Thruster Apparatus for Horizontal Well Tool Conveyance
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Solution Overview
Problem
In horizontal wells, the loss of fluid flow creates a non-flow environment, preventing service tools from being conveyed to blockages in the horizontal section of the well using traditional gravity-based methods.
Innovation Solution
A thruster apparatus comprising a mechanical power source connected to a thrust generator by a shaft, housed within a conduit, which expels fluid at the uphole end to generate a thrust force in the downhole direction, allowing service tools to be moved through the horizontal section of the well.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If gravity-based methods are used to convey service tools, then tools can be moved to blockages in vertical sections, but this method fails in horizontal sections where fluid flow is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces gravity-based mechanical conveyance with a fluid dynamics-based thruster system. The thruster uses a motor-driven impeller to generate thrust forces that propel service tools through horizontal well sections, substituting the natural gravity mechanism with an active mechanical propulsion system that functions independently of well orientation or fluid flow conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The thruster apparatus utilizes hydraulic principles by employing a motor-driven impeller that moves fluid to generate reactive thrust. This hydraulic mechanism enables the service tool to be propelled through the wellbore by creating a fluid flow field that generates motion, replacing the passive gravity-based system with an active fluid-dynamics-based propulsion system.
2Reliability
If traditional conveyance methods are abandoned to address non-flow blockages, then horizontal well sections can be cleared, but this results in abandoning the entire horizontal well component
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the blockage removal function from the overall well abandonment decision. By introducing a localized thruster-based service tool that can navigate to and clear blockages in horizontal sections, the system separates the blockage problem from the well integrity, allowing the horizontal well component to be preserved while removing only the obstruction through targeted intervention.
3Productivity
If service tools are introduced in non-flow environments, then blockages can be addressed, but traditional gravity-based conveyance becomes ineffective
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces gravity-based mechanical conveyance with a fluid dynamics-based thruster system. The thruster uses a motor-driven impeller to generate thrust forces that propel service tools through horizontal well sections, substituting the natural gravity mechanism with an active mechanical propulsion system that functions independently of well orientation or fluid flow conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters of service tool conveyance by introducing an active thrust generation mechanism. Instead of relying on passive gravity-driven movement, the system actively generates thrust forces through a motor-driven impeller, fundamentally changing the motion parameters from gravity-dependent to mechanically-driven propulsion that operates effectively in non-flow horizontal environments.
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 the effective movement of service tools to blockages in horizontal well sections, even in non-flow environments, facilitating the clearing of blockages without abandoning the horizontal well component, thus reducing operational costs.
Implementation Method 1
A thruster apparatus comprises a mechanical power source connected to a thrust generator by a shaft, housed within a conduit, which expels fluid at the uphole end to generate a thrust force in the downhole direction
Data Source
AI summary
A tool for use in a non-flow environment within a wellbore. The tool is configured to push or pull a well-service tool through the non-flow environment. The tool has one or more drivers, such as an impeller, which is driven by a motor powered by a battery or wireline. The tool may push the well-service tool up against a blockage, so that the well-service tool may clear the blockage, terminating the non-flow environment.