Wireline Sensor Nose Assembly for Stable Descent in Deviated Wells
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Solution Overview
Problem
Wireline logging tools face challenges in deviated wells due to increased friction, sticking issues, and difficulties in navigating through drilling cuttings, leading to delays and increased costs, with existing solutions being complex, heavy, and requiring active operator intervention.
Innovation Solution
A sensor transportation apparatus with large wheels and an integral lubrication system that maintains a stable orientation and minimizes friction, allowing the tool-string to descend deviated wells without active monitoring, using a design with minimal metallic components and no moving parts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If wireline logging tools are lowered by gravity alone in deviated wells, then the tool-string can reach target depth, but friction increases and tools get stuck on ledges and in cuttings
Solution Approach 1:
A nose assembly acts as an intermediary component between the tool-string and the wellbore environment. The nose assembly with its curved profile and orientation projections navigates through cuttings and over ledges, preventing the main tool-string from sticking while maintaining gravity-driven descent.
Solution Approach 2:
The nose assembly features a curved profile that allows it to roll over obstacles and navigate through deviated wellbores. The curved geometry reduces friction and enables the tool-string to pass through cuttings and past ledges without getting stuck, while still descending under gravity.
2Force
If roller devices are integrated into the logging tool-string to reduce friction, then friction is reduced, but the devices are complex, heavy, and require active operator intervention
Solution Approach 1:
The complex roller devices are extracted and replaced with a simpler nose assembly that provides friction reduction through its geometric design rather than mechanical rollers. The nose assembly achieves the same friction-reduction effect without the complexity, weight, and active intervention requirements of integrated roller devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanical roller system is replaced with a passive geometric solution. The curved profile and orientation projections of the nose assembly provide the necessary friction reduction and navigation capabilities through shape alone, eliminating the need for active mechanical roller devices and operator intervention.
3Length of moving object
If the logging tool is lowered on a cable, then the tool can be deployed to target depth, but the operator has very little control of the descent
Solution Approach 1:
The nose assembly is pre-configured with specific geometric features (curved profile, orientation projections) that automatically engage with the wellbore environment during descent. These preliminary design features provide passive control mechanisms that guide the tool-string through deviated sections and over obstacles without requiring active operator intervention during deployment.
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 prevents sticking, enabling efficient deployment of wireline logging tools in deviated wells by maintaining a stable orientation and preventing contaminants from entering the lubrication system, thus reducing operational delays and costs.
Implementation Method 1
The transportation apparatus incorporates an integral lubrication system that reduces friction and prevents contaminants from entering the apparatus
Implementation Method 2
A sensor transportation apparatus with large wheels and an integral lubrication system that maintains a stable orientation and minimizes friction
Data Source
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AI summary
A sensor transportation apparatus to convey an elongate sensor assembly through a wellbore, the sensor transportation (1, 1a) apparatus comprising: a main body comprising at least one engagement structure (5) adapted to connect the sensor transportation apparatus (1, 1a) to an elongate sensor assembly, and two wheels (6) each arranged to rotate about an axis of rotation substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the elongate sensor assembly when the transportation apparatus (1, 1a) is connected to the elongate sensor assembly, an orientation structure (6, 8, 8a, 14) comprising the wheels (6) and at least one laterally extending orientation projection (8, 8a, 14), to define a form having a transverse outline which has a rotational centre (15), wherein, in use, relative rotation between the sensor transportation apparatus and the elongate sensor assembly is prevented and the rotational centre is offset from a centre of mass (2a) of the elongate sensor assembly, and a rotational axis of each said wheel (6) is above the centre of mass (2a) of the elongate sensor assembly when the sensor transportation apparatus (1,1a) is substantially horizontal so that in use the elongate sensor assembly is configured to naturally rotate, so that the sensor transportation apparatus is oriented in a most stable position with the elongate sensor assembly centre of mass below the rotational centre of the sensor transportation apparatus and with the elongate sensor assembly carried on the wheels of the transportation apparatus in contact with the low side of the well bore.