Self-Contained Well Intervention System with Integrated Winch
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional well intervention systems require numerous components and 24/7 manned operation due to the large and inflexible umbilical cable, which complicates and costs operations.
Innovation Solution
A self-contained well intervention system with a lubricator and rotatable winch assembly integrated within the well tree cap, eliminating external winching units and dynamic seals, allowing for controlled delivery and retrieval of tools using a sealed winch mechanism.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional slickline or wireline systems are used with external winching units, then tools can be delivered and retrieved from the well, but the system requires numerous components including dynamic seals and 24/7 manned operation which increases complexity and cost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the winching unit, cable storage, and tool delivery mechanisms into an integrated self-contained unit that attaches directly to the well tree. This merging eliminates the need for separate external winching equipment, dynamic seals, and complex rig-up procedures, thereby reducing system complexity while maintaining automated operation capability
Solution Approach 2:
The self-contained unit serves multiple functions: it stores and dispenses cable, provides a sealed environment for the winching mechanism, houses tool strings, and interfaces with the well tree. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed and enables automated operation without requiring 24/7 manned intervention
2Adaptability or versatility
If a large umbilical cable is used for tool delivery, then tools can be retrieved from the well, but the cable is inflexible and requires external winching units which increases equipment needs and cost
Solution Approach 1:
The cable management system is segmented into the self-contained unit that holds and manages the cable, separating it from external winching equipment. This segmentation allows the cable to be more flexible as it is managed within a compact, integrated unit rather than being handled by large external machinery, thereby reducing the quantity of heavy equipment needed
3Ease of manufacture
If dynamic seals and external winching units are used, then cable can be fed into and out of the well, but the system requires more equipment and increases operational cost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the need for dynamic seals and external winching units by incorporating a sealed winching mechanism within the self-contained unit. The winching unit is contained within a sealed housing that attaches to the well tree, removing the need for dynamic sealing interfaces and external equipment, thereby reducing equipment quantity and simplifying the overall system
Data Source
AI summary
A method for performing a well intervention operation includes the steps of: (a) sealingly coupling a lubricator onto an open top end of a well tree, the lubricator having a hollow interior in which a rotatable winch is contained, the winch having a cable wound thereabout; (b) attaching a tool to the cable; (c) lowering the tool within a well bore to which the well tree is attached; and (d) operating the winch from a location exterior to the lubricator to cause rotation of the winch and winding of the cable, whereby the tool is retrieved from the wellbore.