Pump Down Assist Apparatus for Wellbore Tool Transport
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current pump down methods in petroleum exploration face challenges as fluid flowing down the wellbore increases pressure below tools, hindering their movement by traveling faster and affecting tool transport.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus with an elongate body and diverter ring that redirects fluid flow, separating it into inner and outer paths, using a semi-toroidal surface to redirect fluid upward, creating turbulence and increased pressure to assist tool transport down the wellbore.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If fluid is pumped down the wellbore to transport tools, then tools can be delivered to location, but fluid pressure below the tool increases and hinders tool movement
Solution Approach 1:
The fluid flow is segmented into two separate paths: an outer path where fluid flows downward along the wellbore wall, and an inner path where fluid flows upward through the elongate body. This segmentation allows the downward fluid to transport the tool while the upward fluid counteracts the pressure buildup below the tool, resolving the contradiction between tool transport and pressure hindrance.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of allowing all fluid to flow downward which creates pressure below the tool, the invention inverts the flow direction in the inner path by redirecting fluid upward through the elongate body. This upward flow counterbalances the downward pressure, enabling efficient tool transport without excessive pressure buildup.
2Speed
If fluid flows faster down the wellbore, then transport speed increases, but pressure below tool increases and adversely affects tool movement
Solution Approach 1:
The fluid flow system is divided into outer and inner paths with different flow characteristics. The outer path allows fast downward flow for rapid tool transport, while the inner path provides upward flow to counteract pressure effects, thereby maintaining ease of tool movement despite high fluid speeds.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention inverts the conventional approach by introducing an upward-flowing inner path that counteracts the downward fluid pressure. This allows the system to maintain high fluid flow speeds for efficient transport while the upward flow prevents excessive pressure buildup that would hinder tool movement.
3Ease of operation
If upward fluid flow is created to counteract pressure, then tool movement is assisted, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The semi-toroidal surface provides a smooth curved transition that redirects fluid from downward to upward flow without requiring complex mechanical components. This geometric solution achieves the upward flow necessary for tool assistance while minimizing device complexity through elegant surface geometry rather than mechanical complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The elongate body acts as an intermediary structure that facilitates the upward flow path. By incorporating passages and a semi-toroidal surface into this single component, the invention creates the necessary upward flow to assist tool movement without requiring multiple separate complex components, thereby balancing ease of operation with acceptable device complexity.
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 apparatus effectively enhances the driving force for tool transport by managing fluid flow, allowing tools to move efficiently through the wellbore by maintaining high pressure and reducing resistance, especially during cleanouts and operations like coiled tubing fracturing.
Implementation Method 1
The return portion may have an arcuate path as defined along a longitudinal cross section. The arcuate path may be substantially semi-circular. The arcuate path may be defined by a semi-toroidal surface in the elongate body.
Implementation Method 2
redirecting the inner portion to flow upwards into the outer portion of the flow of the fluid
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus and method for assisting transportation of a tool down a wellbore. The apparatus comprises an elongate body having an exterior surface extending between top and bottom ends, a connector at the bottom end operable to be secured above the tool and at least one passage formed into the exterior surface defining a first flow path having an entrance and an exit oriented towards the top end of the elongate body. The method comprises securing the elongate body to a top end of a tool in a wellbore, directing a flow of fluid down the wellbore to a position above the elongate body, separating the flow of the fluid into an inner portion and an outer portion through radially separated paths and redirecting the inner portion to flow upwards into the outer portion of the flow of the fluid.