Downhole Tractor Hydraulic Valve for Force-Speed Trade-off
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current downhole tractor technology lacks control over operational modes and conveyance speed, particularly in challenging milling operations, due to limitations in controlling axial force and torque, and is restricted by modular construction that reduces flow per motor, leading to reduced performance and flexibility.
Innovation Solution
Incorporation of a controllable valve in the hydraulic supply line allows for dynamic switching between operational modes, enabling the activation or deactivation of hydraulic components, and the use of relief valves to adjust pressure, thereby optimizing the number of driven wheels or arms and adjusting force applied, enhancing control and efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If multiple drive sections are added in parallel to provide more pulling force, then the pulling force increases, but the conveyance speed reduces due to reduced flow per motor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the hydraulic system configurable and adaptable during operation. The tractor can switch between different operational modes (single-section, two-section, three-section, or four-section drive) by selectively activating or deactivating drive sections through the controllable valve in the hydraulic supply line. This dynamic reconfiguration allows the system to optimize the balance between pulling force and conveyance speed based on real-time operational requirements, resolving the contradiction between having more motors for force versus maintaining high flow per motor for speed.
2Device complexity
If the tractor is built with a fixed modular construction, then the device complexity is reduced, but the adaptability and control over operational modes is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a controllable valve in the hydraulic supply line that enables dynamic switching between different operational modes (single-section, two-section, three-section, or four-section drive). This dynamic element transforms the previously static modular construction into an adaptable system that can reconfigure its hydraulic flow distribution during operation, thereby enhancing adaptability without significantly increasing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the hydraulic flow parameters by using a controllable valve to regulate and redirect hydraulic fluid flow between different drive sections. By adjusting the valve position, the system can vary the flow distribution to activate or deactivate specific drive sections, enabling multiple operational modes and enhancing versatility while maintaining the simplicity of the modular construction.
3Force
If the available pump flow is distributed to more motors, then the pulling force increases, but the available flow per motor reduces thereby reducing conveyance speed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by enabling the system to dynamically adjust the number of active drive sections based on operational needs. The controllable valve in the hydraulic supply line allows the operator to switch between different configurations (1, 2, 3, or 4 active sections), optimizing the distribution of pump flow. This dynamic adjustment resolves the contradiction by allowing the system to have more motors engaged for force when needed, while maintaining high flow per motor for speed when conveyance is the priority.
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 solution allows for improved control over downhole tractor performance, enabling faster conveyance and more efficient operations by dynamically switching between operational modes and adjusting force, thus overcoming limitations in current technology.
Implementation Method 1
a hydraulic supply line for actuating hydraulic components... a first hydraulic component and a second hydraulic component. The hydraulic components are coupled to the hydraulic supply line in parallel and configured for being actuated by the hydraulic supply line
Implementation Method 2
The hydraulic supply line comprises a controllable valve placed at a location in between the at least one hydraulic component and the at least one further hydraulic component such that a first part of the hydraulic supply line is coupled to a second part of the hydraulic supply line via the controllable valve
Data Source
AI summary
The downhole tractor further comprises a hydraulic power pack coupled to the hydraulic supply line, at least one hydraulic component and at least one further hydraulic component. The hydraulic components are coupled to the hydraulic supply line in parallel and configured for being actuated by the hydraulic supply line. The hydraulic supply line comprises a controllable valve placed at a location in between the at least one hydraulic component and the at least one further hydraulic component such that a first part of the hydraulic supply line is coupled to a second part of the hydraulic supply line via the controllable valve. The downhole tractor provides for much better control and facilitates tuning of the performance of the tractor to the actual needs.