Pump Down Intervention Dart for Post-Deployment Well Tooling

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Solution Overview

Problem

Well systems often require additional tools like agitator or check valves post-deployment downhole, but initial designs may not include them, and existing tools can become inoperable during the well's lifetime, necessitating a method to introduce these tools without removing the work string.

Innovation Solution

A dart system that can be pumped downhole through a tubing string, equipped with various tools such as check valves or agitator tools, which can be locked in place and provide functionality without initial installation on the work string, allowing for post-deployment intervention.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If additional tools are included in the initial work string design, then the well system has the required functionality from the start, but the length and cost of the BHA increase

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovefunctionalityVSAvoidBHA length
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLength of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The invention divides the tool system into two parts: the base work string and separate intervention tools (darts) that can be independently deployed. This segmentation allows the work string to remain compact while functionality is added through separate tool deployments when needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The intervention tools (darts) are designed to be pumped inside the existing work string, nesting the additional functionality within the existing structure. This allows tools to be added without increasing the external dimensions of the deployed system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Adaptability or versatility

If the work string is removed from the wellbore to replace or add tools, then the tool functionality can be updated, but operational time and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetool functionalityVSAvoidoperational time
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system transitions from a static work string configuration to a dynamic one where tools can be added, removed, or replaced while the work string remains in place. The dart tools are designed for easy deployment and retrieval, enabling functional updates without complete system removal.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The dart tools serve as intermediary elements that can be introduced into the work string to provide additional functionality. These intermediate tools can be deployed independently and do not require removal of the main work string system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Adaptability or versatility

If tools are initially installed on the work string, then the required functionality is available, but the device complexity and initial cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverequired functionalityVSAvoidBHA complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The work string is prepared in advance with the capability to receive dart tools, but the actual tools are deployed only when needed. This preliminary preparation maintains simplicity initially while enabling complexity only when required for specific operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The work string is designed with universal compatibility to accept different types of dart tools for various functions. This multi-functionality approach allows a single base system to support multiple tool types without requiring separate specialized configurations for each function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP3980625B1Pump down intervention tool and assembly
Publication Date: 2025.03.26 HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES INC
  • EP3980625B1 patent drawingFigure 1A
  • EP3980625B1 patent drawingFigure 1B
  • EP3980625B1 patent drawingFigure 2

AI summary

A pump down intervention tool may be pumped downhole through a work string after an installation of the work string. The pump down intervention tool may include a downhole tool that includes but is not limited to an agitator tool, including but not limited to a fluidic pulsation device, or a check valve. The pump down intervention tool may be pumped downhole in the work string, for example but not limited to in a coiled tubing or jointed pipes. The pump down intervention tool may be landed at a desired location along a length of the work string. The pump down intervention tool can allow for the addition of a downhole tool after the work string's initial deployment, providing a desired functionality downhole at time after the initial deployment of the work string downhole.