Subsea Well Tool Carousel for Autonomous Intervention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Subsea well interventions are costly and often require expensive surface vessels and rigs, limiting the availability of economical and efficient light intervention solutions for diagnosing and addressing production issues in subsea wells.
Innovation Solution
A self-contained subsea well system with a tool carousel and sensors that allows for automatic and selective deployment of tools to perform interventions, including halting fluid flow, deploying tools for diagnosis and corrective actions, and using sensors to measure well properties without the need for external rig intervention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional subsea intervention methods using surface vessels and rigs are employed, then comprehensive intervention services can be provided, but the cost and complexity of the operation increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the intervention system into multiple autonomous downhole tools that can be deployed independently through the wellbore. Each tool performs a specific function (diagnosis, treatment, monitoring), eliminating the need for a single complex surface vessel system. The tools are released sequentially or simultaneously at different depths to provide comprehensive intervention services.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a fluid-mediated deployment mechanism where tools are carried downhole by the well fluid flow itself, using the well's own production as the intermediary transport medium. This eliminates the need for complex mechanical deployment systems from surface vessels, reducing operational complexity while maintaining versatility.
2Device complexity
If light intervention methods are used to reduce costs, then operational expenses decrease, but the range of available intervention services is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs downhole tools with multi-functional capabilities. For example, diagnostic tools can identify problems and deploy treatment tools; treatment tools can perform both intervention and monitoring functions. This universality allows a simplified deployment system to provide comprehensive intervention services across multiple well conditions and requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs nested tool configurations where smaller tools can be contained within or attached to larger tools during deployment. Treatment tools can be nested within diagnostic tools, or monitoring sensors can be integrated into treatment devices. This nesting allows multiple functions to be delivered through a single deployment action, expanding service capability without increasing operational complexity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If tools are deployed downhole using conventional methods, then intervention services can be performed, but the time and cost for tool deployment and retrieval increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes the periodic or continuous flow of well fluid to periodically transport tools downhole and back to surface. Tools are released into the flowing fluid, which carries them automatically to their deployment depth and subsequently returns them to surface after intervention. This eliminates the need for continuous mechanical retrieval operations, significantly reducing deployment and retrieval time.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements self-service tool deployment where the well's own production fluid serves as the transport mechanism for delivering tools downhole and retrieving them after intervention. The system uses the well's natural flow characteristics to perform the deployment and retrieval functions automatically, eliminating the need for external mechanical assistance and reducing operational time.
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
Enables cost-effective and efficient light intervention by allowing self-diagnosis and remediation within the well, reducing the need for external equipment and vessels, and providing a range of services to address production issues without the expense of conventional subsea intervention methods.
Implementation Method 1
The tool is allowed to free fall while the fluid is halted
Data Source
AI summary
A system includes a subsea well and a carousel of tools. The carousel of tools is adapted to automatically and selectively deploy the tools in the well to perform an intervention in the well. The flow of fluid in a well is halted, and a tool is deployed from within the well while the fluid is halted. The tool is allowed to free fall while the fluid is halted. The flow is resumed to retrieve the tool.