Well Tool Pressure Compensation Hose and Connector Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing well tubing connectors require rotation, leading to time-consuming alignments and significant downtime for maintenance, especially when pressure compensation along the length of the tool is complex and costly.
Innovation Solution
A well tool pressure compensating system comprising a first connector body, a second connector body, and a compensation hose that provides pressure and thermal compensation along the well tool, allowing for quick and correct coupling of connector assemblies without rotation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If rotation is required for connector alignment, then connectors can be joined together, but alignment time increases and productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The connector bodies are designed with asymmetric features including guide pins that fit into corresponding recesses, and keyed interfaces that automatically align the male and female connectors in the correct rotational position during insertion, eliminating the need for manual rotation alignment
Solution Approach 2:
Guide pins act as intermediary elements between the male and female connectors, physically guiding the alignment and insertion process while ensuring proper rotational orientation without requiring operator intervention for alignment
2Reliability
If pup joints with bellows are used for pressure compensation, then pressure equalization is achieved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The complex bellows mechanism is extracted and replaced with a simpler system using flexible hoses that extend along the tool length, providing pressure compensation through fluid communication without requiring mechanical expansion/contraction elements
Solution Approach 2:
Pressure compensation is achieved through hydraulic/pneumatic fluid communication between the interior and exterior of the tool via flexible hoses, allowing pressure equalization through fluid pressure rather than mechanical bellows expansion
3Reliability
If heavy wires are used in connectors, then electrical connection is provided, but twisting occurs requiring back spinning and filling/degassing operations that halt run-in
Solution Approach 1:
The electrical connection system is designed to be flexible and dynamic, allowing the wires to accommodate movement and positioning changes during run-in without requiring halts for back-spinning or filling/degassing operations
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple functions are merged into the connector design, including electrical connections, pressure compensation, and mechanical alignment features, reducing the number of separate operations required during installation
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 system enables efficient pressure and thermal compensation, reducing downtime and maintenance costs by allowing for rapid alignment and connection of well tubing sections without the need for rotation.
Implementation Method 1
The hose can be configured to provide pressure compensation along the well tool
Implementation Method 2
The hose can be configured to provide thermal compensation along the well tool
Data Source
AI summary
A well tool pressure compensating system for connecting well tubing sections or well tools and providing pressure and/or thermal compensation along the entire length of the tool in a wellbore. The system can include first and second connectors each including fluid components and power and/or signal components. A tubing allows fluid to travel between the first and second connectors and along the tool. A hose traveling along and within the tool is in fluid communication with a wellbore fluid, thereby providing pressure and thermal compensation along the tool. A flexible tubing extends between the first and second connectors within the tool. The flexible tubing is in fluid communication with an area around the power and/or signal components of the first and second connectors, thereby providing pressure and/or thermal compensation around the power and/or signal components.