Wellbore Tool String Tractor Positioning for Equipment Retrieval
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for removing equipment from wellbores, such as straddles, face challenges due to the limited length capacity of standard tool strings and sluices, which restrict the feasibility and cost-effectiveness of operations, especially when using light intervention vessels with limited space.
Innovation Solution
A tool string equipped with a tractor and an engaging tool, like a GS-pulling tool, is used to couple and retrieve equipment from the wellbore, with the tractor positioned ahead of the engaging tool to minimize the overall length of the combined string, allowing for the removal of longer equipment without increasing sluice or tool string length.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If a standard tool string is used to remove equipment from the wellbore, then the equipment can be retrieved, but the total length of the combined string exceeds the sluice capacity
Solution Approach 1:
The tool string is segmented into functional modules (tractor, engaging tool, stroker, release subsystem) that can be independently positioned. The tractor is placed ahead of the engaging tool, creating separate functional zones that reduce the effective length occupying the sluice while maintaining all necessary functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The arrangement transitions from a linear sequential layout to a spatial configuration where the tractor operates in one dimension (ahead of the engaging tool) while the engaging tool couples equipment in another dimension (behind the tractor). This dimensional reorganization reduces the projected length within the sluice constraint.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the tool string length is reduced to fit sluice capacity, then sluice compatibility is achieved, but the ability to remove longer equipment is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The tractor positioned ahead of the engaging tool serves multiple functions: it provides propulsion for running the tool string into the wellbore, creates spatial separation to reduce effective length, and enables the engaging tool to access equipment of varying lengths. This multi-functional arrangement allows the same tool string configuration to handle different equipment sizes within sluice constraints.
3Length of moving object
If equipment is coupled behind the tractor, then the overall length of the combined string is minimized, but the engaging tool must be positioned strategically
Solution Approach 1:
The tractor is positioned ahead of the engaging tool during the running-in phase, preparing the spatial configuration before equipment coupling. This preliminary positioning ensures that when the engaging tool needs to couple equipment, the optimal spatial relationship is already established, minimizing the need for complex repositioning operations.
Data Source
AI summary
There is described a method of removing equipment from a section of a wellbore, and related apparatus. In embodiments of the invention a tool string (10) is provided having a tractor (15) and a GS-pulling tool (14). The tool string (10) is run into the wellbore using the tractor (15), at least one section of the tractor being positioned ahead of the GS-pulling tool (14) within the tool string (10), and the GS-pulling tool (14) is used to couple the equipment (12) to the tool string (10), for allowing the equipment (12) to be removed.