Wireline Saver Tool Automatic Mechanical Catch
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Solution Overview
Problem
During wireline operations, there is a risk of the wireline tool string falling out of the lubricator due to operator or equipment error, posing a significant safety hazard.
Innovation Solution
A wireline saver tool assembly that includes a housing with movable stoppers configured to automatically mechanically engage a support device of a wireline tool string, preventing it from falling. The tool uses non-hydraulic means, such as a biasing mechanism and retaining mechanisms, to deploy the stoppers and catch the support device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual operation of wireline tool string is used, then operator control is maintained, but safety hazard increases due to potential falling
Solution Approach 1:
The wireline saver tool is designed to automatically engage and catch the support device without requiring operator intervention. The tool uses a spring-loaded mechanism that self-activates when the support device enters the engagement zone, eliminating the need for manual operation while maintaining safety.
Solution Approach 2:
The wireline saver tool acts as an intermediary safety device between the lubricator and the support device. It provides a mechanical catch system that intercepts the support device if it begins to fall, serving as a passive safety barrier that does not interfere with normal operations but activates when needed.
2Reliability
If automatic engagement mechanism is added, then safety is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The wireline saver tool is divided into distinct functional segments: a housing that contains the mechanism, a spring-loaded engagement component, and a catch structure. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, simplifying the overall design while maintaining safety effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The engagement mechanism uses simple, robust mechanical components that can be easily replaced if needed. The spring-loaded stoppers and catch structures are designed to be straightforward and maintenance-friendly, reducing the complexity burden of the safety system.
3Ease of operation
If hydraulic means are used for engagement, then actuation is smooth, but reliability decreases due to potential hydraulic failure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces hydraulic actuation with a purely mechanical spring-loaded engagement system. The spring provides the necessary force to engage and hold the support device, eliminating hydraulic components that could fail. This mechanical substitution maintains reliability while still providing smooth actuation through the spring's progressive engagement.
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 wireline saver tool effectively minimizes and prevents the wireline tool from falling freely from the lubricator, enhancing safety by providing a passive, automatically deployed catch system that does not require operator input.
Implementation Method 1
The tool utilizes a passive, automatically deployed catch system
Implementation Method 2
the wireline tool from falling freely from the lubricator
Data Source
AI summary
Wireline saver tool assemblies may be used for oil and gas operations. In some cases, the wireline saver tool assemblies may provide a mechanical catch for a wireline saver tool for minimizing and/or preventing the wireline tool from falling freely from a lubricator in the event of an operator and/or equipment failure. Operator input may not be required to catch and/or prevent falling of the wireline tool.