Wireline Inflatable Packer Tool String for Single-Trip Zone Isolation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for flow testing multiple zones in a wellbore require multiple trips, increasing time and effort due to the need to retrieve and re-deploy inflatable packers for each zone.
Innovation Solution
A tool string with an inflatable packer and an electro-hydraulic pump is lowered into the wellbore on a wireline, allowing for the inflation and deflation of packers to isolate and measure flow rates from multiple zones in a single trip, using a pressure-balanced closed working fluid system and a deflation tool to align flow ports for efficient operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If inflatable packers are used to isolate zones for flow testing, then zone isolation effectiveness is improved, but the need to retrieve and re-deploy packers for multiple zones increases operational time and complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple inflatable packers into a single integrated tool string that can isolate multiple zones simultaneously. The tool string includes a first packer for isolating a first zone and a second packer for isolating a second zone, both deployed together in a single trip into the wellbore. This merging of multiple isolation functions into one deployable unit eliminates the need for separate trips to retrieve and re-deploy individual packers, thereby maintaining reliable zone isolation while significantly reducing operational time.
Solution Approach 2:
The tool string is designed as a multi-functional device that can perform multiple zone isolations and flow testing operations in a single deployment. The universal tool string configuration allows it to adapt to testing multiple different zones by positioning the packers at appropriate depths, eliminating the need for specialized single-zone tools and reducing the number of trips required.
2Measurement precision
If inflatable packers are deployed to isolate zones, then flow rate measurement capability is improved, but the process of retrieving and re-deploying packers increases device complexity and operational effort
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple packers and flow measurement capabilities into a single integrated tool string. The tool string includes first and second packers along with flow meters positioned to measure flow rates from different zones simultaneously or sequentially. This integration maintains precise flow rate measurement capability while reducing operational complexity by eliminating the need to retrieve, handle, and re-deploy separate packer assemblies for each zone.
Solution Approach 2:
The tool string enables continuous flow rate measurements from multiple zones during a single deployment. The packers remain inflated and isolated throughout the measurement process, allowing continuous data collection without the interruption of retrieval and re-deployment cycles. This continuity maintains measurement precision while simplifying the operational sequence.
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
Enables the flow testing of multiple zones in a single trip, reducing operational time and effort while maintaining accurate flow rate measurements by using a wireline to inflate and deflate packers, thereby isolating zones effectively.
Implementation Method 1
The pump comprises a pressure balanced closed working fluid system having a working fluid pump and an electric motor operable to drive the working fluid pump and a hydraulic pump portion having a reciprocating drive piston in selective fluid communication with the working fluid pump
Implementation Method 2
applying a tensile force through the wireline to pull a mandrel in a deflation tool to align flow ports in the mandrel with exterior ports to deflate the packer or plug
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3A
AI summary
Embodiments of the present invention provide a method and apparatus for flow testing multiple zones (100a, 100b, 100c) in a single trip. In one embodiment, a method of flow testing multiple zones in a wellbore includes lowering a tool string (200) into the wellbore. The tool string includes an inflatable packer or plug (600) and an electric pump (310). The method further includes operating the pump, thereby inflating the packer or plug and isolating a first zone from one or more other zones; monitoring flow from the first zone; deflating the packer or plug; moving the tool string in the wellbore; and operating the pump, thereby inflating the packer or plug and isolating a second zone from one or more other zones; and monitoring flow from the second zone. The zones are monitored in one trip.