Slickline Tractor Bottom Hole Assembly for Deviated Wells
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current debris removal tools face challenges in effectively capturing sand in low-pressure formations, particularly in small diameter wells, and struggle with continuous flow and proper positioning, while also encountering issues with advancing bottom hole assemblies in deviated wells due to insufficient gravitational force.
Innovation Solution
A bottom hole assembly equipped with a tractor for slickline operation, featuring retractable drive components and responsive tension control, along with a modular debris removal tool that utilizes centrifugal force and continuous fluid circulation to capture sand, and an onboard power source for efficient operation in deviated wells.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If a bottom hole assembly is advanced into a deviated wellbore relying on gravitational force, then the assembly can be deployed, but the force of gravity is insufficient to assure further progress downhole in deviated sections
Solution Approach 1:
The tractor assembly is designed with movable drive components (wheels or tracks) that can engage with the wellbore wall dynamically. The system transitions from a passive gravity-dependent state to an active propulsion state by deploying drive components that contact the wellbore wall, allowing the assembly to overcome gravitational insufficiency in deviated sections through mechanical traction.
Solution Approach 2:
The tractor assembly acts as an intermediary between the bottom hole assembly and the wellbore wall. It transfers force from the powered drive components through the slickline connection to propel the bottom hole assembly through deviated sections where gravity alone is insufficient, effectively mediating the force transmission in a way that overcomes the gravitational limitation.
2Reliability
If debris removal tools are made with sufficient size for effective sand capture, then sand capture capability is improved, but the tools cannot be used in very small diameter wells
Solution Approach 1:
The debris removal tool is designed as a modular system with segmented components that can be configured in different arrangements. The modular design allows the tool to maintain effective sand capture capabilities while adapting its overall size and configuration to fit within small diameter wells, resolving the contradiction between capture effectiveness and wellbore compatibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The tool incorporates movable or adjustable components that can change the tool's external profile or effective diameter. This dynamic adjustment allows the tool to present a smaller profile when navigating small diameter wells while maintaining the necessary volume and surface area for effective sand capture when deployed in the wellbore.
3Reliability
If tools trap sand from flow entering at the lower end and run in on coiled tubing, then sand capture can be achieved, but there is a possibility of forcing the lower end into the sand where the manner of kicking on the pump involves setting down weight
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates sensors that provide real-time feedback on the tool's position, orientation, and interaction with the sand bed. This feedback allows the control system to adjust pump activation timing and intensity, as well as tool positioning, to prevent the lower end from being forced into the sand while maintaining effective sand capture operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary positioning and orientation adjustments before activating the pump or engaging sand capture operations. By pre-positioning the tool at the appropriate depth and orientation, and potentially pre-fluidizing the sand bed, the system prevents the harmful effect of forcing the tool into the sand while maintaining effective sand capture.
4Reliability
If reciprocation debris collection systems are used, then debris capture can be achieved, but there is a lack of continuous flow which promotes entrained sand to drop when flow is interrupted
Solution Approach 1:
The system is designed to maintain continuous fluid flow through the debris collection tool throughout the operation. The pump and fluid circulation system are configured to provide uninterrupted flow that continuously entrains sand and debris, preventing the flow interruptions that would cause entrained sand to drop out in reciprocating systems. This continuous action maintains capture effectiveness throughout the entire operational cycle.
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 effective sand capture and continuous debris removal in small diameter wells with reduced trips to the surface, while the tractor assists in advancing the bottom hole assembly through deviated sections, ensuring efficient operation and minimizing the risk of getting stuck.
Implementation Method 1
A bottom hole assembly is run into the wellbore on slickline with a tractor to assist in movement of the bottom hole assembly through a deviation in either direction
Implementation Method 2
other features that maintain fluid velocity to keep the sand entrained and further employ centrifugal force in aid of separating the sand from the circulating fluid
Data Source
AI summary
A bottom hole assembly is run into the wellbore on slickline with a tractor to assist in movement of the bottom hole assembly through a deviation in either direction. The tractor can have retractable drive components and can be responsive to tension in the slickline to turn it on and to avoid overrunning the slickline if driving out.