Self-Propelled Wellbore Deployment Apparatus with Sealing and Buoyancy Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for deploying objects and substances into subterranean wells are limited by reliance on gravity or fluid flow, which can be inefficient and unreliable, especially in horizontal or inclined wells, and do not allow for controlled deployment or retrieval of equipment.

Innovation Solution

A self-propelled deployment apparatus equipped with rotating propellers, a sealing device, and a controller that manages propulsion and buoyancy, enabling controlled deployment and retrieval by varying the speed and direction of the apparatus, and using degradable materials for environmental adaptation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If gravity or fluid flow is used to deploy objects into wells, then deployment is passive and simple, but deployment is inefficient and unreliable in horizontal or inclined wells

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedeployment efficiencyVSAvoiddeployment reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The deployment device is equipped with self-propulsion capabilities through propellers or wheels that can independently move the device through the wellbore without relying on external forces such as gravity or fluid flow. This self-service mechanism enables reliable and efficient deployment in horizontal or inclined wells where passive methods fail.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces passive gravitational or fluid-driven mechanical systems with an active self-propelled mechanical system. The device uses motors, propellers, or wheeled mechanisms to generate its own motion, substituting the unreliable passive mechanical approach with a controlled active mechanical system that can operate in any well orientation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Ease of operation

If self-propelled deployment is implemented, then controlled deployment and retrieval are enabled, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontrolled deploymentVSAvoidapparatus complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The self-propelled device is designed as a multi-functional platform that can perform multiple operations including deployment, retrieval, positioning, and sealing. By integrating these functions into a single device with a controller that coordinates propellers, wheels, and sealing mechanisms, the system achieves controlled operation without proportionally increasing complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The device incorporates a controller that manages the self-propulsion mechanism, enabling controlled deployment and retrieval. This feedback system monitors device position, propulsion status, and operational parameters to coordinate the various components (propellers, wheels, sealing devices) and maintain controlled operation despite the added complexity of self-propulsion capabilities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Adaptability or versatility

If degradable materials are used for environmental adaptation, then environmental compatibility improves, but device strength decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenvironmental adaptationVSAvoidmaterial strength

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs composite material construction where degradable materials are combined with stronger structural materials in specific configurations. This allows the device to use degradable materials for environmental adaptation in contact with the wellbore while maintaining overall structural strength through the composite design, resolving the contradiction between environmental compatibility and mechanical strength.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

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

Enables efficient and controlled deployment of objects and substances into wells, independent of gravity or fluid flow, with the ability to change buoyancy for retrieval and environmental adaptation, ensuring reliable sealing and deployment in various well orientations.

Implementation Method 1

a propeller that propels the deployment apparatus through the wellbore

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThrust generation through rotation: Impeller

Implementation Method 2

a sealing device that sealingly engages a sealing surface in the well

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSealing engagement:

Data Source

PatentUS10443354B2Self-propelled device for use in a subterranean well

Publication Date: 2019.10.15 HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES INC

AI summary

A well system can include a deployment apparatus including at least one propeller that propels the deployment apparatus through a wellbore. A deployment apparatus for use in a well can include a sealing device that sealingly engages a seal surface in the well, and at least one propeller that propels the deployment apparatus in the well. A deployment method can include disposing a deployment apparatus in a wellbore of a well, the deployment apparatus including at least one propeller, and the propeller propelling the deployment apparatus in the wellbore.