Downhole Tool String Orientation in Deviated Wellbores
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Solution Overview
Problem
In the oil and gas industry, tools used in vertical or near-vertical wellbores face challenges when transitioning to non-vertical wellbores due to frictional forces, which hinder movement and orientation, particularly in open-hole wellbores where tools may stick or jam, preventing effective axial rotation and orientation of downhole tools.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of an orienting tool that connects with the tool string and features radially offset axes of rotation, rollers, and a third orienting feature to facilitate rotation and axial movement within non-vertical wellbores, reducing contact with the sidewall and allowing for intended orientation of tools like formation testing tools.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If tools are lowered into non-vertical wellbores utilizing gravity, then transport is facilitated, but frictional forces between the tool string and sidewall resist movement
Solution Approach 1:
Rollers are introduced as intermediary elements between the tool string and wellbore sidewall. These rollers reduce direct frictional contact by converting sliding friction into rolling friction, enabling smoother movement of the tool string through non-vertical wellbore sections while maintaining gravity-assisted transport.
Solution Approach 2:
The tool string is designed with movable, rotatable components (rollers and orienting features) that dynamically adapt to the wellbore geometry. This dynamic configuration allows the tool string to rotate and reorient itself during conveyance, optimizing its interaction with the sidewall and reducing resistive forces in deviated sections.
2Adaptability or versatility
If tools are used in non-vertical wellbores, then access to reservoirs is enabled, but tools may stick to sidewall or jam against imperfections
Solution Approach 1:
The tool string is segmented into modular components with individual rollers and orienting features. This segmentation allows each component to independently interact with the wellbore sidewall, distributing contact points and reducing the likelihood of complete system failure or jamming when encountering imperfections.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple rollers and orienting features are positioned along the tool string to provide continuous support and contact points before the tool string encounters potential problem areas. This prior cushioning prevents sudden impacts or jamming by distributing mechanical stresses along the length of the tool string.
3Manufacturing precision
If downhole tools are oriented in specific directions, then optimal performance is achieved, but friction impedes axial rotation of the tool string
Solution Approach 1:
Orienting rollers serve as intermediary elements that facilitate controlled rotation of the tool string. These rollers reduce the frictional barrier to rotation, allowing the tool string to achieve its intended axial orientation relative to the wellbore trajectory while being conveyed through deviated sections.
Solution Approach 2:
The orienting features are designed to be rotatable and dynamically adjustable during conveyance. This dynamic capability allows the tool string to rotate into the optimal orientation as it moves through the wellbore, with the rollers providing the necessary mechanical advantage to overcome friction and achieve precise angular positioning.
4Speed
If roller tools are used to facilitate movement, then conveyance is improved, but axial orientation of the tool string is not achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the functions of movement facilitation and orientation control into a single integrated system. The rollers are combined with radially offset orienting features, allowing the same mechanical elements to both reduce friction for smooth conveyance and provide the torque necessary for axial rotation and precise orientation control.
Solution Approach 2:
The roller assembly is designed as a multi-functional component that simultaneously performs conveyance facilitation and orientation control. The radially offset orienting features enable the rollers to both reduce friction during movement and generate the rotational torque needed for axial orientation, making the system universally applicable to both transport and positioning requirements.
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 successful orientation and movement of tool strings in non-vertical wellbores by reducing friction and mechanical instability, ensuring effective operation of downhole tools by maintaining intended orientations and preventing contact with the sidewall.
Implementation Method 1
the passage includes a radially offset center of gravity such that the weight of the tool string facilitates rotation of the coupled tool string and apparatus toward a rotational orientation in which the central axis is below the geometric centerline
Implementation Method 2
The first and second orienting features may each comprise a roller operable to roll along a sidewall of the passage thereby facilitating axial movement of the connected apparatus and tool string along the non-vertical portion of the passage
Data Source
AI summary
A downhole tool and method for orienting a tool string within a passage, such as a wellbore or a tubular disposed in the wellbore. The downhole tool may be operable for detachably connecting with the tool string and orienting the tool string within the passage. The downhole tool may include a frame comprising a first frame portion and a second frame portion, wherein the first and second frame portions may be detachably connectable with each other around the tool string to detachably connect the frame with the tool string. The downhole tool may further include a first orienting feature rotatably connected with the first frame portion along a first axis of rotation and a second orienting feature rotatably connected with the second frame portion along a second axis of rotation. The first and second axes of rotation may be radially offset from a central axis of the tool string.