Umbilical-Free Downhole Tool for Tubing Hanger Installation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional tubing hanger running tools for vertical Christmas trees require complex umbilicals for power and control, leading to increased costs, complexity, and risks of errors due to the need for multiple clamps and hydraulic connections, as well as personnel working under hanging loads.
Innovation Solution
A mechanically operated downhole tool that operates without an umbilical, using hydraulic lines within the well for power and control, featuring a locking actuator and bypass valve system actuated by fluid pressure, allowing for simplified installation and removal of tubing hangers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If traditional tubing hanger running tools with umbilicals are used, then power and control capabilities are provided to the downhole tool, but device complexity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the umbilical system from the downhole tool configuration. The tool operates without external umbilical connections, eliminating the associated complexity while maintaining essential functions through integrated mechanical and hydraulic design elements that are already present in the wellhead and drillstring systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The downhole tool is designed to operate using resources already available in the well environment. It utilizes hydraulic pressure from the wellhead system and mechanical forces from the drillstring operation to power its functions, eliminating the need for separate umbilical power and control lines.
2Reliability
If umbilicals with multiple clamps are used to secure the tool, then power and control connections are maintained, but the risk of errors and operational complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates the umbilical and its associated clamp system entirely. The tool operates without requiring external umbilical connections, thereby removing the operational steps of attaching and detaching clamps and eliminating the potential errors associated with these operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The tool is designed to perform multiple functions using a single integrated system rather than requiring separate umbilical connections for different functions. The hydraulic and mechanical systems already present in the wellhead and drillstring are utilized for multiple operational purposes.
3Ease of operation
If personnel work under hanging loads to fix clamps and operate the tool, then the umbilical can be secured and operated, but safety risks and operational time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the requirement for personnel to work under hanging loads by eliminating the umbilical clamp system. The tool operates autonomously using the existing drillstring and wellhead infrastructure, eliminating the need for manual intervention in hazardous zones.
Solution Approach 2:
The tool performs its own operations using the mechanical and hydraulic resources already present in the system. The drillstring movement and wellhead hydraulic pressure automatically power the tool functions without requiring additional manual operations or personnel intervention.
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 solution reduces costs, minimizes the risk of errors, and simplifies the installation process by eliminating the need for umbilicals, while ensuring robust operation and secure anchoring of tubing hangers in wellheads.
Implementation Method 1
The actuator may be configured to move from a running position to a locking position under the action of fluid pressure
Implementation Method 2
The bypass valve activating system may be configured to operate a tubing hanger annulus bypass valve
Data Source
AI summary
A downhole tool for installing a tubing hanger in a well without an umbilical includes a body defining a primary flow path; a first connector at a first end of the body for mechanically connecting the tool to a tubing hanger; a second connector at a second end of the body for mechanically connecting the tool to a tubular or tool handling equipment; a locking actuator configured to move from a running position to a locking position under the action of fluid pressure, the actuator including an interface for engaging and moving a lock of a tubing hanger into a locked position as the actuator moves to the locking position; and a bypass valve activating system configured to operate a tubing hanger annulus bypass valve. The downhole tool is configured to move the locking actuator from the running position to the locking position, and operate a tubing hanger annulus bypass valve, without the use of an umbilical.