Wireline Reamer for Simultaneous Wellbore Conditioning and Sampling

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current wellbore evaluation and sampling methods require separate trips for wellbore conditioning and data sampling, which increases time and risk of downhole problems like sticking, and lacks efficiency in reservoir evaluation.

Innovation Solution

A wireline-based system that combines a wellbore sampling tool and a reamer, where the reamer is lowered and extended without rotating the wireline or sampling tool, allowing for reciprocation to condition the wellbore by alternatingly traveling uphole and downhole, and optionally rotating to ream the wellbore, thereby enabling simultaneous wellbore conditioning and sampling in a single trip.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If separate trips are used for wellbore conditioning and data sampling, then each operation can be performed with dedicated tools, but the total time and risk of downhole problems increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverisk of downhole problemsVSAvoidtotal evaluation time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines wellbore conditioning and data sampling operations into a single trip by integrating a reamer and sampling tools on the same wireline assembly. This allows both operations to be performed simultaneously without requiring separate trips, thereby reducing total time and minimizing the risk of downhole problems such as sticking.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The wireline assembly is designed to perform multiple functions: it serves as both a conditioning tool (reamer) and a sampling tool. The reamer can be deployed to condition the wellbore while the sampling tool collects data, enabling one system to fulfill multiple operational roles that traditionally required separate dedicated tools.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Ease of operation

If a reamer is deployed on wireline without rotation, then the wireline and sampling tool remain in a non-rotational state, but the reaming operation must be performed differently

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperational simplicityVSAvoidreaming mechanism complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The reamer is designed with retractable pads that can be extended and retracted as needed. The pads are extended during the reaming operation to contact the wellbore wall, and retracted during deployment and retrieval to minimize interference. This dynamic adjustment allows the system to adapt its configuration based on operational requirements without requiring continuous rotation of the wireline.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The reaming operation is performed through reciprocating motion of the wireline assembly, where the reamer alternates between advancing into and retracting from the wellbore. This periodic reciprocation enables the reaming function to be achieved without continuous rotation, maintaining the wireline and sampling tool in a non-rotational state while still accomplishing the conditioning task.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

3Productivity

If multiple reaming pads are extended to contact the inner wall, then effective reaming is achieved, but the device size increases when lowered into the wellbore

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvereaming effectivenessVSAvoidreamer size during deployment

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The reaming pads are designed to be retractable, allowing them to be pulled into the reamer body during deployment and extended only when needed for the reaming operation. This dynamic configuration enables the reamer to have a compact form factor during lowering into the wellbore, minimizing interference with the sampling tool and wireline, while still providing full reaming capability when the pads are extended and contacting the wellbore inner wall.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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

This approach reduces the time and cost of wellbore evaluation by allowing for simultaneous wellbore conditioning and data sampling, minimizing the risk of downhole issues and improving operational efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

the portion of the wellbore is cleaned using the reamer

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAbrasion: Abrasion

Implementation Method 2

hydraulic fluid in the hydraulic fluid reservoir is flowed to the multiple reaming pads to extend the multiple reaming pads from the retracted state into the extended state

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHydraulic pressure: Hydraulic Press

Data Source

PatentUS11268327B2Wellbore conditioning with a reamer on a wireline

Publication Date: 2022.03.08 SAUDI ARABIAN OIL CO

AI summary

To condition a wellbore with a reamer on a wireline, a portion of a wellbore is formed from a surface of the earth toward a subsurface hydrocarbon reservoir using a wellbore drilling assembly. After forming the portion of the wellbore, the wellbore drilling assembly is removed from the portion of the wellbore. Using a wireline, a wellbore sampling tool and a reamer are lowered into the portion of the wellbore. While maintaining the wellbore sampling tool and the wireline in a non-rotational state, the portion of the wellbore is cleaned using the reamer.