Running Tool Cartridge Assembly for Wellbore Wall Damage Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wellbore operations face challenges with expensive replacement and lengthy repair times for running tools due to damage during installation and retrieval, and existing protective components often become dislodged within the wellbore, causing additional non-productive time and costs.
Innovation Solution
A replaceable cartridge system for running tools, featuring a cartridge with a larger outer diameter than the tool, which preferentially contacts the wellbore walls, reducing tool damage by incorporating a slot and keys for secure attachment, allowing easy replacement and repair at the wellsite.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a running tool is used to engage wellbore walls during installation and retrieval, then the running tool can perform its function, but the running tool may be damaged due to contact with wellbore walls
Solution Approach 1:
A cartridge is introduced as an intermediary component between the running tool and the wellbore walls. The cartridge circumferentially surrounds the running tool and contacts the wellbore walls during installation and retrieval operations, protecting the running tool from damage while allowing the running tool to perform its function. The cartridge acts as a sacrificial element that absorbs the harmful contact forces.
Solution Approach 2:
The system is divided into separable components: the running tool and the cartridge. The cartridge can be independently replaced when damaged, while the running tool remains intact. This segmentation allows the protective function to be maintained without compromising the expensive running tool, and enables quick replacement of the cartridge at the wellsite.
2Reliability
If replacement running tools are used when damage occurs, then the running tool functionality is restored, but the cost increases and non-productive time increases due to prohibitively expensive replacement and lengthy repair times
Solution Approach 1:
The system separates the replaceable cartridge from the permanent running tool. When damage occurs during wellbore operations, only the cartridge needs to be replaced, not the entire running tool. This segmentation enables quick replacement of the damaged component at the wellsite, avoiding the need to trip the entire running tool for repair or replacement, thereby reducing non-productive time and costs.
Solution Approach 2:
The cartridge is designed as a sacrificial, replaceable component that can be easily replaced when damaged. Instead of replacing or repairing the expensive running tool, the cartridge serves as a cost-effective, short-lived protective element that absorbs damage. This approach significantly reduces both the cost and time associated with restoring running tool functionality.
3Reliability
If existing protective components are used, then some protection is provided, but the components may become dislodged within the wellbore causing additional non-productive time to identify and retrieve the components
Solution Approach 1:
The cartridge is designed as a circumferential component that merges with the running tool assembly, providing 360-degree protection around the entire running tool. This continuous circumferential design prevents the protective component from becoming dislodged and lost in the wellbore, as it is structurally integrated and cannot separate into loose pieces that would need to be retrieved.
Solution Approach 2:
The cartridge serves as a fixed intermediary structure that remains positioned between the running tool and the wellbore environment throughout the operation. Its design ensures it stays in place and does not become dislodged, eliminating the risk of creating additional retrieval operations for lost protective components.
4Reliability
If a cartridge with larger outer diameter than the tool is used, then the cartridge preferentially contacts wellbore walls reducing tool damage, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cartridge with larger outer diameter acts as an intermediary protective layer that circumferentially surrounds the running tool. This design allows the cartridge to preferentially contact the wellbore walls during installation and retrieval, protecting the running tool from damage. The increased diameter is necessary to provide this protective function while maintaining structural simplicity through the circumferential design.
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.