RAU Wellhead Launch System for Active-Well Logging and Tool Deployment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current autonomous robot systems for oil and gas well operations lack the capability to safely perform logging and equipment installation/uninstallation in active wells with varying diameters and completion types, including open-hole or cased wells, and do not ensure well safety during operations.
Innovation Solution
An operational system for launching, managing, and controlling an autonomous robot unit (RAU) equipped with a power-driven traction unit, processing and control unit, battery supply, buoyancy compensation, and sensors, allowing it to self-adjust to varying well diameters and perform logging and equipment operations without withdrawing the Christmas Tree, while ensuring well safety through a rescue system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional wireline logging method is used, then logging operations can be performed in wells, but the method cannot safely operate in active wells with varying diameters and completion types without withdrawing the Christmas Tree
Solution Approach 1:
The robot autonomous unit incorporates a power-driven traction unit with self-adjusting capability to adapt to varying well diameters dynamically during operation. The unit can change its configuration and traction mechanism settings to match different well conditions without requiring well intervention or Christmas Tree withdrawal.
Solution Approach 2:
The robot autonomous unit is designed as a universal system capable of performing multiple functions including logging, equipment installation, and uninstallation across different well types (open-hole, cased, varying diameters) and completion configurations, replacing the need for specialized wireline operations for each scenario.
2Productivity
If wireline or coiled tubing is used for logging operations, then data collection can be performed, but production or injection must be interrupted
Solution Approach 1:
The robot autonomous unit enables continuous logging operations and equipment installation/uninstallation while the well remains in production or injection mode. The unit operates independently within the wellbore without requiring well shutdown, maintaining continuous hydrocarbon flow or fluid injection throughout the operation.
3Extent of automation
If autonomous robot systems are deployed, then operations can be performed without wireline or coiled tubing, but the systems lack capability to safely operate in active wells with varying diameters
Solution Approach 1:
The robot autonomous unit is equipped with self-adjusting capabilities including automatic diameter detection and adaptation, autonomous navigation through varying well sections, and self-regulation of traction forces. The unit monitors its own operational parameters and adjusts its configuration to maintain safe and effective operation in active wells with varying diameters and completion types.
Data Source
AI summary
An operational system for an oil well wellhead for launching, managing and controlling a robotic autonomous unit (RAU) is described, said system comprising a) main body for housing said RAU, a lower safety valve, an upper safety valve, a connector for connection with the well head and an end cap for communication with said RAU; b) a PMD unit for programming, managing and data collection; and c) at the ground surface, a unit for remote transmission and reception, for receiving information collected by said PMD unit. The method for well logging with the aid of said operational system is also described.