Pulling Tool with Integrated Bailer for Subsea Crown Plug Removal

Solution Overview

Problem

The existing methods for removing crown plugs from subsea wells are inefficient due to the need for multiple trips downhole to clear debris from the fish neck, which increases operation time and costs.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating a bailer feature into pulling tools that allows for the clearing of debris during the initial run, eliminating the need for separate trips by using a bailer chamber to draw debris into the tool and then applying force to dislodge the crown plug.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If multiple trips downhole are made to clear debris and remove crown plug, then the fish neck can be cleared of debris and the plug can be removed, but the operation time and costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedebris clearance effectivenessVSAvoidoperation time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the debris removal function and the crown plug removal function into a single integrated tool assembly. The bailer component removes debris from the fish neck during the first run, and the same tool assembly then proceeds to remove the crown plug in the same run, eliminating the need for separate trips downhole for each operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The tool assembly is designed with multi-functionality, serving both as a bailer for debris removal and as a pulling tool for crown plug removal. This universal tool performs multiple functions that previously required separate specialized tools and multiple trips, thereby reducing operation time while maintaining effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If multiple trips downhole are made to clear debris and remove crown plug, then the fish neck can be cleared of debris and the plug can be removed, but the operation costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedebris clearance effectivenessVSAvoidoperation efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the debris removal function and the crown plug removal function into a single integrated tool assembly. The bailer component removes debris from the fish neck during the first run, and the same tool assembly then proceeds to remove the crown plug in the same run, eliminating the need for separate trips downhole for each operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The tool assembly is designed with multi-functionality, serving both as a bailer for debris removal and as a pulling tool for crown plug removal. This universal tool performs multiple functions that previously required separate specialized tools and multiple trips, thereby reducing operation time while maintaining effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Reliability

If separate bailer tool and pulling tool are used, then debris can be cleared and crown plug can be removed, but the device complexity and number of tools increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedebris clearance effectivenessVSAvoidnumber of tools

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the debris removal function and the crown plug removal function into a single integrated tool assembly. The bailer component removes debris from the fish neck during the first run, and the same tool assembly then proceeds to remove the crown plug in the same run, eliminating the need for separate trips downhole for each operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The tool assembly is designed with multi-functionality, serving both as a bailer for debris removal and as a pulling tool for crown plug removal. This universal tool performs multiple functions that previously required separate specialized tools and multiple trips, thereby reducing operation time while maintaining effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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

This approach reduces the number of trips downhole, thereby decreasing operation time and costs, and enhances the efficiency of well maintenance operations by integrating debris removal with the pulling process.

Implementation Method 1

a bailer chamber in fluid communication with an exterior of the tool through an opening in the distal end of the tool engagement assembly

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSuction: Suction

Data Source

PatentUS11174692B2Crown plug pulling tool with bailer feature

Publication Date: 2021.11.16 HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES INC

AI summary

This disclosure relates generally to pulling tools and, more particularly, to incorporating a bailer feature in pulling tools. A pulling tool may be provided that includes a housing. The pulling tool may further include a tool engagement assembly securing in the housing with a distal end of the tool engagement assembly extending from the housing for engagement with a well tool. The pulling tool may further include a bailer chamber formed in the tool engagement assembly and in fluid communication with an exterior of the pulling tool through an opening in the distal end of the tool engagement assembly. The pulling tool may further include a valve positioned in the opening of the tool engagement assembly.