Integrated Treatment Platform for Logging Tool Obstruction Clearance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Well logging in subterranean wells is challenging due to obstructions such as cuttings, filter cakes, and waxy materials that prevent logging tools from moving downhole or being retrieved, especially in deviated or horizontal sections, causing potential damage to the tools.
Innovation Solution
A treatment platform integrated with the logging tool that can identify and clear obstructions using mechanical, thermal, chemical, and mechanical intervention methods, including vibration and textured surfaces, and can be deployed ahead of, behind, or attached to the logging tool to facilitate its movement through the well.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If logging tools are deployed through the wellbore, then measurement and logging operations can be performed, but obstructions such as cuttings, filter cakes, and waxy materials prevent the tools from moving downhole or being retrieved
Solution Approach 1:
The treatment platform performs obstruction clearing operations before the logging tool encounters them. The platform is deployed ahead of the logging tool to remove cuttings, filter cakes, and waxy materials from the wellbore, ensuring a clear path for subsequent logging operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The treatment platform acts as an intermediary device between the logging tool and the obstructions in the wellbore. It provides mechanical, thermal, and chemical intervention capabilities to clear obstructions, protecting the logging tool from direct contact with harmful materials.
2Productivity
If separate intervention operations are performed to clear obstructions, then the wellbore can be cleared, but this increases the complexity and number of separate operations required
Solution Approach 1:
The treatment platform combines multiple intervention capabilities (mechanical clearing, thermal treatment, chemical treatment) into a single integrated device that can be deployed with the logging tool. This merging of functions eliminates the need for separate intervention operations to clear obstructions.
Solution Approach 2:
The treatment platform is designed as a multi-functional device that can perform various types of well intervention operations including mechanical clearing of cuttings, thermal treatment of waxy materials, and chemical treatment of obstructions. This universal capability reduces the need for multiple specialized devices.
3Reliability
If the treatment platform is deployed ahead of the logging tool, then obstructions can be cleared in advance, but this requires additional deployment complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The treatment platform is designed to be nested within or integrated with the logging tool assembly. The platform can be deployed ahead of the logging tool while remaining part of the same conveyable system, allowing coordinated deployment through the wellbore without requiring separate deployment operations.
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
The treatment platform effectively clears obstructions, allowing the logging tool to operate efficiently and reducing the need for separate intervention, thereby improving measurement and logging operations in wells with difficult bore conditions.
Implementation Method 1
The at least one treatment system can include a vibration system operable to vibrate the primary treatment platform
Implementation Method 2
The at least one treatment system can include one of a heat delivery, a chemical treatment system, and combinations thereof
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for measuring properties within a subterranean well include a measuring tool having a tool body with a central axis and a tool attachment located at an axial end of the tool body. A delivery line attachment is operable to attach the measuring tool to a delivery line that supports the measuring tool within the subterranean well. A primary treatment platform is in mechanical communication with the tool body. The primary treatment platform has a platform attachment sized to mate with the tool attachment, and at least one treatment system. The at least one treatment system is operable to perform a treatment function within the subterranean well during delivery of the measuring tool into the subterranean well.