Nested Multi-Drift Tool for Single-Trip Wellbore Inspection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional drifting tools in oil and gas exploration can only pass through a single tubular size, requiring multiple runs and equipment changes, which is time-consuming and costly.

Innovation Solution

A multi-drift tool assembly that includes a primary drift tool and a secondary drift tool housed inside the primary tool, allowing for simultaneous or sequential use to inspect tubular profiles of varying sizes without the need for equipment changes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a single drift tool is used to inspect tubular profiles, then the device structure is simple, but multiple equipment changes and runs are required for different tubular sizes

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to inspect multiple tubular sizesVSAvoidstructure of drift tool assembly

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies nesting by placing a smaller drift tool inside a larger drift tool, allowing multiple drift tools of different sizes to be contained within a single assembly. This enables the inspection of multiple tubular sizes without requiring separate equipment changes, directly resolving the contradiction between adaptability and device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The multi-drift tool assembly is designed to perform multiple functions by incorporating drift tools of different sizes within a single assembly. This universal design allows the same assembly to inspect various tubular profiles, eliminating the need for multiple specialized tools and reducing overall device complexity while maintaining high adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple drift tools are used for different tubular sizes, then adaptability to various wellbore sections is improved, but the time required for equipment changes and multiple runs increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecompatibility with different tubular profilesVSAvoidrig time for equipment changes

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

By nesting multiple drift tools within a single assembly, the patent eliminates the need to change equipment between different tubular sizes. The drift tools can be sequentially deployed or simultaneously used depending on the wellbore configuration, significantly reducing the time lost to equipment changes and multiple runs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The drift tools are pre-configured within the assembly in a ready-to-deploy state, with release mechanisms prepared in advance. This preliminary preparation allows for rapid deployment when encountering different tubular profiles, minimizing the time required for equipment changes during the inspection process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Reliability

If multiple drift runs are conducted for different tubular sizes, then inspection coverage is improved, but operational costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinspection coverage of wellboreVSAvoidoperational cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The multi-drift tool assembly provides universal inspection capability across different tubular sizes within a single operational run. This eliminates the need for multiple separate inspection runs, reducing both the time and cost associated with operational changes while maintaining comprehensive inspection coverage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The nested configuration allows multiple drift tools to be deployed in a single continuous operation, enabling complete inspection coverage of varying tubular profiles without requiring multiple runs. This significantly reduces operational costs while maintaining high reliability of inspection coverage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Data Source

PatentUS12331636B2Smart multi drift tool

Publication Date: 2025.06.17 SAUDI ARABIAN OIL CO

AI summary

A method includes: releasing the multi-drift tool assembly into a wellbore that includes at least a first section and a second section, wherein the first section borders the second section from above the second section, wherein the first section is sized larger than the second section, and wherein the multi-drift tool assembly comprises at least one secondary drift tool housed inside a primary drift tool; advancing the multi-drift tool assembly down the wellbore and inside the first section; in response to determining that the multi-drift tool assembly has stopped, releasing the secondary drift tool from inside the primary drift tool; and advancing the secondary drift tool down the wellbore and inside the second section.