Replaceable Running Tool Cartridge for Wellbore Wall Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wellbore operations face challenges with expensive replacement running tools and long lead times for repairs, leading to non-productive time, high costs, and delays due to insufficient protection and potential dislodgment of components within the wellbore.
Innovation Solution
A replaceable cartridge system is developed for running tools, featuring a cartridge that circumferentially surrounds the running tool, with a larger outer diameter to preferentially contact wellbore walls, reducing the risk of damage to the running tool. The cartridge includes a retrieval shoulder for engaging wellbore components and a coupling slot for secure installation and retrieval.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a running tool is used to engage wellbore walls during operations, then wellbore operations can be performed, but the running tool may be damaged by contact with wellbore walls
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the disposable principle by using a sacrificial cartridge that is intentionally designed to be consumed or damaged during wellbore operations. The cartridge includes a contact surface that preferentially contacts wellbore walls, protecting the expensive running tool from damage. When the cartridge is damaged or worn, it is replaced rather than repaired, embodying the concept of using a cheap, replaceable component to protect a valuable one.
Solution Approach 2:
The cartridge serves as an intermediary between the running tool and the wellbore environment. It includes a contact surface that extends beyond the running tool's outer diameter, creating a protective barrier that absorbs contact with wellbore walls. This intermediary component transfers the mechanical interaction from the running tool to itself, preventing direct damage to the running tool while enabling wellbore operations to proceed.
2Reliability
If replacement running tools are used after damage, then operational capability is restored, but costs are prohibitively expensive and lead times are long
Solution Approach 1:
The running tool system is segmented into two distinct components: the expensive, durable running tool body and the cheaper, replaceable cartridge. This segmentation allows the cartridge to be independently replaced when damaged, while the running tool body remains intact and reusable. The cartridge can be quickly swapped at the wellsite without requiring complex repairs or moving the entire running tool assembly, significantly reducing non-productive time and costs associated with tool replacement.
3Reliability
If existing protection components are used, then some protection is provided, but they may be dislodged within the wellbore causing additional non-productive time
Solution Approach 1:
The cartridge is designed with a curved outer surface that includes a contact surface extending beyond the running tool's diameter. This curved geometry allows the cartridge to maintain continuous contact with the wellbore wall during operations, preventing dislodgment. The spherical/curved profile distributes mechanical loads evenly and ensures the protection component remains positioned against the wellbore wall throughout tripping operations, eliminating the dislodgment issues associated with flat or irregularly shaped protection components.
Data Source
AI summary
A wellbore system includes a running tool and a cartridge. The running tool includes a slot extending radially into the running tool and a load shoulder. The cartridge is configured to couple to the running tool and circumferentially surrounds the running tool about a tool axis. The cartridge includes an opening extending radially into the cartridge, a coupling slot arranged along an outer profile of the cartridge, and a contact face. The cartridge is positioned on the load shoulder such that the load shoulder blocks axial downward movement of the cartridge along the tool axis and the cartridge is coupled to the running tool via one or more keys extending into both the opening and the slot.