Downhole Tool Navigation for Multi-Lateral Well Logging
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current technologies are unable to perform production logging in lateral wellbores of multi-lateral wells, limiting the diagnosis of production-related issues due to inaccessibility by existing production logging tools.
Innovation Solution
A downhole tool coupled to coiled tubing is used to locate and extend into lateral wellbores, equipped with sensors for measuring pressure, temperature, and flow rate, and a sonde for transmitting data to the surface, enabling production logging by correlating measurements to depth using tools like casing collar locators and gamma ray tools.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If existing production logging tools are used, then the tools can operate in conventional wellbores, but they cannot access lateral wellbores to perform production logging
Solution Approach 1:
The bottom-hole assembly is divided into multiple sections with different functions: a first section for navigating the main wellbore and a second section for navigating lateral wellbores. This segmentation allows the tool to adapt to different wellbore configurations while maintaining reliable production logging capability in each section.
Solution Approach 2:
The bottom-hole assembly incorporates movable or adjustable components that allow it to dynamically adapt its configuration based on the wellbore structure. The assembly can change its operational mode to navigate between main wellbores and lateral wellbores, enabling access to previously inaccessible areas while maintaining logging reliability.
2Ease of operation
If the bottom-hole assembly is oriented to enter lateral wellbores, then production logging can be performed, but orientation control becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces intermediary components in the bottom-hole assembly that facilitate orientation control. These intermediary elements act as mediators between the tool's navigation capabilities and the lateral wellbore entry requirement, simplifying the orientation process while maintaining ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical orientation systems with alternative methods such as magnetic or electronic orientation control mechanisms. This substitution reduces the mechanical complexity of the bottom-hole assembly while maintaining or improving ease of operation for lateral wellbore entry.
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 accurate production logging in lateral wellbores, allowing for the determination of production origins and rates, thereby facilitating the diagnosis of production issues within multi-lateral wells.
Implementation Method 1
a sonde operable to transmit measurement data resulting from the production logging from the downhole tool over a communications link to the wellsite surface
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatus, systems, and methods operable to perform production logging of a lateral wellbore of a multi-lateral well. For example, a downhole tool is conveyed into a main wellbore of a multi-lateral well via coiled tubing. A component of the downhole tool is used to locate a lateral wellbore extending from the main wellbore, and then the downhole tool is conveyed into the lateral wellbore via the coiled tubing. Production logging data is then obtained with the downhole tool in the lateral wellbore.