Wireless Sheave Wheel Tension Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireline operations in oil and gas wells face inaccuracies in measuring wireline tension and position due to mis-calibration and line anomalies, particularly because traditional measuring devices rely on small deflection measurements and are hindered by extra cables that impede operation.
Innovation Solution
A wireless depth and tension measurement system integrated into a top sheave wheel that communicates directly with a ground control system, eliminating the need for external cables and providing accurate measurements through a nearly 180° wrap of the wireline, reducing slippage and enhancing tension measurement accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional measuring devices with small deflection measurements are used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the measurement precision deteriorates due to mis-calibration and line anomalies
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical deflection-based measurement systems with a wireless electronic measurement system. The sheave wheel assembly includes wireless tension and depth measurement devices that transmit data electronically to the ground control system, eliminating the need for mechanical cable connections and small deflection measurements that are prone to calibration errors and anomalies.
Solution Approach 2:
The sheave wheel assembly is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it guides the wireline through the wellhead while integrated tension and depth measurement devices monitor operational parameters. This multi-functional design consolidates what would otherwise require separate measurement systems, improving precision without proportionally increasing complexity.
2Ease of operation
If external cables are used to connect measuring devices to the wireline truck, then the device complexity is reduced, but the ease of operation deteriorates because cables impede operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates mechanical cable connections by implementing wireless measurement devices on the sheave wheel assembly. These devices transmit tension and depth data electronically to the ground control system, removing physical cables that would impede wireline movement and complicate operational procedures.
3Measurement precision
If the wireline wraps nearly 180° around the sheave wheel, then the measurement precision improves by reducing slippage, but the device complexity increases due to the integrated measurement system
Solution Approach 1:
The sheave wheel assembly is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it guides the wireline through the wellhead while integrated tension and depth measurement devices monitor operational parameters. The 180° wrap configuration is integrated into this multi-functional design, allowing the wheel to both redirect the wireline and provide accurate measurement data through its measurement devices, thereby improving precision without proportionally increasing complexity.
4Measurement precision
If traditional sheave wheels without measurement capability are used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the measurement precision deteriorates due to inability to accurately measure tension and position
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the sheave wheel function with integrated tension and depth measurement devices into a single assembly. This combination allows the sheave wheel to simultaneously perform its mechanical function of guiding the wireline and its measurement function of monitoring tension and position, thereby improving measurement precision without requiring entirely separate measurement systems that would increase overall complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A sheave wheel includes a housing; a wheel attached to the housing and configured to rotate relative to the housing; a depth and tension measurement system attached to the housing and configured to measure a parameter associated with the wheel; and a local control system attached to the housing and configured to exchange information associated with the measured parameter in a wireless manner with a ground control system.