Smooth-Surface Intervention Cable for Well Sealing and Jarring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing intervention cables for fluid exploitation wells face challenges in performing harsh mechanical operations like jarring and perforations while maintaining the ability to transmit electrical power and information between the surface and downhole tools, due to limitations in tensile strength and mechanical integrity.
Innovation Solution
A cable design featuring a solid metal core with a smooth outer surface, embedded conductive lines, and a polymer matrix reinforced with mechanical fibers, providing high tensile strength and electrical insulation to support both mechanical operations and communication/power transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a stranded electric line with metal reinforcing lines is used, then the cable has good mechanical strength, but the outer surface is non-uniform making sealing complicated and the cable is expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies a smooth polymer outer sheath (thin film) over the stranded cable structure. This sheath provides a uniform, flexible surface that simplifies sealing operations at the wellhead while the underlying stranded structure maintains mechanical strength. The sheath acts as a protective layer that decouples the sealing function from the structural function.
2Ease of operation
If a slickline-type cable with polymer sheath and reinforcing fibers is used, then the outer surface is smooth facilitating sealing, but the tensile strength is limited and harsh mechanical operations cannot be performed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a composite cable structure combining multiple materials: steel strands for core strength, polymer matrix for flexibility and smooth surface, and mechanical reinforcing fibers embedded in the polymer. This composite approach allows the cable to simultaneously achieve high tensile strength (enabling harsh operations) and a smooth outer surface (facilitating sealing).
Solution Approach 2:
The smooth polymer sheath acts as a flexible shell that provides the uniform surface needed for sealing while enclosing the high-strength stranded core. This allows the outer surface properties to be optimized for sealing without compromising the internal structural strength.
3Strength
If a piano wire type smooth single-strand cable is used, then the cable has high tensile strength for jarring and perforation operations, but it cannot transmit electrical power or information
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs a multi-functional cable that combines mechanical strength (for jarring and perforation) with electrical conductivity (for power and communication). The stranded structure with embedded conductors allows the single cable to perform multiple functions that previously required separate cables, eliminating the need to choose between strength and electrical capability.
4Adaptability or versatility
If a cable with embedded conductors and polymer sheath is used, then electrical power and information can be transmitted, but the cable lacks the strength for harsh mechanical operations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent reinforces the polymer sheath with mechanical reinforcing fibers (such as aramid or glass fibers) embedded within the polymer matrix. This composite reinforcement dramatically increases the tensile strength and mechanical durability of the cable, enabling it to withstand harsh operations like jarring and perforation while maintaining its electrical communication capabilities through the embedded conductors.
Data Source
AI summary
This device includes a cable (32) having a smooth outer surface (40). The cable (32) includes a central conductor (42) and an annular outer sheath (44).The outer sheath (44) includes a polymer matrix (56) and mechanical reinforcing fibers (58, 60) embedded in the polymer matrix (56).The central conductor (42) includes a solid cylindrical metal core (48) having a smooth outer surface (52), a breaking strength greater than 300 daN and a lineic electrical resistance greater than 30 mohms/m.