Wireline Services Server for Network-Resilient Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Challenges in wireline services include complex well geometries and extended bore depths that pose safety and logistics concerns, leading to delays and variations in equipment setup and operation due to varying crew expertise.

Innovation Solution

A wireline services system server that includes processor-executable instructions to build a model of the equipment setup, operating in automated, safe, or user interactive modes, with the ability to transition between these modes based on network connectivity and using a model-based framework for decision-making and operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If wireline services are performed in complex well geometries with extended bore depths, then the ability to access remote reservoirs is improved, but safety risks and operational delays increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveability to access remote reservoirsVSAvoidsafety risks
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual mechanical operations with an automated control system that uses a digital model of the wireline equipment and wellbore geometry. The system automatically calculates conveyance parameters, determines optimal deployment strategies, and controls winch operations, eliminating reliance on crew expertise and reducing safety risks in complex well geometries.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary computational analysis by building a digital model of the wireline equipment and wellbore characteristics before actual deployment. This pre-calculation of conveyance parameters and deployment strategies allows the system to anticipate and prepare for challenges in complex geometries, reducing operational delays and safety risks during actual operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Ease of operation

If manual conveyance methods are used by wireline services crew, then flexibility to account for bore characteristics is improved, but operational delays and variability increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveflexibility to account for bore characteristicsVSAvoidoperational delays
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual conveyance operations with an automated computational system that processes wellbore geometry data and equipment parameters to determine optimal deployment strategies. This substitution maintains flexibility by adapting calculations to specific bore characteristics while eliminating operational delays caused by varying crew expertise and manual decision-making.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs self-service by automatically calculating conveyance parameters and controlling wireline equipment deployment based on input data from wellbore geometry and equipment specifications. This eliminates the need for manual intervention and variability in crew expertise, providing consistent, optimized operations without operational delays.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Productivity

If automated mode is used with network connection, then operational efficiency is improved, but vulnerability to network interruptions increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperational efficiencyVSAvoidvulnerability to network interruptions
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements beforehand cushioning by maintaining local computational resources and a digital model of the wireline equipment that can operate independently when network connections are interrupted. This preparatory measure ensures that automated operations can continue without vulnerability to network interruptions, preserving both operational efficiency and reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses a local computational intermediary that processes control commands and equipment data locally, reducing dependence on continuous network connections. This intermediary maintains the digital model and can execute automated operations independently when network interruptions occur, bridging the gap between automated efficiency and reliability during network disruptions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP3479197B1Wireline services system
Publication Date: 2025.07.23 SERVICES PETROLIERS SCHLUMBERGER SA
  • EP3479197B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3479197B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3479197B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A wireline services system server can include a processor; memory operatively coupled to the processor; a network interface; at least one wireline services equipment interface; and processor-executable instructions stored in the memory executable to instruct the wireline services system server to operate in a user interactive mode via receipt of client communications via a network connection at the network interface; operate in an automated mode; and operate in a safe mode responsive to interruption of a network connection at the network interface.