System for the operational and performance efficiency improvement of wireline tractors
The invention discloses systems for improving performance and operational efficiency of wireline tractors. A cooling system improves power capabilities of electrical motors mounted in wheels, which are mounted on a linkage pivotably connected to an arm extended from a tractor tool body, in an in-line arm configuration. The linkage and arm mechanism significantly improve the tractor's ability to traverse wellbore obstructions. The hydraulic system of the tractor ensures adequate wellbore centralization.
1. A downhole tractor mechanism for deployment via a wireline in a subterranean formation comprising:
an arm radially extendable from a tractor tool body;
the tractor tool body connected to the wireline;
a linkage having a single pivot point, a first free end and an opposing second free end, and mounted to an extendable end of the arm at the pivot point;
a first drive wheel mounted to the linkage at the first free end and a second drive wheel mounted to the linkage at the second free end;
the distance from the pivot point to the first free end differing from the distance from the pivot point to the second free end;
the first and second drive wheel disposed to contact the inside of a tubular and apply a traction force thereto;
a gear train within the arm;
the gear train within the arm arranged to transmit power to a gear train within the linkage;
the gear train within the linkage arranged to transmit power to the drive wheels.
2. The mechanism of claim 1 , wherein the first drive wheel comprises an electric motor.
3. The mechanism of claim 1 , further comprising a gear differential within the gear train within the linkage.
4. The mechanism of claim 3 , wherein the gear differential is a limited slip differential.
5. A downhole tractor mechanism comprising:
an arm radially extendable from a tractor tool body;
a linkage having a single pivot point, a first free end and an opposing second free end, and mounted to an extendable end of the arm at the pivot point;
a first drive wheel mounted to the linkage at the first free end and a second drive wheel mounted to the linkage at the second free end;
the distance from the pivot point to the first free end differing from the distance from the pivot point to the second free end;
the first and second drive wheel disposed to contact the inside of a tubular and apply a traction force thereto;
a gear train within the arm;
the gear train within the arm arranged to transmit power to a gear train within the linkage;
the gear train within the linkage arranged to transmit power to the first and second drive wheel.
6. The mechanism of claim 5 , further comprising a gear differential within the gear train within the linkage.
7. The mechanism of claim 6 , wherein the gear differential is a limited slip differential.