Pressure-Equalized Wireline Apparatus Motor Placement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing well intervention technologies face challenges in managing back-pressure and maintaining precise control of wireline tools due to the need for dynamic seals and rotating shafts, which can lead to inefficiencies and safety concerns, especially when transitioning between different operational states of a well.
Innovation Solution
A wireline apparatus with an electrical motor inside a pressure vessel, eliminating the need for dynamic seals and allowing precise control of wireline tension and positioning, while also incorporating features for purging oxygen and pressure testing to ensure safe operation in hazardous environments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If a dynamic pressure seal and rotating shaft are used to pass mechanical motion through the pressure envelope, then mechanical motion can be transferred from outside to inside the pressure envelope, but back-pressure is exerted on the wireline and the seal complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical rotating shaft and dynamic pressure seal system with an electrical motor positioned inside the pressure envelope that drives a hoisting means through a non-rotating drive shaft. This substitution eliminates the need for complex dynamic seals while maintaining mechanical motion transfer capability, as the electrical motor can be directly coupled to the hoisting mechanism without requiring rotation across the pressure barrier.
2Power
If a rotating shaft is used to transfer mechanical motion through the pressure envelope, then drive power can be transmitted inside the pressure envelope, but the back-pressure exerted by the well offsets and complicates exact metering of weight on wire
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the rotating shaft transmission system with an electrical motor inside the pressure envelope that drives a non-rotating drive shaft connected to the hoisting means. This eliminates the rotating seal that caused back-pressure, allowing for precise measurement of weight on wire without interference from seal back-pressure, while still enabling effective drive power transmission to the hoisting mechanism.
3Ease of operation
If lubrication lengths and packers are used between the well and ambient pressure, then the wireline can pass through the pressure envelope, but safety is compromised and the system becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates the need for lubrication lengths and packers by using an electrical motor positioned inside the pressure envelope that drives the hoisting means directly through a non-rotating drive shaft. This substitution removes the rotating seal interface that required lubrication and packing, thereby improving safety by eliminating potential leak paths while maintaining ease of wireline passage through the pressure envelope.
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 precise and safe operation of wireline tools across varying well states, reducing the risk of explosions and ensuring compliance with hazardous area requirements, while maintaining efficient pressure containment and tool positioning.
Implementation Method 1
an electrical motor for driving the hoisting means, the electrical motor being placed inside the second compartment
Data Source
AI summary
A wireline apparatus is for moving a tool into or out of a well. The apparatus is configured for forming a pressure vessel in combination with at least a portion of the well. The apparatus has: a first compartment for forming part of the pressure vessel; a hoisting means, the hoisting means being placed inside the first compartment; a wireline connected to the hoisting means; a second compartment arranged inside the first compartment; an electrical motor for driving the hoisting means, the electrical motor placed inside the second compartment; and a drive shaft for connecting the motor to the hoisting means, the drive shaft extending from the motor to the hoisting means through a wall separating the first compartment and second compartment. A method is for moving the tool in the well.