than requiring a complex continuous adjustment mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The thrust cup employs a dynamic collapsible structure that passively adapts to varying conduit diameters through elastic deformation or mechanical collapse of its segments. This dynamic design achieves adaptability without requiring complex active control systems or multiple adjustable components.
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 multi-diameter thrust device effectively addresses the limitations of conventional methods by providing sufficient thrust to convey downhole tools through wells with varying diameters, reducing the risk of abrasion and failure, and enhancing the ability to overcome frictional forces.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of bowsprings. Each bowspring of the plurality of bowsprings includes a first axial end portion coupled to the first axial end hub and a second axial end portion coupled to the second axial end hub
Implementation Method 2
pumping fluid into the drill pipe to push the downhole tool along the non-vertical section of the well, taking advantage of fluid drag to propel the downhole tool forward
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments described herein provide a multi-diameter thrust device that includes one or more thrust cups. Each thrust cup of the one or more thrust cups includes a first axial end hub disposed at a first axial end of the thrust cup; a second axial end hub disposed at a second axial end of the thrust cup; and a plurality of bowsprings. The thrust device is coupled to a wheel arrangement to limit an outer diameter of the one or more thrust cups.