U.S. patent application number 14/113410 was filed with the patent office on 2014-02-20 for systems and methods for a modular drum with a common power pack unit.
The applicant listed for this patent is Donald Leon Crawford, Fabian Fidel Rojas. Invention is credited to Donald Leon Crawford, Fabian Fidel Rojas.
Application Number | 20140048286 14/113410 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 44630469 |
Filed Date | 2014-02-20 |
United States Patent
Application |
20140048286 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Rojas; Fabian Fidel ; et
al. |
February 20, 2014 |
SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR A MODULAR DRUM WITH A COMMON POWER PACK
UNIT
Abstract
The system includes a modular drum unit disposed in a first
skid. The modular drum unit may include a drum and a winch. The
system also includes a power pack assembly disposed in a second
skid. The power pack unit may comprise a power source. The system
also includes a cable assembly for electrically coupling the
modular drum unit to the power pack unit. The cable assembly
includes a power connector with a connector type incorporating
design constraints from both the modular drum unit and the power
pack unit.
Inventors: |
Rojas; Fabian Fidel;
(Houston, TX) ; Crawford; Donald Leon; (Spring,
TX) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Rojas; Fabian Fidel
Crawford; Donald Leon |
Houston
Spring |
TX
TX |
US
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
44630469 |
Appl. No.: |
14/113410 |
Filed: |
August 9, 2011 |
PCT Filed: |
August 9, 2011 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/US11/47006 |
371 Date: |
October 23, 2013 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
166/379 ;
166/65.1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E21B 15/003 20130101;
B65H 75/4481 20130101; E21B 23/14 20130101; B65H 2402/10 20130101;
E21B 19/22 20130101; B65H 75/38 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
166/379 ;
166/65.1 |
International
Class: |
E21B 23/14 20060101
E21B023/14 |
Claims
1. An system for formation testing at a well site, comprising: a
modular drum unit disposed a first skid, wherein the modular drum
unit includes a drum and a winch; a power pack unit disposed in a
second skid, wherein the power pack unit comprises a power source;
and a cable assembly to electrically couple the modular drum unit
to the power pack unit, wherein the cable assembly includes a power
connector incorporating design constraints from both the modular
drum unit and the power pack unit.
2. The system of claim 1, further comprising a control unit
electrically coupled to the modular drum unit via a control cable
assembly, wherein the control cable assembly includes a control
connector incorporating design constraints from both the modular
drum unit and the control unit.
3. The system of claim 2, wherein the control unit is disposed in a
third skid.
4. The system of claim 3, wherein the control unit includes a winch
control interface and a computing system.
5. The system of claim 4, wherein the computing system receives
measurements from logging tools deployed in a borehole.
6. The system of claim 1, wherein the modular drum unit further
includes a winch control interface and a computing system.
7. The system of claim 1, wherein the power source is a diesel
engine.
8. The system of claim 4, wherein the logging tools are wireline
logging tools.
9. An system for formation testing at a well site, comprising: a
modular drum unit disposed a first skid, wherein the modular drum
unit includes a drum and a hydraulic winch; a power pack unit
disposed in a second skid, wherein the power pack unit comprises a
power source and power control circuitry; a control unit disposed
in a third skid, wherein the control unit comprises a winch control
interface and a computing system; a first cable assembly to
electrically couple the modular drum unit to the power pack unit;
and a second cable assembly to electrically couple the modular drum
unit to the control unit.
10. The system of claim 9, wherein the first cable assembly
includes a power connector incorporating design constraints from
both the modular drum unit and the power pack unit.
11. The system of claim 10, wherein the second cable assembly
includes a control connector incorporating design constraints from
both the modular drum unit and the control unit.
12. The system of claim 11, wherein the control unit further
comprises an antenna.
13. The system of claim 9, wherein the power source comprises at
least one of a battery array, a solar panel, and a diesel
engine.
14. The system of claim 9, wherein the drum is wrapped with one of
a wireline, a coil tubing, or a slickline.
15. The system of claim 14, wherein the computing system receives
measurements from logging tools.
16. The system of claim 15, wherein the measurements are received
at the computing system through the second cable assembly.
17. The system of claim 16, wherein the control unit receives power
from the power pack unit through the second cable assembly.
18. A method for formation testing at a rig site, comprising:
receiving at the rig site a modular drum unit disposed a first
skid, wherein the modular drum unit includes a drum and a hydraulic
winch; receiving at the rig site a power pack unit disposed in a
second skid, wherein the power pack unit comprises a power source
and power control circuitry; and connecting the power pack unit
with the modular drum using at least one cable assembly with a
power connector incorporating design constraints from both the
modular drum unit and the power pack unit.
19. The method of claim 18, further comprising receiving at the rig
site a control unit disposed in a third skid, wherein the control
unit comprises a winch control interface and a computing
system.
20. The method of claim 19, further comprising connecting the
control unit with the modular drum using at least one cable
assembly with a connector incorporating design constraints from
both the modular drum unit and the power pack unit.
Description
BACKGROUND
[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to well drilling
operations and, more particularly, to modular drum equipment for
well drilling and logging operations.
[0002] Existing well drilling operations require information on
formation characteristics to aid in drilling decisions. Numerous
measurement techniques are used, including logging while drilling
(LWD), measuring while drilling (MWD), and wireline tests. In
wireline tests, for example, a wireline with sensing equipment is
lowered downhole. The wireline is typically wound around a wireline
drum. The wireline drum configuration may differ at each rig,
however. For example, some may include integrated control, some may
include separate power connections or no power source at all, each
may include a different connector to transmit data from the
wireline drum, etc. Utilizing the on-site drum is therefore
problematic, as different converters and equipment may be required
at each drill site to operate the wireline drum. Additionally, the
differences in configuration may increase error rates. What is
needed is a common modular drum assembly that can be easily
deployed and operated at any drilling site.
FIGURES
[0003] Some specific exemplary embodiments of the disclosure may be
understood by referring, in part, to the following description and
the accompanying drawings.
[0004] FIG. 1 illustrates a well with an existing wireline
system.
[0005] FIG. 2 illustrates an example modular drum assembly with a
common power pack according to aspects of the present
disclosure.
[0006] FIG. 3 illustrates an example modular drum assembly with a
common power pack according to aspects of the present
disclosure
[0007] FIG. 4 illustrates an example method incorporating aspects
of the present disclosure.
[0008] While embodiments of this disclosure have been depicted and
described and are defined by reference to exemplary embodiments of
the disclosure, such references do not imply a limitation on the
disclosure, and no such limitation is to be inferred. The subject
matter disclosed is capable of considerable modification,
alteration, and equivalents in form and function, as will occur to
those skilled in the pertinent art and having the benefit of this
disclosure. The depicted and described embodiments of this
disclosure are examples only, and not exhaustive of the scope of
the disclosure.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0009] The present disclosure relates generally to well drilling
operations and, more particularly, to Modular Drum with a Common
Power Pack Unit for use in well drilling operations.
[0010] Illustrative embodiments of the present disclosure are
described in detail herein. In the interest of clarity, not all
features of an actual implementation may be described in this
specification. It will of course be appreciated that in the
development of any such actual embodiment, numerous
implementation-specific decisions must be made to achieve the
specific implementation goals, which will vary from one
implementation to another. Moreover, it will be appreciated that
such a development effort might be complex and time-consuming, but
would nevertheless be a routine undertaking for those of ordinary
skill in the art having the benefit of the present disclosure.
[0011] To facilitate a better understanding of the present
disclosure, the following examples of certain embodiments are
given. In no way should the following examples be read to limit, or
define, the scope of the disclosure. Embodiments of the present
disclosure may be applicable to horizontal, vertical, deviated, or
otherwise nonlinear wellbores in any type of subterranean
formation. Embodiments may be applicable to injection wells as well
as production wells, including hydrocarbon wells.
[0012] In certain embodiments according to the present disclosure,
rig equipment may be modularized for easy deployment and use at any
drill site. This includes providing common measurement and control
system connections and providing a common power unit to power the
modular wireline drum.
[0013] FIG. 1 shows an existing drilling rig that includes an
integrated wireline drum. The wireline drum 102 is mounted on the
rig 104 above the borehole 106, where it raises and lowers the
logging tools 108 by spooling and unspooling the wireline using
winch 110. The winch 110 and logging tools 108 require power to
operate. Power requirements and configurations for the winch and
logging tools may be different at each drilling rig. For example,
in the drilling rig shown in FIG. 1, the winch 110 and logging
tools 108 may not be connected to a power source. Without an
external power source, the wireline operations cannot commence.
Connecting an external power source, however, may be problematic.
Some rigs may require that the power be connected at the top of the
rig, requiring additional equipment. Additionally, the power
requirements and connection type for the winch 110 and logging
tools 108 may vary from rig to rig. Providing sufficient power to a
remote rig site may require power equipment specifically tailored
to a particular rig configuration, which may or may not be capable
of powering a different rig configuration, or power equipment that
can be readily configure to many different configurations, which
increases expense.
[0014] Controlling the wireline drum 104, winch 110, and logging
tools 108 may also be problematic. Like the power connections, the
wireline drum 104 and winch 110 may not have a readily accessible
interface. For example, the wireline drum 104 and winch 110 may
simply include a port with non-standard connection, requiring
external controls. Like the power connection, the port may be
located at the top of the rig or elsewhere, depending on the
individual rig configuration. The non-standard connection of the
port may require multiple converters and additional equipment to
match. Additionally, the wireline drum controls may include
internal logic that must be matched in order to properly control
the wireline drum winch.
[0015] FIG. 2 illustrates an embodiment of a modular drum and power
pack unit according to aspects of the present disclosure. As can be
see, the assembly of FIG. 2 may include multiple modular units:
modular drum unit 201, power pack unit 202, and control unit 203.
The modular drum unit 201 may include a modular drum 201a on which
a wireline is spooled. Although the drum described in FIG. 2 is a
wireline drum, the modular drum may be used in many well
operations, including LWD, MWD, wired drillpipe, coiled tubing
(wired and unwired), and be wound with wireline, coil tubing, or
slickline. The modular drum may further include a hydraulic winch
201b, by which the wireline can be spooled and unspooled.
[0016] As can be seen, each of the modular units, including the
modular drum unit 201, may be implemented in a free standing
structure, such as a skid. The skid may be shipped out to a rig
site when wireline operations are required, or alternatively, the
module can be incorporated into the rig itself. Although the
modular units are shown divided, some or all of the modular units
may be combined into a single skid. For example, the modular drum
unit 201 and control unit 203 may be combined into a single skid,
integrating the drum and the control for the drum into a single
structure. Likewise, some or all of the units may be further
subdivided. Additionally, as would be apparent to one of skill in
the art in view of this disclosure, additional functionality can be
added to some or all of the modular units 201, 202, and 203.
[0017] Each of the modular units may be a constructed out of a
cuboid steel frame. In the case of the modular drum unit 201, the
frame may include a steel base to which the drum 201a is attached.
The modular drum unit 201 may also include a cable assembly 201c,
201d. The cable assembly may include a connector and internal logic
to connect and interface equipment disposed in the modular drum
unit 201 with external equipment, such as control unit 203 and
power pack unit 202. When control and/or power equipment are
integrated into the modular drum unit 201, the cable assembly may
comprise wiring harnesses internal to the modular drum unit 201
necessary to operate the drum 201a and winch 201b.
[0018] The cable assembly 201c, 201d may include a connector
incorporating design constraints from both the modular drum unit
and external equipment. For example, the connector may include pin
locations and layout based, at least in part, on circuitry in both
the modular drum unity and the external equipment. The pin layout
on a particular connector maybe specific to the equipment it
connects, such that the connector cannot be used to connect pieces
of equipment for which the cable is not designed. In FIG. 2, the
connector may be disposed at a distal end of a cable connected to
the cable assembly, at 210 and 212. In other embodiments, the
connector may itself be integrated into modular units. Each of the
connectors 210 and 212 may be designed for and dedicated to
connecting with a particular type of external equipment. For
example, connector 210 may have a power connector type and may be
rated to safely transfer a predetermined amount of power to the
modular drum unit 201 within a certain pin arrangement. Likewise,
connector 212 may have a control connector type and may be designed
for and dedicated to connecting the modular drum unit 201 with a
control unit, such as control unit 203, incorporating a pin
arrangement common to both the modular drum unit 201 and the
control unit 203. In some embodiments, the connector 212 may have a
pre-determined pin structure, which couples logic, circuitry, and
control in the control unit 203 with the correct wired channel in
the cable assembly 201c and modular drum unit 201.
[0019] In certain embodiments, the power pack unit 202 may be
specifically configured and rated to provide power to the modular
drum unit 201. The modular drum unit 201 may be manufactured to
have a standard, common power requirement, meaning that the power
pack unit 202 may be used interchangeably with multiple modular
drum units. In some embodiment, the power pack may also power
elements the control unit 203 via the cable assemblies and
connectors disposed in the modular drum unit 201. The power pack
unit 202 may further power the logging tools 218 via the wireline
220.
[0020] As would be appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art
in view of this disclosure, the power pack unit 202 may be
comprised of a power source, such as a generator, batteries, solar
panels, etc., electrically coupled to power control components,
such as transformers, switches, etc. In certain embodiments, the
power pack unit may include a diesel engine to power the hydraulic
winch 201b incorporated in the modular drum unit 201. The power
pack unit 202 may also include internal logic to control the power
provided to the other modular elements in the system.
[0021] The control unit 203 may include the interface 203a through
which a rig operator or other user controls the winch 201b. This
may include various physical buttons, switches, joysticks, etc.
Internal circuitry of the control unit 203 may receive control
commands via the interface and generate control signals. The
control signals may be transmitted through a cable to the modular
drum unit 201. The control signals may cause the drum 201a to spool
or unspool the wireline 220, changing the location of the logging
tools 218.
[0022] The control unit 203 may also include internal logic for
receiving and processing measurements 203b from the logging tools
218. In some embodiments, both the modular drum unit 201 and the
control unit 203 may include logic to implement a universal
interface language. The logging tools may receive power through
wireline 220 from the power pack unit 202 via the modular drum unit
201. The logging tool 218 may transmit measurements, such as
reservoir measurements and borehole measurements, though the
wireline 220 to the control unit 203 via the modular drum unit 201.
The internal logic for receiving and measuring processing
measurement from the logging tools may be part of the internal
logic of a computer system 203b disposed within the control unit
203. Like the winch control 203a, the computer system may include
an interface such as a monitor and keyboard, through which a rig
operator or user may view and process the measurements received
from the logging tools. In certain other embodiments, the control
unit 203 may transmit the measurements through a wired or wireless
communications system to a remote location. In such instances, a
computer system at the remote location may receive the measurements
and process the measurements remotely.
[0023] In wireline operations, the connection between the modular
drum unit 201 and the control unit 203 may include a communication
bus, through which depth measurements are sent from logging tools
218 on the wireline 220 to the control unit 203. The control unit
203 may also receive telemetry information, a video feed, and
tension measurements from the modular drum. Additionally, the
control unit 203 may include the logic and mechanism for performing
an emergency shutdown of the modular drum unit 201 in response to
downhole or environmental changes.
[0024] Although the modular drum is shown on a separate skid in
FIG. 2, in certain embodiments, the modular drum unit 201 may be
incorporated in a rig at a location similar to the wireline drum
shown in FIG. 1. In those embodiments, the connector for both the
power and control of the modular drum unit 201 may be run to ground
level. When wireline operation are required, a common power pack
and control unit, such as power pack unit 202 and control unit 203
in FIG. 2, may be shipped to the site and plugged directly into the
connectors. The connectors may differ in configuration, assuring
that the power pack is attached to the connector for power and the
control unit is attached to the connector for control. This
configuration saves time compared to existing drums, as the
connections are common and no conversions, etc. are required.
[0025] FIG. 3 illustrates a different embodiment of a modular drum
with a power pack unit according to aspects of the present
disclosure. The embodiment of FIG. 3 generally incorporates the
control unit into the modular drum unit 301. As can be seen, the
wireline 320 extends from the drum 301a and down borehole 330 via
pulley 340. Controlling the depth of the wireline 320, and
therefore the logging tools 350, can be effectuated via controls
301 at the modular drum assembly 301 via controls 301b, instead of
in a separate control unit. Likewise, the measurements from the
logging tools 350 can be received directly at the modular drum unit
301 as computer 301c, incorporated directly into the modular drum
unit 301.
[0026] The embodiment shown in FIG. 3 also includes an antenna 301d
attached to the modular drum unit 301. As mentioned previously, the
measurements received from the logging tools 350 may be transmitted
offsite. The measurements may be received at computer system 301c
and transmitted offsite via antenna 301d. The antenna 301d may be
for example a short wave antenna or an antenna for long range
transmission, such as satellite transmission. Likewise, the antenna
301d may receive signals from offsite relating to, for example,
control of the logging system or the processing of logging
measurements.
[0027] The modular drum unit 301 may receive power from power pack
unit 302 via a cable assembly and cable 310. The cable assembly in
FIG. 3 may not include an integrated cable. Rather, cable 310 may
be a separate component, including standardized connectors for
connecting to both the modular drum unit 301 and the power pack
unit 302.
[0028] As can be seen, power pack unit 302 includes both an engine
and power circuitry. As mentioned previously, the engine may be,
for example, a diesel engine connected to an alternator, converting
rotational motion to electrical power. The power circuitry may
receive the electrical power from the alternator and through power
circuitry, such as transformers, etc., condition the power and
divide the power into separate channels for transmission through
cable 310 to modular drum unit 301.
[0029] FIG. 4 illustrates an example method incorporating aspects
of the present disclosure. At step 401, the method may include
receiving at a rig site a modular drum unit including at least a
drum and a winch. The modular drum unit may be housed individually
in a skid. In some embodiments, such as the embodiment shown in
FIG. 3, the modular drum unit may also include control and
measurement equipment. The modular drum unit may be designed to
utilize a pre-determined amount and type of power to run the
equipment included within the modular drum unit.
[0030] At step 402, the method may include receiving at a rig site
a power pack unit. The power pack unit may include a power source,
such as batteries, solar panels, diesel engines, etc. The power
pack unit may also include power circuitry for conditioning and
limiting the power output by the power pack unit. The power
circuitry may be designed to output the predetermined power level
and type required by the modular drum unit.
[0031] At step 403, the method may include connecting the power
pack unit with the modular drum unit using at least one cable with
a pre-determined, common connector type. In some embodiment, such
as in FIG. 2, both the modular drum unit and the power pack unit
may have integrated cables, one with a male connector, and one with
a female connector. The connectors may be designed to match,
providing the appropriate power level to each element of the
modular drum unit. In other embodiments, such as in FIG. 3, a
separate cable may be used to connect the power pack unit to the
modular drum unit. In such embodiments, the modular drum unit and
the power pack unit may each include integrated female connectors,
for example, and both ends of the cable may include male
connectors, so that the system may be easily assembled on site with
little worry about incorrect connections.
[0032] Therefore, the present disclosure is well adapted to attain
the ends and advantages mentioned as well as those that are
inherent therein. The particular embodiments disclosed above are
illustrative only, as the present disclosure may be modified and
practiced in different but equivalent manners apparent to those
skilled in the art having the benefit of the teachings herein.
Furthermore, no limitations are intended to the details of
construction or design herein shown, other than as described in the
claims below. It is therefore evident that the particular
illustrative embodiments disclosed above may be altered or modified
and all such variations are considered within the scope and spirit
of the present disclosure. Also, the terms in the claims have their
plain, ordinary meaning unless otherwise explicitly and clearly
defined by the patentee. The indefinite articles "a" or "an," as
used in the claims, are defined herein to mean one or more than one
of the element that it introduces.
* * * * *