Slickline Debris Management Tool with Onboard Pump
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wellbore debris removal techniques face challenges such as high costs, operational issues, and inefficiencies in low-pressure formations, particularly in small diameter wells and deviated wells, where existing tools struggle with fluid loss, sand buildup, and inadequate debris capture due to gravity and flow interruptions.
Innovation Solution
A slickline-run wellbore cleanup tool with an onboard power supply and circulation pump, featuring a modular design, centrifugal separators, and vibration mechanisms to maintain fluid velocity and prevent sand settling, allowing for continuous debris removal and enhanced capture efficiency in small diameter wells, while also addressing the challenge of advancing tools in deviated wells through a tractor mechanism.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If pressurized fluid circulation is used to remove debris, then debris removal effectiveness is improved, but fluid loss into low pressure formation occurs due to hydrostatic pressure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses foam as an intermediary fluid instead of liquid circulation. The foam entrains sand and debris particles and carries them to the surface without creating significant hydrostatic pressure that would cause fluid loss into the low-pressure formation. The foam's low density and gas content allow it to transport debris effectively while minimizing formation damage.
2Loss of substance
If foam is used to remove debris, then fluid loss is reduced, but equipment cost and logistics complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system generates foam in-situ using a foam generator downhole that mixes gas and liquid phases locally. This eliminates the need for complex surface foam generation equipment and extensive logistics for transporting specialized foam equipment to remote well sites. The foam is created where needed, simplifying the overall system while maintaining the benefits of reduced fluid loss.
3Quantity of substance
If flapper type valves are used to capture sand, then sand capture is achieved, but sand buildup on valve seats prevents sealing and causes sand escape
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the sand capture function from flapper valves and implements it through a different mechanism: a screen or filter system that physically separates sand particles from the foam flow. The foam carries captured sand to the surface where it is separated in a degasser or separator vessel. This eliminates the sealing reliability issues associated with flapper valves while maintaining effective sand capture.
4Quantity of substance
If reciprocating pump systems are used, then debris collection is achieved, but lack of continuous flow causes entrained sand to drop
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements continuous foam circulation through a pump system that continuously generates foam, circulates it through the wellbore, and separates the debris at the surface. The continuous flow prevents entrained sand from dropping out of suspension, ensuring complete debris removal. The system operates in a continuous cycle rather than intermittent reciprocating strokes, maintaining constant fluid velocity and debris suspension.
5Quantity of substance
If tools are made larger to improve debris capture, then capture efficiency is improved, but minimum diameter requirements prevent use in small diameter wells
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the debris removal system into modular components: a compact downhole foam generator, a circulation pump, and a surface separation system. The segmented tool design allows it to fit in small diameter wells while maintaining effective debris capture capability. The modular architecture enables the system to adapt to different well diameters and configurations without requiring a single large-tool design.
6Loss of time
If tools are run in quickly on slickline, then deployment time is reduced, but tool positioning accuracy and debris capture effectiveness decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates feedback mechanisms including depth sensors and position detection systems that provide real-time information about tool location during slickline deployment. This feedback allows for precise positioning control even during rapid deployment, ensuring the tool is correctly placed for optimal debris capture while maintaining fast deployment times. The system can adjust deployment speed based on positional feedback to achieve accurate placement.
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 solution enables efficient and continuous debris removal in small diameter wells with reduced operational costs and improved debris capture, while the tractor mechanism effectively navigates deviated wells, ensuring effective tool advancement and reducing the risk of tool sticking.
Implementation Method 1
A slickline-run wellbore cleanup tool with an onboard power supply and circulation pump... allowing for continuous debris removal
Implementation Method 2
featuring a modular design, centrifugal separators, and vibration mechanisms
Implementation Method 3
vibration mechanisms to maintain fluid velocity and prevent sand settling
Implementation Method 4
addressing the challenge of advancing tools in deviated wells through a tractor mechanism
Data Source
AI summary
A wellbore cleanup tool is run on slickline. It has an onboard power supply and circulation pump. Inlet flow is at the lower end into an inlet pipe that keeps up fluid velocity. The inlet pipe opens to a surrounding annular volume for sand containment and the fluid continues through a screen and into the pump for eventual exhaust back into the water in the wellbore. A modular structure is envisioned to add debris carrying capacity. Various ways to energize the device are possible. Other tools run on slickline are described such as a cutter, a scraper and a shifting tool. A motor driven by an onboard power supply operates the circulation pump as well as a vibration device to agitate the debris and prevent coring into the debris if compacted. A shroud presents an alternate flow path if the housing lower end is embedded in debris.