Control systems and methods for centering a tool in a wellbore

摘要

A self-centering tool for use in a wellbore includes a centering mechanism, a biasing mechanism, and a release mechanism. The centering mechanism includes at least one arm that is configured to move from a first position to a second position. The arm urges a centerline of the tool towards a centerline of the wellbore when in its second position. A biasing mechanism is coupled to the centering mechanism and urges the arm from its first position to its second position. The release mechanism is electro-mechanically actuated. In its locked position, the release mechanism prevents the arm from moving towards its second position, while in its released position the arm is able to move towards its second position. The release mechanism is a split-spool type mechanism. A control system that includes one or more sensors controls the operation of the release mechanism.

主权项

1. A control system for a centering mechanism configured to move a housing centerline of a tool towards a centerline of a wellbore in which the tool is positioned, said tool including a housing, an outer surface, and an inner surface spaced apart from said outer surface, said wellbore including a wellbore wall and a wellbore diameter centered upon and extending radially away from said centerline, said control system comprising:
a centering mechanism that includes:
an upper traveling head having a first position and a second position;at least one arm having a first end and a second end spaced apart from said first end, said first end being pivotally connected to said upper traveling head, such that when said upper traveling head is in said first position said first end and said second end are proximate said housing centerline and when said upper traveling head is in said second position said first end is proximate said housing centerline and said second end is positioned radially away from said housing centerline; a biasing mechanism including:
a first end coupled to said upper traveling head;a second end spaced apart from said first end, said second end being fixed relative to said inner surface;a biasing element coupled to said first end and said second end of said biasing mechanism; and, a release mechanism coupled to said upper traveling head, said release mechanism being electro-mechanically actuated from a locked position in which said release mechanism maintains said upper traveling head in said first position to a released position in which said release mechanism releases said upper traveling head, thereby allowing said biasing element to urge said upper traveling head towards said second position; a first sensor positioned on said tool, said first sensor detecting a first parameter and generating a first signal reflective of said first parameter; at least a second sensor, said second sensor detecting at least a second parameter and generating a second signal reflective of said second parameter; a memory storage device to store an operating program, said operating program configured to calculate an actuation signal as a function of at least one of said first signal and said second signal; a controller configured to receive at least one of said first signal from said first sensor and said second signal from said second sensor, to run said operating program, and to transmit said actuation signal to said release mechanism to transition said release mechanism from a locked position to a released position; and, at least one power source that provides power to at least one of said first sensor, said second sensor, said memory storage device, and said controller.