Adjustable Wheel Centralizer for Deviated Wellbore Sensor Transport
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Solution Overview
Problem
In wireline logging operations, especially in deviated wells, the existing centralization devices face challenges in maintaining tool string centralization and reducing friction, leading to delays and inefficiencies due to increased well deviations and wellbore restrictions, which affect the accuracy and speed of data collection.
Innovation Solution
A device with azimuthally spaced wheels that adjust between a minimum and maximum outer diameter, supported by spring elements to maintain centralization and reduce friction, allowing the tool string to traverse deviated wellbores efficiently while accommodating varying wellbore diameters and restrictions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If existing centralization devices are used in deviated wells, then tool string centralization is maintained, but friction increases leading to delays and inefficiencies
Solution Approach 1:
The centralization device employs movable wheels that can dynamically adjust their position and orientation along the wellbore wall. The wheels are mounted on movable arms that allow the device to adapt to deviated well conditions while maintaining centralization, thereby reducing friction compared to rigid centralization devices
Solution Approach 2:
The device changes the parameter of wheel arrangement and contact points with the wellbore wall to optimize performance in deviated conditions. By adjusting the configuration of movable arms and wheel positions, the device maintains centralization while minimizing frictional forces that cause delays
2Object-generated harmful factors
If wheel diameter is increased to reduce friction, then passage through restrictions becomes difficult, but if wheel diameter is decreased, then friction reduction effectiveness is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The wheels are mounted on movable arms that allow dynamic adjustment of wheel position. When encountering wellbore restrictions, the movable arms can retract or adjust to allow smaller effective wheel diameter, enabling passage through restrictions while maintaining the ability to reduce friction in open sections
Solution Approach 2:
The effective wheel diameter parameter is made variable through the movable arm mechanism. The device can change the operational parameters of wheel size and position to optimize for either friction reduction or restriction passage depending on the wellbore conditions encountered
3Stability of the object's composition
If complex equipment with additional power sources is used, then centralization and friction reduction are improved, but device complexity and operational costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The centralization device utilizes the weight of the tool string itself and the natural geometry of the wellbore to achieve centralization. The movable wheels and arms passively respond to gravitational forces and wellbore constraints, eliminating the need for additional power sources or complex active control systems
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts and eliminates the need for complex power sources and active control mechanisms. By relying on passive mechanical principles and the tool string's own weight, the device achieves centralization without adding unnecessary complexity or operational costs
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 device effectively centralizes the tool string near the wellbore centerline, reduces friction, and allows passage through restrictions, enhancing data collection efficiency and reducing operational costs by minimizing the need for additional power sources or complex equipment.
Implementation Method 1
one or more spring elements to bias the wheels radially outwards
Implementation Method 2
A device with azimuthally spaced wheels that adjust between a minimum and maximum outer diameter, supported by spring elements to maintain centralization and reduce friction
Data Source
AI summary
A device for transporting a sensor assembly in a bore comprises a plurality of wheels azimuthally spaced apart around a longitudinal axis of the device. Each wheel presents a radial extremity of the device. The wheels are moveably supported to move between a minimum outer diameter of the device and a maximum outer diameter of the device. An adjustable stop mechanism is configured to pre-set the maximum outer diameter of the device within a range of maximum outer diameters so that the device is configurable for use in a pre-determined range of bore diameters. One or more spring elements bias the wheels radially outwards and are preloaded to provide a radial force to the wheels when at the pre-set maximum outer diameter.