Controlled rotational measuring head and spooling system for strings configured to deliver and retrieve downhole tools and method of its use

Abstract

Embodiments of a downhole tool spooling system of a spooled downhole tool string include an actuator connected to a measuring head of the string and configured to provide for controlled rotation of the measuring head. The measuring head may include more than one sheave, with the string being off vertical center when passing through the head. A controller may send a signal to the actuator to rotate the measuring head about a vertical axis of the head into different rotational positions. The actuator also may be configured to linearly move the measuring head in the transverse direction. The system may also include a spooling drum that is configured to rotate about its central vertical axis. The guide frame to which the actuator is connected may be a fixed guide frame or may be an adjustable guide frame that provides for vertical movement of the frame, a tilting movement, or both.

1 . An actuator for a measuring head of a spooled downhole tool string, the actuator comprising:
 one end configured for connection to the measuring head;   another end configured for connection to a guide frame;   the actuator configured to rotate the measuring head about a vertical axis of the measuring head between a first controlled rotational position and a second different controlled rotational position.   
     
     
         2 . An actuator according to  claim 1  further comprising a controller in electronic communication with the actuator, the controller including a microprocessor and associated software. 
     
     
         3 . An actuator according to  claim 1 , wherein the actuator further is configured to linearly move the measuring head between a first controlled transverse position and a second controlled transverse position relative to a vertical centerline of the guide frame. 
     
     
         4 . An actuator according to  claim 1 , wherein the actuator includes a gear train. 
     
     
         5 . An actuator according to  claim 1 , wherein the measuring head includes more than one sheave. 
     
     
         6 . An actuator according to  claim 1 , wherein the spooled downhole tool string is off a vertical centerline of the measuring head when passing through the measuring head. 
     
     
         7 . A method for controlling a rotation of a measuring head configured for use with a spooled downhole tool string, the method comprising:
 sending a first and a second signals to an actuator in communication with the measuring head; and   in response to the first signal, rotating the measuring head with the actuator about a vertical axis of the measuring head to a first controlled rotational position; and   in response to the second signal, rotating the measuring head with the actuator about the vertical axis of the measuring head to a second different controlled rotational position.   
     
     
         8 . A method according to  claim 7 , wherein said first and second controlled rotational positions align the measuring head with a well center receiving the spooled downhole tool string. 
     
     
         9 . A method according to  claim 7 , wherein said first and second controlled rotational positions align the measuring head with a direction of travel of the spooled downhole tool string. 
     
     
         10 . A method according to  claim 7 , further comprising:
 sending a third and a fourth signal to a spooling drum of the spooled downhole tool string; and   in response to the third signal, rotating the spooling drum about a central vertical axis of the spooling drum so a central rotational axis of the spooling drum is in a first controlled angular orientation; and   in response to the fourth signal, rotating the spooling drum about the central vertical axis of the spooling drum so the central rotational axis of the spooling drum is in a second different controlled angular orientation.   
     
     
         11 . A method according to  claim 10 , further comprising coordinating said controlled rotational positions of the measuring head with said controlled angular orientations of the spooling drum. 
     
     
         12 . A method according to  claim 7 , wherein the spooled downhole tool string is off a vertical centerline of the measuring head when passing through the measuring head. 
     
     
         13 . A method according to  claim 7 , wherein the spooled downhole tool string is selected from the group consisting of a cable, a chain, a coiled tubing, a rope, an umbilical, and a wire. 
     
     
         14 . A spooling system for use with a string configured for connection to a downhole tool, the spooling system comprising:
 an actuator including a connection at one end to a measuring head; and   a spooling drum located rearward of the measuring head;   the actuator configured to rotate the measuring head about a vertical axis of the measuring head between a first controlled rotational position and a second controlled rotational position;   the spooling drum configured to rotate about a central vertical axis of the spooling drum and place a central axis of rotation of the spooling drum into a first controlled angular orientation and a second different controlled angular orientation.   
     
     
         15 . A spooling system according to  claim 14 , further comprising at least one controller in electronic communication with the actuator and the spooling drum, the at least one controller including a microprocessor and associated software. 
     
     
         16 . A spooling system according to  claim 14 , wherein the actuator is further configured to linearly move the measuring head between a first controlled transverse position and a second controlled transverse position relative to the central vertical centerline of the spooling drum. 
     
     
         17 . A spooling system according to  claim 14 , wherein the actuator includes a gear train. 
     
     
         18 . A spooling system according to  claim 14 , wherein the string is off a vertical center of measuring head when passing through the measuring head. 
     
     
         19 . A spooling system according to  claim 14 , wherein said first and second controlled rotational positions align the measuring head with at least one well center receiving the string and a direction of travel of the string. 
     
     
         20 . A spooling system according to  claim 14 , wherein said first and second controlled rotational positions of the measuring head are coordinated with said first and second controlled angular orientations of the spooling drum.