Rotating Annular Body Tool String Transportation Device
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Solution Overview
Problem
In wireline logging operations, tool strings face challenges in descending deviated wells due to friction and lack of control, especially in cased-hole logging where space constraints limit the effectiveness of wheeled devices, leading to delays and increased costs.
Innovation Solution
A device comprising a single unitary mandrel with inline connections, an annular body rotationally mounted to the mandrel, and large diameter wheels with a collar system that allows the annular body to freely rotate, reducing friction and enabling better control and navigation of the tool string in deviated wells.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a tool string is lowered down a deviated wellbore under gravity alone, then the tool string can be deployed without complex equipment, but the friction and drag against the wellbore wall prevent the tool from reaching the desired depth
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary device comprising a mandrel with laterally extendable members that engage the wellbore wall. This mediator transfers the load from the tool string to the wellbore wall through controlled mechanical engagement, enabling the tool string to descend deviated wellbores without relying solely on gravity. The laterally extendable members act as intermediaries between the tool string and wellbore wall, providing reliable support while maintaining deployment efficiency.
2Ease of operation
If the wireline is flexible to allow tool string movement, then the tool string can navigate the wellbore, but the operator has very little control over the descent and angular orientation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamic laterally extendable members that can be extended and retracted as needed during tool string descent. This dynamic adjustment capability provides the operator with active control over the tool string's angular orientation and descent path, while the members remain relatively simple in structure when not in use. The dynamic nature of the extension mechanism allows for precise control without requiring a complex overall system architecture.
3Productivity
If the tool string is long to cover the zone of interest, then comprehensive data can be collected, but the friction and drag forces increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the load-bearing function into discrete laterally extendable members distributed along the tool string length. Each member independently engages the wellbore wall to support a portion of the tool string's weight, distributing the friction and drag forces across multiple contact points rather than concentrating them along the entire length. This segmentation allows long tool strings to be deployed effectively by breaking down the cumulative friction problem into manageable local interactions.
4Productivity
If wheeled devices are used to reduce friction in cased-hole logging, then the tool string can descend more easily, but the space constraints in small diameter casings limit the effectiveness of such devices
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs laterally extendable members that function similarly to flexible elements, extending only when needed to engage the wellbore wall and retracting when not required. This flexible approach allows the device to maintain a compact form factor suitable for small diameter casings while providing effective friction reduction when deployed. The members act as thin, extendable support elements rather than bulky wheeled structures.
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 device reduces friction and enhances control over the tool string's descent, allowing it to reach desired depths efficiently, even in deviated wells, while minimizing manufacturing costs and maintaining robustness and reliability.
Implementation Method 1
The device reduces friction and enhances control over the tool string's descent
Implementation Method 2
The friction or drag of the tool-string against the wellbore wall can prevent to tool descending to the desired depth
Implementation Method 3
The tool string is lowered by the wireline down the wellbore under the force of gravity alone
Data Source
AI summary
A device for transporting a tool string down a bore comprises a single unitary part mandrel comprising a connection at each end of the mandrel for in-line connection of the device in a tool string and a single unitary part annular body rotationally mounted to the mandrel to rotate relative to the mandrel about a longitudinal axis of the mandrel or tool string. A pair of wheels is rotationally mounted to the annular body to rotate relative to the mandrel on a rotational axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the tool string. A collar is releasably coupled to the mandrel to allow for assembly of the annular body onto the mandrel from one end of the mandrel when the collar is disassembled from the mandrel and axially retain the annular body on the mandrel when the collar is assembled to the mandrel.