Apparatus and method for moving tools in a nonflow environment

Abstract

A tool for use in a non-flow environment within a wellbore. The tool is configured to push or pull a well-service tool through the non-flow environment. The tool has one or more drivers, such as an impeller, which is driven by a motor powered by a battery or wireline. The tool may push the well-service tool up against a blockage, so that the well-service tool may clear the blockage, terminating the non-flow environment.

1 . A system for moving a well service tool through a non-flow environment in an underground wellbore, comprising:
 a first tool, comprising:
 a housing; 
 a prime driver configured to propel the housing in a fluid; 
 a motor for powering the prime driver, the motor disposed within the housing; and 
 a connection point, disposed on the housing, for connecting the first tool to the well service tool. 
   
     
     
         2 . The system of  claim 1  wherein the prime driver comprises an impeller disposed within the housing. 
     
     
         3 . The system of  claim 2  wherein the housing is defined by:
 a first plurality of openings disposed on a first side of the impeller; and 
 a second plurality of openings disposed on a second side of the impeller. 
 
     
     
         4 . The system of  claim 1  in which the connection point comprises a nose configured to abut the well service tool. 
     
     
         5 . The system of  claim 1  in which the underground wellbore has an uphole direction and a downhole direction, and:
 the connection point is downhole relative to the well service tool. 
 
     
     
         6 . The system of  claim 1  in which the underground wellbore has an uphole direction and a downhole direction, and:
 the connection point is uphole relative to the well service tool. 
 
     
     
         7 . The system of  claim 1  in which the prime driver is characterized as a first prime driver, wherein the first tool further comprises:
 a second prime driver configured to propel the housing. 
 
     
     
         8 . The system of  claim 7  wherein:
 the first prime driver comprises a first impeller; and 
 the second prime driver comprises a second impeller. 
 
     
     
         9 . The system of  claim 8  in which the first impeller rotates in a clockwise direction and the second impeller rotates in a counterclockwise direction. 
     
     
         10 . The system of  claim 7  in which the first tool further comprises a second motor, the second motor drives the second prime driver. 
     
     
         11 . The system of  claim 7  wherein each of the first prime driver and the second prime driver are contained within the housing, and wherein the housing is defined by a plurality of intake openings disposed in the housing on a first side of each of the first prime driver and the second prime driver, and a plurality of outlet openings disposed in the housing on a second side of each of the first prime driver and the second prime driver. 
     
     
         12 . A method of using the system of  claim 1 , comprising:
 determining that a non-flow environment exists in the wellbore;   placing the first tool into the wellbore;   with the prime driver, moving the first tool through the non-flow environment within the wellbore;   connecting the well service tool to the first tool at the connection point; and   thereafter, advancing the well service tool with the first tool through the non-flow environment.   
     
     
         13 . The method of  claim 12  wherein the step of connecting the well service tool to the first tool comprises abutting the well service tool with a nose of the first tool. 
     
     
         14 . The method of  claim 12  wherein the well service tool is connected to the first tool outside of the wellbore. 
     
     
         15 . The method of  claim 12  wherein the prime driver comprises an impeller, and the step of moving the first tool through the non-flow environment comprises:
 rotating the impeller within the housing to displace fluid; 
 at a plurality of intake openings formed in the housing, intaking fluid in the non-flow environment; 
 at a plurality of outlet openings in the housing, expelling fluid. 
 
     
     
         16 . The method of  claim 12  wherein the first tool comprises a battery to power the motor; the method further comprising:
 operating the prime driver until the battery is fully discharged. 
 
     
     
         17 . The method of  claim 12  wherein the well service tool is advanced to a blockage within the wellbore. 
     
     
         18 . The method of  claim 17  further comprising removing the blockage with the well service tool.