Sand Bailer and Lead Impression Block for Downhole Obstruction Diagnosis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Identifying and removing obstructions in downhole tubulars is challenging due to decreased visibility and harsh conditions, which can lead to tool failure and inefficient well operations.
Innovation Solution
A sand bailer and lead impression block combination is used to obtain a sample and impression of the obstruction, utilizing a piston to create suction pressure for sample retrieval and a valve to hold the sample, with a lead impression block for detailed analysis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a sand bailer is used to retrieve obstruction samples, then sample collection capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines a sand bailer mechanism with a lead impression block into a single integrated tool. The bailer assembly includes a piston, barrel, and valve system that works together with the impression block to simultaneously provide both sample collection and obstruction imprinting capabilities, eliminating the need for separate tools and reducing overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The downhole tool is designed with multi-functionality, serving both as a sample collection device (bailer) and an obstruction imprinting device (lead block). This universal tool can perform multiple diagnostic functions in a single deployment, including retrieving obstruction samples, creating imprints of the obstruction, and providing depth information, thereby improving measurement precision without requiring multiple separate devices.
2Measurement precision
If a lead impression block is used to obtain obstruction impressions, then obstruction characterization is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the lead impression block with the sand bailer mechanism into a single unified tool. The impression block is positioned within the bailer assembly and works in conjunction with the piston and valve system, allowing both functions to be performed simultaneously without requiring separate deployment of multiple devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The tool combines multiple diagnostic functions into one universal device: the lead impression block creates imprints of obstructions, the bailer retrieves samples, and the system provides depth information. This multi-functional approach improves obstruction characterization capabilities while avoiding the complexity of managing multiple separate tools.
3Measurement precision
If separate tools are used for sample collection and obstruction identification, then diagnostic accuracy is improved, but loss of time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the sand bailer and lead impression block into a single integrated tool that can be deployed simultaneously. This eliminates the need for multiple separate tool deployments, reducing the time required for diagnostic operations while maintaining the diagnostic accuracy provided by both sample collection and obstruction imprinting functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The universal tool performs multiple diagnostic functions in a single deployment, including sample collection, obstruction imprinting, and depth measurement. This multi-functional capability allows for comprehensive obstruction characterization without the time loss associated with deploying and retrieving multiple separate tools sequentially.
4Measurement precision
If multiple diagnostic tools are deployed sequentially, then comprehensive analysis is improved, but productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple diagnostic functions into a single tool assembly, including the sand bailer for sample collection, the lead impression block for obstruction imprinting, and depth measurement capabilities. This integration allows comprehensive obstruction analysis to be performed in a single deployment, eliminating the need for sequential tool deployments and thereby improving well intervention productivity and efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The universal diagnostic tool provides comprehensive analysis capabilities through its multiple functions: collecting obstruction samples, creating detailed imprints, and recording depth information. By consolidating these functions into one tool, the system achieves comprehensive obstruction characterization without the productivity loss associated with deploying multiple separate tools.
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
Efficiently identifies and characterizes obstructions, allowing for effective removal strategies by providing both a sample and impression of the obstruction, reducing wellbore incidents and improving operational efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
The piston is configured to create a suction pressure in the cavity of the barrel to open the valve and retrieve the sample of the obstruction into the cavity
Implementation Method 2
a valve connected to a downhole end of the barrel and configured to control hydraulic communication between an orifice of a hollow body of the valve and a cavity of the barrel by opening and closing
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus includes a sand bailer and a lead impression block. The sand bailer is configured to be disposed in the tubular and obtain a sample of the obstruction. The sand bailer includes a piston movably disposed in a cavity of a barrel and a valve connected to a downhole end of the barrel and configured to control hydraulic communication between an orifice of a hollow body of the valve and a cavity of the barrel by opening and closing. The piston is configured to create a suction pressure in the cavity of the barrel to open the valve and retrieve the sample of the obstruction into the cavity and wherein the valve is configured to close to hold the sample of the obstruction in the cavity of the barrel. The lead impression block is connected to the hollow body of the valve in the sand bailer. The lead impression block is configured to set against the obstruction, using the sand bailer, and obtain an impression of the obstruction.