Telescopic Well Access Tool for Lateral Plug Operation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tools for gaining lateral access to wells face challenges in accessing and manipulating plugs due to limited space and the need for precise torque transmission, especially when dealing with radially oriented components and pressurized environments.
Innovation Solution
A tool with a shaft assembly and fluid transmission conduit that allows axial advancement and rotational drive to a head portion, featuring a second shaft with an external thread engaging the first shaft's internal thread for axial movement without rotation, and an elongate transmission member with a guide for curved paths to accommodate limited spaces, enabling torque and fluid delivery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a telescopic hydraulically operated tool with socket head is used to screw in or unscrew plugs in well side openings, then lateral access to the well can be gained, but the tool complexity increases and the device becomes difficult to maneuver in tight spaces
Solution Approach 1:
The tool employs a telescopic shaft assembly where the second shaft is at least partly received in the first shaft, allowing the tool to collapse to a compact size for insertion through narrow access passages and then extend to full length for operating plugs. This nested configuration enables the complex functionality to be delivered through a simplified insertion profile.
Solution Approach 2:
The tool is divided into modular segments including a first shaft, a second shaft that can move relative to the first, and a head portion. This segmentation allows each component to perform specific functions independently while maintaining overall system flexibility and ease of assembly/disassembly for maintenance.
2Length of moving object
If the second shaft is made axially movable relative to the first shaft to enable telescopic movement, then the tool can access tight spaces, but the mechanism for preventing unwanted rotation while allowing axial movement increases complexity
Solution Approach 1:
A shaft assembly with external threading on the second shaft engages with internal threading in the first shaft, acting as an intermediary mechanism. This threaded connection allows axial movement when rotated during installation, but prevents unwanted rotation during fluid delivery operations, automatically controlling the relative motion between shafts based on operational requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The shaft assembly transitions between different states: during plug installation, the threaded connection allows both rotation and axial movement; during fluid delivery, the threaded connection prevents rotation while allowing axial positioning. This dynamic adaptability simplifies control by using the same mechanical connection for multiple operational modes.
3Adaptability or versatility
If an elongate transmission member with curved path guide is used to accommodate limited spaces, then the tool can maneuver in restricted areas, but the transmission member length and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The guide for the elongate transmission member allows the member to follow a curved path rather than a straight line, effectively using three-dimensional space to navigate around obstacles and reach target locations that would be inaccessible with linear movement. This enables the tool to access lateral passages and confined areas within the well structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The transmission member and guide are designed to accommodate curved trajectories, allowing the tool to navigate the curved geometry of wellbores and lateral passages. This curved path capability enables effective operation in the three-dimensional environment of subsurface wells where straight-line access is often impossible.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the tool is designed to deliver fluid via conduit to the head portion for sealant injection, then remedial work can be performed, but the additional fluid transmission capability increases device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The tool is designed with dual functionality: it can mechanically operate plugs through the shaft and head portion, and it can deliver fluid through the integrated conduit system. This multi-functionality allows a single tool to perform both plug installation/removal and sealant injection operations, eliminating the need for separate specialized tools and reducing overall system complexity.
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 efficient installation and removal of plugs in tight spaces while maintaining pressure integrity, allowing for effective sealing and maintenance within wells, even in pressurized conditions.
Implementation Method 1
the first shaft comprising an internal thread and the shaft assembly comprising an external thread provided on a nut of the shaft assembly and engaging in the internal thread of the first shaft whereby relative rotation of the internal and external threads causes said axial forward movement of the second shaft relative to the first shaft without rotation of the second shaft relative to the first shaft
Implementation Method 2
the tool being configured to deliver fluid via a fluid transmission conduit to or forwardly of the head portion
Data Source
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AI summary
A tool for gaining lateral access to a well via a lateral access passage, the tool comprising a head portion and being configured to axially forwardly advance the head portion towards or in the lateral access passage and being configured to transmit rotational drive to the head portion and/or to deliver fluid via a fluid transmission conduit to or forwardly of the head portion, and the tool comprising a first shaft and a shaft assembly comprising a second shaft, the second shaft being at least partly received in the first shaft so as to be axially forwardly movable therewith, whereby in use axial forward movement of the first and second shafts causes forwardly advancement of the head portion, and the second shaft being axially forwardly movable relative to the first shaft, the first shaft comprising an internal thread and the shaft assembly comprising an external thread engaging in the internal thread of the first shaft whereby relative rotation of the internal and external threads causes said axial forward movement of the second shaft relative to the first shaft without rotation of the second shaft relative to the first shaft.