Self-Propelled Stroker Device for Deviated Well Operations
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Solution Overview
Problem
Prior stroker-wireline tractors face issues with excessive overall length, leading to sluicing problems at the surface and complications in downhole operations, especially in deviated wells, due to shared power and control cables, resulting in loss of simultaneous control and potential displacement during operations.
Innovation Solution
A stroker with a propulsive module using driving wheels or belts, controlled and powered by a common module, eliminating the need for a wireline tractor connection, allowing simultaneous control and power supply, and optionally hydraulic or electrical operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a stroker is connected to a wireline tractor for displacement in deviated wells, then the stroker can be positioned at work locations, but the overall length becomes excessively long (up to 13 meters) causing sluicing problems at the surface valve and complicating downhole operations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the wireline tractor component from the system. The stroker is equipped with its own integrated propulsive module that includes driving wheels or driving belts for self-propulsion, eliminating the need for a separate wireline tractor and thereby reducing the overall length from up to 13 meters to a much more manageable size that avoids sluicing problems at the surface valve.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the propulsive function previously provided by a separate wireline tractor into the stroker itself. The propulsive module is integrated with the stroker's power module and control module, combining what were previously separate units into a single self-contained device that can propel itself while maintaining the ability to operate in deviated wells.
2Ease of operation
If the control system for the wireline tractor is switched off to operate the stroker, then the stroker can be controlled, but the wireline tractor may displace during the transition period due to lack of simultaneous control
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the control systems into a single unified control module that simultaneously controls both the stroker and the propulsive module. This eliminates the need to switch off one control system to operate the other, as both functions are managed together from a single control interface, thereby preventing unintended displacement during transitions and improving operational reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The control module is designed with multi-functionality to manage both the stroker's positioning and the propulsive module's movement functions simultaneously. This universal control capability allows the operator to control both systems without interruption or switching, maintaining continuous control over the entire operation.
3Device complexity
If the same cables are used for power supply and control for both the wireline tractor and stroker, then the system uses fewer cables, but simultaneous control of both units is impossible
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the propulsive function from the wireline tractor system and integrates it into the stroker, eliminating the need for separate power and control cables for the tractor. The stroker receives power and control signals through its own dedicated connections to the power module and control module, simplifying the cable system while enabling simultaneous control of all functions.
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
This design significantly reduces overall length, enhances flexibility, and prevents displacement by enabling simultaneous control and anchoring of the stroker, improving operational reliability in deviated wells.
Implementation Method 1
driving wheels or driving belts for propulsion
Implementation Method 2
grippers arranged to anchor the stroker in the wall of the borehole
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
AI summary
A stroker device (1) for use in a borehole (2) in the ground, the stroker (1) at least comprising an actuator (6) arranged for displacing a tool (10) in a longitudinal direction of the borehole (2), and grippers (26) arranged to anchor the stroker (1) to the wall (36) of the borehole (2), alternatively to a pipe wall, wherein the stroker (1) is provided with driving wheels (34) or driving belts for propulsion.