Self-centering downhole tool

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 tool for use in a wellbore, said wellbore including a wellbore wall, a wellbore centerline, and a wellbore diameter centered upon and extending radially away from said centerline, said tool comprising:
a housing that includes:
a housing centerline;an outer surface;an inner surface spaced apart from said outer surface, said inner surface defining at least one interior space;at least one opening that extends from said inner surface to said outer surface; a centering mechanism that includes:
at least one arm configured to be received at least partly within said opening; said arm including a first end and a second end, said arm including a first position and a second position; a biasing mechanism coupled to said centering mechanism, said biasing mechanism configured to apply a first force that urges said at least one arm from at least one of (a) said first position towards said second position and (b) said second position towards said first position; and, a release mechanism coupled to said centering mechanism, said release mechanism being electro-mechanically actuated from (a) a locked position in which said release mechanism is configured to apply a second force that opposes said first force to maintain said at least one arm in at least one of said first position and said second position and (b) to a released position in which said release mechanism does not apply said second force, thereby allowing said biasing mechanism to urge said at least one arm towards at least one of said first position and said second position.