WO2009020397A1 - Coupling device for converting mechanical torque into hydraulic pressure for exerting radial thrusting force on drive wheels in a pulling tool in a well - Google Patents

Coupling device for converting mechanical torque into hydraulic pressure for exerting radial thrusting force on drive wheels in a pulling tool in a well Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2009020397A1
WO2009020397A1 PCT/NO2008/000285 NO2008000285W WO2009020397A1 WO 2009020397 A1 WO2009020397 A1 WO 2009020397A1 NO 2008000285 W NO2008000285 W NO 2008000285W WO 2009020397 A1 WO2009020397 A1 WO 2009020397A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
shaft
coupling device
hydraulic pressure
pulling tool
drive wheels
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/NO2008/000285
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Per Olav Haughom
Original Assignee
Wellbore Solutions As
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Wellbore Solutions As filed Critical Wellbore Solutions As
Publication of WO2009020397A1 publication Critical patent/WO2009020397A1/en

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Classifications

    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E21—EARTH OR ROCK DRILLING; MINING
    • E21B—EARTH OR ROCK DRILLING; OBTAINING OIL, GAS, WATER, SOLUBLE OR MELTABLE MATERIALS OR A SLURRY OF MINERALS FROM WELLS
    • E21B23/00—Apparatus for displacing, setting, locking, releasing or removing tools, packers or the like in boreholes or wells
    • E21B23/14—Apparatus for displacing, setting, locking, releasing or removing tools, packers or the like in boreholes or wells for displacing a cable or a cable-operated tool, e.g. for logging or perforating operations in deviated wells
    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E21—EARTH OR ROCK DRILLING; MINING
    • E21B—EARTH OR ROCK DRILLING; OBTAINING OIL, GAS, WATER, SOLUBLE OR MELTABLE MATERIALS OR A SLURRY OF MINERALS FROM WELLS
    • E21B23/00—Apparatus for displacing, setting, locking, releasing or removing tools, packers or the like in boreholes or wells
    • E21B23/001—Self-propelling systems or apparatus, e.g. for moving tools within the horizontal portion of a borehole
    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E21—EARTH OR ROCK DRILLING; MINING
    • E21B—EARTH OR ROCK DRILLING; OBTAINING OIL, GAS, WATER, SOLUBLE OR MELTABLE MATERIALS OR A SLURRY OF MINERALS FROM WELLS
    • E21B4/00—Drives for drilling, used in the borehole
    • E21B4/18—Anchoring or feeding in the borehole

Definitions

  • Coupling device for converting mechanical torque into hydraulic pressure for exerting radial thrusting force on drive wheels in a pulling tool in a well
  • the present invention concerns a conversion device for converting mechanical torque to hydraulic pressure in a liquid.
  • a device of the kind to be used in a mechanical conveyor/ pulling tool where the purpose of the device is to transform a mechanical torque to hydraulic pressure in a liquid, which pressure in turn can be used to exert a radial thrusting force on drive wheels against the wall of a bore.
  • hydraulic pressure in a liquid is frequently used to provide sufficient friction through thrusting force on wheels or belts contacting the pipe or bore wall.
  • a conversion device is necessary for regulating the hydraulic liquid pressure providing thrusting force on the drive wheels/belts contacting the bore wall.
  • the thrusting force on the drive wheels or belts contacting the pipe or bore wall must be adjustable depending on applied mechanical torque from the motor, such that a sufficient friction between wheels/belts and the bore wall is achieved.
  • a coupling device which in a functional and practical feasible way provides a relation between mechanical torque and hydraulic liquid pressure activating the drive wheels against the bore wall, so that the thrusting force on the drive wheels against the bore wall is adjusted proportional to the mechanical torque.
  • Fig 1 shows a wheeled modular conveyor/ pulling tool in a wellbore
  • Fig 2 shows a mechanical gear transmission mechanism for transmission of torque to drive wheels
  • Fig 3 is a cross section of the coupling device
  • Fig 4 shows a detail of the coupling device
  • Fig 5 shows the principle of the valve function for hydraulic pressure on the thrusting mechanism for drive wheels or belts DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
  • reference numeral 1 refers to a pipe or wellbore, e.g. for production or transport of oil, gas or water.
  • a conveyor/ pulling tool is positioned within the pipe or wellbore 1.
  • the conveyor/ pulling tool comprises drive modules 6, having drive wheels 4 connected to levers 5 for radial displacement of the wheels 4 towards the pipe or bore wall.
  • the conveyor/ pulling tool is powered by an electromotor 3 supplied with power and signals through cable 7.
  • a mechanical coupler 2 is disposed between the motor 3 and drive modules 6.
  • the coupler 2 constitutes the invention, and will be described in greater detail in the following.
  • FIG 2 and figure 5 shows the main principle for the mechanical power transmission in the drive module. From the motor 3, torque is transmitted through the mechanical coupling device 2, further through the gears 8, shaft 9, bevel gear 35 and gears 36 to the drive wheels 4.
  • the drive wheels 4 are forced towards the wall of the pipe or wellbore by means of the lever 5 and cogged hydraulic pistons 31 engaging the gear 32 disposed on the lever 5.
  • the function of the coupling device 2 is to control the hydraulic pressure on the pistons 31 to be proportional to the torque from the motor 3. At increasing torque, the hydraulic pressure increases, whereby the drive wheels 4 are forced harder against the wall of the wellbore 1. This functionality is necessary in order for the conveyor/ pulling tool to be able to adapt to, and pass, different diameters in the wellbore.
  • Fig 3 shows a cross section through the coupling device 2 having an incoming shaft 12 and an outgoing shaft 15.
  • a spring 20 thrusts an adapter 17 towards a part 33 of the outgoing shaft 15, having an extended diameter.
  • Fig 4 shows incoming shaft 12 supported in the housing 11 by ball bearing 13.
  • the incoming shaft 12 having tapered surfaces 25 engaging rollers 24 rotatable about bolts 34 in part 33 of the outgoing shaft 15.
  • the outgoing shaft 15 is supported by ball bearing 14.
  • the adapter 17 from fig 3 is provided with splines 23 engaging corresponding splines in the housing 11 , so that the adapter 17 may be displaced in the axial direction only.
  • the spring 20 thrusts the adapter 17 towards the bearing 14 and the part 33 of the outgoing shaft 15 so that the rollers 24 are always in engagement with the tapered surfaces 25.
  • the displacement 29 of the shaft 21 is transmitted to a spring 26 within the valve unit 16.
  • the force from the spring 26 thrusts the ball 27against the seat 28, whereby the hydraulic pressure on the pistons 31 are increased.
  • the increased pressure in the pistons 31 is transmitted to the lever 5 through gear 32 engaging cogging on pistons 31.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Geology (AREA)
  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Mining & Mineral Resources (AREA)
  • Environmental & Geological Engineering (AREA)
  • Fluid Mechanics (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • General Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Geochemistry & Mineralogy (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Details Of Spanners, Wrenches, And Screw Drivers And Accessories (AREA)
  • Hydraulic Motors (AREA)
  • Earth Drilling (AREA)

Abstract

A pulling tool for use in a pipe or wellbore has a motor (3) connected to several hydraulically activated levers (5) for forcing drive wheels (4) against an inner surface of the wellbore. A coupling device (2), disposed between the motor (3) and levers (5), has an incoming shaft (12) with sloping surfaces (25) at the end. An outgoing shaft (15) has rollers (24) distributed on an adapter (17) at its end, such that the rollers (24) engage the sloping surfaces (25) on the incoming shaft (12). When a torque is applied to the incoming shaft, a relative rotation between the incoming shaft (12) and outgoing shaft (15) causes an axial displacement of the adapter (17). This axial displacement controls, pistons providing a hydraulic pressure. forcing the levers (5) outwards, thus forcing the wheels (4) against the inner surface of the pipe or wellbore.

Description

Coupling device for converting mechanical torque into hydraulic pressure for exerting radial thrusting force on drive wheels in a pulling tool in a well
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention concerns a conversion device for converting mechanical torque to hydraulic pressure in a liquid.
More specifically, it concerns a device of the kind to be used in a mechanical conveyor/ pulling tool, where the purpose of the device is to transform a mechanical torque to hydraulic pressure in a liquid, which pressure in turn can be used to exert a radial thrusting force on drive wheels against the wall of a bore.
During maintenance or inspection of pipes, pipelines and wellbores, e.g. for oil, gas or water production, it is frequently necessary to use a conveyor/ pulling tool in order to enter sufficiently deep into the pipes or bores with miscellaneous tools and equipment for maintenance or inspections.
Particularly in oil and gas wells having a lot of advanced equipment for optimal oil production, advanced maintenance operations are now being performed. Such operations require reliable and cost efficient tool carriers. Today, conveyor/ pulling tools of various constructions are used. The most common are electro-hydraulic apparatuses where the propulsion mechanism on the transporting device is driven by hydraulic motors located directly within the wheels. Alternatively, the power is transmitted through gear systems of various constructions.
In pipes or wellbores having a small diameter the dimensions of wheels and motors are very limited. This leads to small dimensions in the components, and consequently large hydraulic flow losses and less robust constructions.
In order to obtain sufficient force and flexibility, hydraulic pressure in a liquid is frequently used to provide sufficient friction through thrusting force on wheels or belts contacting the pipe or bore wall. In drive mechanisms having direct mechanical gear transmissions between the motor and wheels/belts, a conversion device is necessary for regulating the hydraulic liquid pressure providing thrusting force on the drive wheels/belts contacting the bore wall.
The thrusting force on the drive wheels or belts contacting the pipe or bore wall must be adjustable depending on applied mechanical torque from the motor, such that a sufficient friction between wheels/belts and the bore wall is achieved.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
With the present invention a coupling device is disclosed, which in a functional and practical feasible way provides a relation between mechanical torque and hydraulic liquid pressure activating the drive wheels against the bore wall, so that the thrusting force on the drive wheels against the bore wall is adjusted proportional to the mechanical torque.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
In the following, an example of a preferred embodiment is disclosed with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
Fig 1 shows a wheeled modular conveyor/ pulling tool in a wellbore, Fig 2 shows a mechanical gear transmission mechanism for transmission of torque to drive wheels
Fig 3 is a cross section of the coupling device
Fig 4 shows a detail of the coupling device
Fig 5 shows the principle of the valve function for hydraulic pressure on the thrusting mechanism for drive wheels or belts DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Reference is first made to figure 1 , in which reference numeral 1 refers to a pipe or wellbore, e.g. for production or transport of oil, gas or water. A conveyor/ pulling tool is positioned within the pipe or wellbore 1. The conveyor/ pulling tool comprises drive modules 6, having drive wheels 4 connected to levers 5 for radial displacement of the wheels 4 towards the pipe or bore wall. The conveyor/ pulling tool is powered by an electromotor 3 supplied with power and signals through cable 7.
A mechanical coupler 2 is disposed between the motor 3 and drive modules 6. The coupler 2 constitutes the invention, and will be described in greater detail in the following.
Figure 2 and figure 5 shows the main principle for the mechanical power transmission in the drive module. From the motor 3, torque is transmitted through the mechanical coupling device 2, further through the gears 8, shaft 9, bevel gear 35 and gears 36 to the drive wheels 4.
The drive wheels 4 are forced towards the wall of the pipe or wellbore by means of the lever 5 and cogged hydraulic pistons 31 engaging the gear 32 disposed on the lever 5.
The function of the coupling device 2 is to control the hydraulic pressure on the pistons 31 to be proportional to the torque from the motor 3. At increasing torque, the hydraulic pressure increases, whereby the drive wheels 4 are forced harder against the wall of the wellbore 1. This functionality is necessary in order for the conveyor/ pulling tool to be able to adapt to, and pass, different diameters in the wellbore.
Fig 3 shows a cross section through the coupling device 2 having an incoming shaft 12 and an outgoing shaft 15. A spring 20 thrusts an adapter 17 towards a part 33 of the outgoing shaft 15, having an extended diameter. Fig 4 shows incoming shaft 12 supported in the housing 11 by ball bearing 13. The incoming shaft 12 having tapered surfaces 25 engaging rollers 24 rotatable about bolts 34 in part 33 of the outgoing shaft 15. The outgoing shaft 15 is supported by ball bearing 14. The adapter 17 from fig 3 is provided with splines 23 engaging corresponding splines in the housing 11 , so that the adapter 17 may be displaced in the axial direction only. The spring 20 thrusts the adapter 17 towards the bearing 14 and the part 33 of the outgoing shaft 15 so that the rollers 24 are always in engagement with the tapered surfaces 25.
When a torque 10 is applied to the incoming shaft 12, a relative rotation between the incoming shaft 12 and the outgoings shaft 15 will occur, depending on the thrust from spring 20. This rotation is due to the rollers 24 moving on the tapered surfaces 25. This rotation causes an axial displacement of the adapter 17 and further of the shaft 21 engaging the adapter 17 at the surface 22.
Referring to fig 5, the displacement 29 of the shaft 21 is transmitted to a spring 26 within the valve unit 16. The force from the spring 26 thrusts the ball 27against the seat 28, whereby the hydraulic pressure on the pistons 31 are increased. The increased pressure in the pistons 31 is transmitted to the lever 5 through gear 32 engaging cogging on pistons 31.

Claims

1. Coupling device for converting mechanical torque to hydraulic pressure characterized in that an incoming shaft (12) has tapered surfaces (25) near one end, an outgoing shaft (15) is provided with rollers (24) engaging the tapered surfaces (25), whereby a torque imposed on the incoming shaft (12) displaces an adapter (17) axially relative to the shafts (12, 15), which displacement controls the pressure on pistons providing hydraulic force.
2. Coupling device according to claim 1 , characterized in that the hydraulic pressure forces drive means (4) against an inner surface of a pipe or wellbore.
3. Coupling device according to claim 1 , characterized in that a motor (3) in a conveyor/ pulling tool is coupled to the incoming shaft (12) and a drive module (6) of the conveyor/ pulling tool is coupled to the outgoing shaft (15).
PCT/NO2008/000285 2007-08-08 2008-08-05 Coupling device for converting mechanical torque into hydraulic pressure for exerting radial thrusting force on drive wheels in a pulling tool in a well WO2009020397A1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
NO20074106A NO333749B1 (en) 2007-08-08 2007-08-08 Coupling unit for converting mechanical torque to hydraulic fluid pressure in a drill bit for use in boreholes
NO20074106 2007-08-08

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2009020397A1 true WO2009020397A1 (en) 2009-02-12

Family

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Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/NO2008/000285 WO2009020397A1 (en) 2007-08-08 2008-08-05 Coupling device for converting mechanical torque into hydraulic pressure for exerting radial thrusting force on drive wheels in a pulling tool in a well

Country Status (2)

Country Link
NO (1) NO333749B1 (en)
WO (1) WO2009020397A1 (en)

Cited By (11)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP2505767A1 (en) * 2011-03-30 2012-10-03 Welltec A/S Fail-safe spring
EP2505768A1 (en) * 2011-03-30 2012-10-03 Welltec A/S Modular downhole tool
EP2505771A1 (en) * 2011-03-30 2012-10-03 Welltec A/S Arm assembly
EP2505770A1 (en) * 2011-03-30 2012-10-03 Welltec A/S Torque member
EP2505772A1 (en) * 2011-03-30 2012-10-03 Welltec A/S Hydraulic assembly
EP2505769A1 (en) * 2011-03-30 2012-10-03 Welltec A/S Service panel
WO2014081305A1 (en) 2012-11-26 2014-05-30 Well Innovation Engineering As Well runner
WO2014066709A3 (en) * 2012-10-26 2014-08-14 Saudi Arabian Oil Company Downhole rotary tractor
US9810520B2 (en) 2015-10-05 2017-11-07 General Electric Company Measuring relative concentricity deviations in a confined space between two circumferential elements
US10030961B2 (en) 2015-11-27 2018-07-24 General Electric Company Gap measuring device
US10240433B2 (en) 2012-01-10 2019-03-26 Qinterra Technologies As Hydrate plug remover

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US6112809A (en) * 1996-12-02 2000-09-05 Intelligent Inspection Corporation Downhole tools with a mobility device
US6454011B1 (en) * 1998-06-12 2002-09-24 Shell Oil Company Method and system for moving equipment into and through a conduit
US20050145415A1 (en) * 2004-01-05 2005-07-07 Doering Falk W. Traction control for downhole tractor
WO2006115418A1 (en) * 2005-04-28 2006-11-02 Hav Technology As Pulling tool for use in oil and gas wells

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US5184676A (en) * 1990-02-26 1993-02-09 Graham Gordon A Self-propelled apparatus

Patent Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US6112809A (en) * 1996-12-02 2000-09-05 Intelligent Inspection Corporation Downhole tools with a mobility device
US6454011B1 (en) * 1998-06-12 2002-09-24 Shell Oil Company Method and system for moving equipment into and through a conduit
US20050145415A1 (en) * 2004-01-05 2005-07-07 Doering Falk W. Traction control for downhole tractor
WO2006115418A1 (en) * 2005-04-28 2006-11-02 Hav Technology As Pulling tool for use in oil and gas wells

Cited By (30)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CN103477022A (en) * 2011-03-30 2013-12-25 韦尔泰克有限公司 Arm assembly
EP2505771A1 (en) * 2011-03-30 2012-10-03 Welltec A/S Arm assembly
EP2505767A1 (en) * 2011-03-30 2012-10-03 Welltec A/S Fail-safe spring
EP2505770A1 (en) * 2011-03-30 2012-10-03 Welltec A/S Torque member
EP2505772A1 (en) * 2011-03-30 2012-10-03 Welltec A/S Hydraulic assembly
EP2505769A1 (en) * 2011-03-30 2012-10-03 Welltec A/S Service panel
WO2012130943A1 (en) * 2011-03-30 2012-10-04 Welltec A/S Torque member
WO2012130945A1 (en) * 2011-03-30 2012-10-04 Welltec A/S Arm assembly
WO2012130940A1 (en) * 2011-03-30 2012-10-04 Welltec A/S Service panel
WO2012130944A1 (en) * 2011-03-30 2012-10-04 Welltec A/S Hydraulic assembly
WO2012130942A1 (en) * 2011-03-30 2012-10-04 Welltec A/S Fail-safe spring
WO2012130939A1 (en) * 2011-03-30 2012-10-04 Welltec A/S Modular downhole tool
CN103459762A (en) * 2011-03-30 2013-12-18 韦尔泰克有限公司 Hydraulic assembly
CN103477023A (en) * 2011-03-30 2013-12-25 韦尔泰克有限公司 Torque member
US9708873B2 (en) 2011-03-30 2017-07-18 Welltec A/S Hydraulic assembly
EP2505768A1 (en) * 2011-03-30 2012-10-03 Welltec A/S Modular downhole tool
US9523253B2 (en) 2011-03-30 2016-12-20 Welltec A/S Torque member
US9097087B2 (en) 2011-03-30 2015-08-04 Welltec A/S Fail-safe spring
US9518437B2 (en) 2011-03-30 2016-12-13 Welltec A/S Modular downhole tool
US9512688B2 (en) 2011-03-30 2016-12-06 Welltec A/S Arm assembly
US9494001B2 (en) 2011-03-30 2016-11-15 Welltec A/S Service panel
US10240433B2 (en) 2012-01-10 2019-03-26 Qinterra Technologies As Hydrate plug remover
WO2014066709A3 (en) * 2012-10-26 2014-08-14 Saudi Arabian Oil Company Downhole rotary tractor
US9624723B2 (en) 2012-10-26 2017-04-18 Saudi Arabian Oil Company Application of downhole rotary tractor
EP2923030A4 (en) * 2012-11-26 2016-10-05 Halliburton Energy Services Inc Well runner
AU2012394996B2 (en) * 2012-11-26 2016-08-11 Halliburton Energy Services, Inc. Well runner
US9890602B2 (en) 2012-11-26 2018-02-13 Halliburton Energy Services, Inc. Well runner
WO2014081305A1 (en) 2012-11-26 2014-05-30 Well Innovation Engineering As Well runner
US9810520B2 (en) 2015-10-05 2017-11-07 General Electric Company Measuring relative concentricity deviations in a confined space between two circumferential elements
US10030961B2 (en) 2015-11-27 2018-07-24 General Electric Company Gap measuring device

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
NO333749B1 (en) 2013-09-09
NO20074106L (en) 2009-02-09

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