Pipeline Pulling Tool With Retractable Propulsion for Horizontal Wells
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pulling tools for wellbores and pipelines are inefficient and complex, particularly when dealing with thin and flexible fiber optic cables or slick lines in horizontal wells, and require additional personnel and equipment due to their reliance on current-carrying cables, limiting their reach and increasing operational costs.
Innovation Solution
A compact, battery-powered pulling tool with a propulsion module featuring a tilting arm and propulsion wheel, driven by a brushless electric motor, which can be actuated between friction-reducing roller wheel sections to enhance reach in curved and horizontal wells without increasing complexity, and includes a pressure equalization module and sensors for autonomous operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a battery-powered pulling tool is used to pull fiber optic cables in horizontal wells, then the tool can operate without current-carrying cables and reduce personnel needs, but the tool must be lightweight and efficient to limit power consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The pulling tool employs a dynamic propulsion system with adjustable propulsion elements that can be activated at different positions along the tool body. This allows the tool to optimize its power consumption by engaging propulsion only when and where needed, rather than maintaining constant power output throughout operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The tool body is divided into multiple sections with distributed propulsion capabilities. Each section can independently generate propulsive force, allowing the system to segment the energy requirement and activate only the necessary sections based on the well configuration and resistance encountered, thereby reducing overall power consumption.
2Length of stationary object
If friction-reducing roller wheel sections are mounted on the tool string, then the tool can reach further into curved and horizontal wells, but the tool complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines friction-reducing roller wheel sections with propulsion elements into an integrated tool design. The rollers and propulsion mechanisms are merged into a unified structure that performs both functions simultaneously, reducing the need for separate components and thereby minimizing overall tool complexity while extending reach capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The tool sections are designed with multi-functionality, where each module serves multiple purposes. The roller wheel sections not only reduce friction but also provide structural support and can be integrated with propulsion elements, allowing a single component to fulfill multiple functions and reduce the total number of parts needed.
3Volume of moving object
If the pulling tool diameter is reduced to pass through small nipple profiles, then the tool can enter smaller wells, but the propulsion force and pulling capacity are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The tool employs local quality by concentrating propulsion force at specific locations rather than distributing it uniformly. The propulsion elements are positioned to generate high localized force at the tool front and at strategic points along the body, compensating for the reduced overall tool size and ensuring sufficient pulling capacity despite the smaller diameter.
Solution Approach 2:
The tool utilizes composite material construction with high-strength, lightweight materials that allow the tool to maintain structural integrity and generate sufficient propulsion force within a reduced diameter. The composite structure provides high strength-to-weight ratio, enabling the tool to be both compact and mechanically capable.
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 solution enables efficient and lightweight operation, allowing for deeper penetration into wells with reduced personnel and equipment needs, while maintaining mechanical efficiency and reducing friction, thus overcoming the limitations of existing tools.
Implementation Method 1
driven by a brushless electric motor
Implementation Method 2
friction-reducing roller wheel sections mounted on the tool string and rolling on the wellbore wall
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5
AI summary
The invention relates to a pipeline pulling tool having an elongate housing. First and second roller wheel sections (1) comprise at least two freely rotating roller wheels (3) extending out from a sidewall of the housing. An attachment for a tool string (20) is fixed to one of said roller wheel sections. A main section (6) with a retractable propulsion wheel (5) and at least one actuator for actuating the propulsion wheel (5) between an extended position out from the sidewall of the housing and a retracted position inside the housing is located between the first roller wheel section (1) and the second roller wheel section (2). The invention further relates to a method of actuating a pipeline pulling tool.