Wireline Sensor Transport Wheels for Deviated Well Descent
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireline logging tools face challenges in deviated wells due to friction, obstruction by drilling cuttings, and lack of control during descent, leading to delays and increased costs, with existing solutions being complex, heavy, and prone to damage or inefficiency.
Innovation Solution
A sensor transportation apparatus with large wheels rotating perpendicular to the bore axis, equipped with a lubrication system using an elastomer diaphragm to maintain pressure and prevent contamination, and an orientation structure to ensure stable descent and minimize friction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If wireline logging tools are lowered by gravity alone in deviated wells, then deployment speed is improved, but friction and obstruction by drilling cuttings increase causing tools to get stuck
Solution Approach 1:
The tool string is divided into multiple modular components including sensor packages, stabilizers, and transport apparatus that can be independently configured. This segmentation allows the system to navigate deviated wellbores more effectively by distributing weight and friction forces across multiple sections rather than having a single long tool string that gets stuck
Solution Approach 2:
A wireline transport apparatus acts as an intermediary mechanism between the surface deployment system and the logging tools. This apparatus includes wheels or rollers that reduce friction contact with the wellbore wall, and a wireline payout mechanism that provides controlled feeding of tools into the wellbore, mediating the interaction between gravity-driven descent and frictional resistance
2Adaptability or versatility
If logging tools are made complex to handle deviated wells, then navigation capability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The wireline transport apparatus is designed with multi-functional components that can handle both vertical and deviated wellbores. The same apparatus provides functions including friction reduction through rollers, controlled tool feeding via wireline payout, and navigation assistance, eliminating the need for separate specialized equipment for different well configurations
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates self-adjusting mechanisms where the transport apparatus automatically adapts to wellbore geometry changes. The rollers and wireline feed mechanism self-regulate based on encountered resistance and well angle, reducing the need for complex external control systems and manual intervention
3Ease of operation
If operators actively manipulate tools during descent, then control over obstructions is improved, but operational time and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The wireline transport apparatus is pre-configured with appropriate wireline length, roller positioning, and tool string assembly before deployment. This preliminary preparation ensures that when the tools are lowered, the system is already optimized for the specific well configuration, eliminating the need for time-consuming adjustments during the descent process
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 navigates deviated wells by reducing friction and maintaining orientation, preventing damage to sensors, and facilitating efficient deployment without the need for active manipulation, thus reducing operational delays and costs.
Implementation Method 1
a lubrication system configured to provide a lubricant to the bearing, wherein the lubrication system comprises a reservoir with an elastomer diaphragm, and wherein an exterior side of the elastomer diaphragm is subject to an ambient bore pressure
Implementation Method 2
an exterior side of the elastomer diaphragm is subject to an ambient bore pressure
Implementation Method 3
one or more wheels, each wheel arranged to rotate on a bearing about an axis of rotation substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the bore
Implementation Method 4
each wheel arranged to rotate on a bearing about an axis of rotation substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the bore
Data Source
AI summary
A sensor transportation apparatus to convey a sensor assembly through a bore comprises at least one engagement structure to connect the sensor transportation apparatus to the sensor assembly, one or more wheels each arranged to rotate on a bearing about an axis of rotation substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the bore in use, and a lubrication system.The lubrication system comprises a reservoir with an elastomer diaphragm, with an exterior side of the elastomer diaphragm subjected to an ambient bore pressure.