Sensor Assembly Centering Arms for Low-Drag Deviated Wells
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireline logging tools face challenges in descending deviated wells due to high friction and drag forces, leading to delays and potential data invalidation, with existing centralizers either collapsing or inducing excessive drag at varying wellbore diameters and deviations.
Innovation Solution
A centralizing device with a mandrel and support members, featuring pivotally connected arm assemblies and spring elements, providing a constant radial force through adjustable pivot angles and spring configurations to maintain tool centering across varying wellbore diameters and deviations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If existing centralizers are used to center the tool string in the wellbore, then centering is achieved, but excessive drag forces are induced that prevent smooth descent in deviated wells
Solution Approach 1:
The centralizer uses movable arms with pivot joints that allow dynamic adjustment of the centering force. The arms can pivot between engaged and disengaged positions, enabling the centralizer to adapt to varying wellbore conditions and reduce drag during descent while maintaining centering stability when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The centralizer changes the parameter of centering force application by using adjustable pivot angles and spring configurations. This allows the radial force to be tuned to provide consistent centering across varying wellbore diameters and deviations without generating excessive drag forces.
2Productivity
If the tool string descends deviated wells, then data acquisition is possible, but high friction and drag forces cause delays and potential data invalidation
Solution Approach 1:
The dynamic arm mechanism allows the centralizer to transition between active centering and minimal interference modes, enabling smoother descent through deviated sections while maintaining centering capability when required for accurate data acquisition.
Solution Approach 2:
By adjusting pivot angles and spring configurations, the centralizer optimizes the balance between centering force and drag reduction, allowing the tool string to descend deviated wells efficiently without excessive delays that would invalidate time-sensitive measurements.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the tool string descends deviated wells, then data acquisition is possible, but existing centralizers collapse or induce excessive drag at varying wellbore diameters and deviations
Solution Approach 1:
The movable arms with pivot joints provide dynamic adaptability to varying wellbore diameters and deviation angles. The arms can adjust their position and the spring configurations can be modified to maintain reliable centering performance across different wellbore conditions without collapsing or generating excessive drag.
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 ensures consistent centering and reduced friction, allowing the tool string to descend smoothly, minimizing delays and maintaining data accuracy by providing a stable centering force across a range of wellbore sizes and angles.
Implementation Method 1
spring elements, providing a constant radial force through adjustable pivot angles and spring configurations
Data Source
AI summary
A device for centering a sensor assembly in a bore comprises a plurality of arm assemblies spaced circumferentially apart around a central longitudinal axis of the device and connected between first and second support members. Each arm assembly comprises a first arm pivotally connected to the first support member by a first pivot joint having a first pivot axis, a second arm pivotally connected to the second support member by a second pivot joint having a second pivot axis, and the first and second arms pivotally connected together via a third pivot joint having a third pivot axis. The first pivot axis and the third pivot axis are located on a first side of a plane coincident with the central longitudinal axis of the device, and the second pivot axis is located on an opposite second side of the plane to achieve an improved mechanical advantage.