Integrated Pumpdown Assembly for Wireline Pressure Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing wireline pressure control systems for hydrocarbon wells require separate pumpdown valves and complex pumpdown flowline assemblies at each wellhead assembly, leading to complications in assembly, potential leak paths, and inefficiencies in operations.

Innovation Solution

A wireline pressure control string incorporating a pumpdown assembly with a flexible flowline connected to a pumpdown fluid source, eliminating the need for separate pumpdown valves and flowline assemblies by integrating them into the wireline pressure control string, allowing easy maneuverability and reduced manual intervention.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If separate pumpdown valves and pumpdown flowline assemblies are provided at each wellhead assembly, then the pumpdown function can be achieved, but the assembly process becomes complicated and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepumpdown functionVSAvoidassembly complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The pumpdown valve is integrated into the wireline pressure control string, merging the pumpdown function with the existing pressure control assembly. This eliminates the need for separate pumpdown valves and flowline assemblies at each wellhead, thereby simplifying the overall assembly process while maintaining the pumpdown function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The wireline pressure control string is designed to serve multiple functions: pressure control during wireline operations and pumpdown function for propelling the perforating gun. By making the pressure control string multi-functional, the patent eliminates the need for separate dedicated pumpdown components at each wellhead assembly.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If separate pumpdown valves and pumpdown flowline assemblies are provided at each wellhead assembly, then the pumpdown function can be achieved, but the number of connection points increases representing potential leak paths

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepumpdown functionVSAvoidleak paths

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

By integrating the pumpdown valve into the wireline pressure control string, the number of separate connection points is reduced. The pumpdown fluid source connects directly to the integrated valve through a single flexible flowline, eliminating multiple connection interfaces between separate pumpdown components and wellhead assemblies, thereby reducing potential leak paths.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Strength

If rigid pipes and fittings are used in the pumpdown flowline assembly, then the structural integrity is maintained, but the maneuverability around the well site is restricted

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural integrityVSAvoidmaneuverability

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces rigid pipes and fittings with a flexible flowline that connects the pumpdown valve to the pumpdown fluid source. This flexible conduit maintains sufficient structural integrity to handle pumpdown pressures while allowing easy maneuverability and repositioning around the well site, eliminating the need for complex rigid piping arrangements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

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

Simplifies the assembly process, reduces leak paths, and enhances operational efficiency by enabling seamless movement between wellhead assemblies without the need for manual intervention, improving safety and performance.

Implementation Method 1

a pumpdown assembly for controlling the flow of fluid into the well bore during a wireline operation

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFluid flow control: Valve

Implementation Method 2

the pumpdown valve is connected to the pumpdown fluid source using a flexible flowline

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFlexible conduit fluid transmission:

Data Source

PatentUS12546176B2Wireline pressure control string with pumpdown assembly

Publication Date: 2026.02.10 FMC TECHNOLOGIES INC

AI summary

A pumpdown system for use in performing wireline operations on a well bore includes a wellhead assembly positioned at the top of the well bore, a pumpdown fluid source, a flowline having a first end connected to the pumpdown fluid source and an opposite second end, and a wireline pressure control string releasably connectable to the wellhead assembly. The wireline pressure control string includes a pumpdown sub having a body and a through bore which extends through the body, at least one pumpdown valve having an inlet connected to the second end of the flowline and an outlet in fluid communication with the through bore, and a connector positioned below the pumpdown assembly for releasably securing the wireline pressure control string to the wellhead assembly. In operation of the pumpdown system, the wireline pressure control string is connected to the wellhead assembly and fluid from the pumpdown fluid source is conveyed through the flowline, the pumpdown valve and the pumpdown sub into the well bore.