Wireline Logging Wheel Assembly for Deviated Wellbore Descent

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing technologies face challenges in efficiently deploying wireline logging tools down deviated wellbores, particularly due to increased friction, obstacles, and the need for active monitoring and manipulation to navigate past obstructions.

Innovation Solution

A sensor transportation apparatus featuring a pair of axles and wheels that rotate about an axis perpendicular to the logging tool's longitudinal axis, with protection structures to prevent side contact with the wellbore and ensure stable orientation, reducing friction and facilitating navigation through deviated wellbores.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Speed

If wireline logging tools are lowered by cable under gravity alone, then deployment speed is improved, but control over descent is lost and tools may become stuck on ledges

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedeployment speedVSAvoidcontrol over descent

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the traditional cable-based mechanical lowering system with a controlled descent mechanism that uses friction and contact with the wellbore wall to regulate the tool's descent. This substitution maintains speed while providing operational control through adjustable friction elements and guided contact points.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention introduces intermediary elements such as friction pads, guide wheels, or contact surfaces that mediate between the gravity-driven descent and the wellbore wall. These intermediaries provide controlled resistance and guidance, enabling both speed and operational control during deployment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If wireline logging tools are lowered through deviated wellbores, then exploration coverage is improved, but friction increases and tools may encounter obstructions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveexploration coverageVSAvoidfriction

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSForce

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs curved or spherical contact surfaces, wheels, or rollers that better conform to the curved geometry of deviated wellbores. This curvature matching reduces point contact friction and distributes contact forces, enabling smoother traversal through angled and deviated sections while maintaining exploration versatility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes physical parameters such as contact surface area, material composition, or lubrication properties to reduce friction in deviated wellbores. By adjusting these parameters, the tool can navigate angled sections with reduced resistance while maintaining the ability to reach diverse exploration targets.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Stability of the object's composition

If protection structures are added to prevent wheel side contact with wellbore, then tool stability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetool stabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the protection structure with existing wheel assemblies or housing components, integrating multiple functions into unified elements. This consolidation provides stability through side contact prevention while minimizing the addition of separate components, thereby reducing overall device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention designs protection structures that serve multiple functions: preventing side contact for stability, guiding the tool's orientation, and potentially providing mechanical support. This multi-functionality achieves stability enhancement without proportionally increasing device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 apparatus effectively reduces friction and enhances the stability of the logging tool during deployment, allowing it to traverse deviated wellbores more efficiently and accurately, while minimizing the risk of tool damage and operational delays.

Implementation Method 1

The wheels are configured to reduce friction between the sensor transportation apparatus and the wellbore wall, enabling smoother descent

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Implementation Method 2

The logging tool is lowered into the wellbore and descends under gravity to the target depth of the wellbore well

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectGravity: Gravitation

Data Source

PatentUS12320216B2Sensor transportation apparatus for a wireline logging tool string

Publication Date: 2025.06.03 PETROMAC IP

AI summary

A sensor transportation apparatus to convey an elongate sensor assembly through a wellbore, the sensor transportation apparatus comprises a pair of axles and a pair of wheels corresponding with the pair of axles with each wheel mounted on a respective said axle to rotate about an axis of rotation perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the elongate sensor assembly. A protection structure extends longitudinally around each wheel to prevent a side of the wheel from contacting a wall of the wellbore. Each wheel extends above and below the protection structure to contact a side of the wellbore.