Continuous circulation drilling system and technology

By introducing a quick connection device and a runner switching control device in the valve-type continuous circulation drilling system, the problems of scattered equipment and many operating steps are solved, and the continuous circulation and automated control of drilling media are realized, improving the efficiency and safety of operations.

CN114645673BActive Publication Date: 2025-05-30CHINA NAT PETROLEUM CORP +1
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Patent Information

Application Number
CN202111386970.6
Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Patents(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2021-11-22
Publication Date
2025-05-30
Estimated Expiration
2041-11-22

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

The existing valve-type continuous circulation drilling system has problems such as scattered equipment, many operation steps for side circulation pipeline connections, high labor intensity, long time consumption and high safety risks.

Method used

It provides a continuous circulation drilling system, including a continuous circulation valve and a valve-type continuous circulation drilling safe and fast operating mechanism, adopts a quick connection device and a runner switching control device to realize the quick connection and automated control of the side circulation pipeline and the continuous circulation valve.

Benefits of technology

It reduces the labor intensity and safety risks of operators, improves the efficiency, reliability and safety of continuous cycle drilling operations, reduces the equipment footprint and operation steps, and improves the automation level of the operation process.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

The present invention provides a continuous circulation drilling system and process. The continuous circulation drilling system includes a continuous circulation valve and a valve-type continuous circulation drilling safety and rapid operation mechanism, and the operation mechanism includes a quick connection device. A side outlet is formed on the side wall of the continuous circulation valve; the quick connection device includes a clamping unit, a connection head and a locking unit. The clamping unit is used for clamping the continuous circulation valve; one end of the connection head is used for connecting with the side outlet, and the other end is connected to a side circulation pipeline; the locking unit drives the connection head to approach or move away from the side outlet when the clamping unit clamps the continuous circulation valve, so as to lock or loosen the connection head and the continuous circulation valve. The valve-type continuous circulation drilling safety and rapid operation mechanism of the present invention greatly reduces the risk of injury to personnel during operation on the drill floor, and improves the efficiency, reliability and safety during the continuous circulation drilling operation.
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Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of oil and gas drilling, in particular to the technical field of continuous circulation drilling in oil and gas drilling, and is used for a drilling system in which a circulating medium continuously circulates during the process of connecting a stand (or a single pipe) or tripping in and out in the oil and gas drilling process. More specifically, the present invention relates to a continuous circulation drilling system and process. Background Art

[0002] At present, during the process of connecting a single pipe (stand) or tripping in and out in oil drilling, the circulation of drilling fluid must be stopped. Stopping the circulation of drilling fluid will generate a negative pressure surge at the bottom of the well, which may cause accidents such as well kick, gas invasion, wellbore collapse, sticking, and burying of drill tools due to the bottom hole pressure being lower than the formation pore pressure. After connecting a single pipe (stand) and restarting the pump, it will cause a positive pressure surge, making the bottom hole pressure higher than the pressure during normal circulation, and even exceeding the formation fracture pressure, resulting in problems such as fracture leakage and differential sticking, and at the same time reducing the wellbore quality, bringing many potential difficulties to subsequent operations, especially casing running and cementing.

[0003] During gas drilling operations, due to irregular wellbores and many large-belly wellbores, when the circulation is stopped, the cuttings in the wellbore are likely to settle rapidly, resulting in sand sticking and jamming, especially in formations with more settled sand, the harm is greater. In slightly water-producing formations, after the circulation is interrupted, formation water accumulates and soaks the wellbore, which may seriously cause wellbore instability and lead to the inability to implement gas drilling. In atomized / air-inflated drilling carried out in deep intervals, after the circulation is interrupted, the time required to re-establish a stable circulation pressure is relatively long, and the efficiency is reduced.

[0004] The continuous circulation drilling technology breaks this traditional method. During the process of connecting a single pipe (stand) or tripping in and out, the drilling medium continuously circulates, continuously cleans the bottom of the well, and maintains the bottom hole pressure relatively stable, which can avoid all downhole complexities and accidents caused by the interruption of circulation. For gas drilling, maintaining the continuous circulation of the gas phase medium is beneficial to cleaning the wellbore, avoiding sand sticking and jamming, extending the footage of gas drilling in complex intervals, and improving the safety of gas drilling.

[0005] The valve-type continuous circulation drilling system mainly consists of a continuous circulation control system and a continuous circulation valve. The continuous circulation valve usually includes a main valve and a side valve. The main valve is arranged at the top of a single pipe (stand). After drilling the previous single pipe (stand) with a continuous circulation valve, connect the side circulation pipeline to the side valve to switch the lateral circulation channel. After the single pipe (stand) is connected and unloaded, then perform a forward conversion to achieve a drilling process in which the circulating medium does not interrupt during the process of tripping in and out and connecting a single pipe (stand).

[0006] The Chinese patent document with the publication number 202467689U discloses a drilling continuous circulation sub, which includes an outer sleeve. An upper valve plate mechanism is provided in the upper part inside the outer sleeve. The upper valve plate mechanism includes a snap ring, a valve seat, and a straight-through valve plate connected to the valve seat through a hinge. The feature is that a bypass port is opened on one side of the lower part inside the outer sleeve, and a lower valve plate mechanism is provided at the bypass port. The lower valve plate mechanism includes a bypass valve seat connected to the outer sleeve, a sealing ring, and a bypass valve plate connected to the bypass valve seat through a hinge and a torsion spring. A plug is provided on one side of the bypass valve plate. It can achieve the conversion between the bypass channel on the tool and the main channel connected to the top drive by using the double valve plate mechanism on the drilling continuous circulation sub. However, at present, both the main valve and the side valve of the continuous circulation valve are plate valves. In this structure, the main valve is in an open state all the time. Only when a certain pressure is formed below the main valve can the main valve be in a closed state, and it does not have an active sealing function, there are certain safety risks. When implementing continuous circulation drilling operations, before connecting the side circulation pipeline, it is necessary to detect the sealing performance of the side valve. If there is a leak in the side valve, opening the side valve cover plate is likely to cause pressure jetting and injury. During the drilling process, the continuous circulation valve enters the well with the drill string. Affected by the vibration of the drill string, its side valve is prone to fall off and cause downhole accidents.

[0007] In addition, when unloading and connecting drill collars (or single joints) in traditional drilling operations, or when performing the operations of unscrewing and screwing on the drill string during tripping in and out of the hole, it is necessary to stop the pump and stop the downhole circulation. After the circulation is interrupted, it may cause downhole complications such as wellbore collapse, bottom hole sedimentation, and stuck pipe, as well as problems such as large bottom hole pressure fluctuations and high well control risks. The valve-type continuous circulation drilling technology can realize the continuous circulation of the drilling fluid during the operations of unloading and connecting drill collars (or single joints) or unscrewing and screwing on the drill string during tripping in and out of the hole, thereby eliminating the downhole complications caused by the interruption of the circulation and achieving the purpose of safe and rapid drilling.

[0008] The existing equipment for valve-type continuous circulation drilling has a large floor area, is scattered and not convenient for loading, unloading and installation, and the operation in the control cabinet is complicated. Especially, the connection and disconnection operations of the side circulation pipeline have many steps and take a long time, and all are realized through the cooperation of multiple operators, making the operation of the entire continuous circulation drilling mechanism cumbersome, time-consuming, and there are certain safety risks. Summary of the Invention

[0009] The purpose of the present invention is to solve at least one of the above-mentioned deficiencies existing in the prior art. For example, one of the purposes of the present invention is to provide a safe and rapid operation mechanism for valve-type continuous circulation drilling, which solves the problems of the existing scattered valve-type continuous circulation drilling equipment, many operation steps for connecting the side circulation pipeline, high labor intensity of operators, and long time consumption. At the same time, it greatly reduces the risk of injury to personnel on the drill floor and improves the efficiency, reliability and safety during the continuous circulation drilling operation.

[0010] For another example, to solve the technical problems in the prior art: (1) The main valves of continuous circulation valves are all plate valves, without an active sealing function, presenting certain safety risks; (2) When there is a leak in the side valve, opening the side valve cover plate is likely to cause pressure jetting and injury to people; (3) The continuous circulation valve enters the well with the drill string. Affected by the vibration of the drill string, its side valve is prone to falling off, causing downhole accidents.

[0011] To achieve the above object, the present invention provides a continuous circulation drilling system, including a continuous circulation valve and a valve-type continuous circulation drilling safety and rapid operation mechanism. There is a side outlet on the side wall of the continuous circulation valve; the operation mechanism includes a quick connection device, and the quick connection device includes: a clamping unit for clamping the continuous circulation valve; a connector, one end of the connector is used to connect to the side outlet, and the other end is connected to the side circulation pipeline; and a locking unit, when the clamping unit clamps the continuous circulation valve, driving the connector to approach or move away from the side outlet, so that the connector is locked or loosened with the continuous circulation valve.

[0012] In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the clamping unit may include: a housing with a hollow inner cavity and an opening on one side. An arc-shaped opening groove is formed on one side of the housing, and the arc-shaped opening groove corresponds to one side surface of the continuous circulation valve; and a back plate, which is openably arranged at the opening. A curved surface corresponding to the other side surface of the continuous circulation valve is formed on the back plate. One side surface and the other side surface of the continuous circulation valve are opposite. In the state where the back plate closes the opening, a clamping port for clamping the continuous circulation valve is formed between the curved surface and the arc-shaped opening groove.

[0013] In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the locking unit may be a linear telescopic drive mechanism placed in the housing. One end of the linear telescopic drive mechanism is connected to the back plate, and the other end is connected to the other end of the connector. Through the linear telescopic movement of the linear telescopic drive mechanism, one end of the connector is combined with or separated from the side outlet.

[0014] In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the linear telescopic drive mechanism may be a pneumatic hydraulic device, a hydraulic hydraulic device or an electric hydraulic device. The cylinder body of the linear telescopic drive mechanism is connected to the back plate, and the end of the piston rod of the linear telescopic drive mechanism is connected to the connector through a fixing plate. The fixing plate extends radially outward from the connector near the other end.

[0015] In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, one side of the backplane can be connected to one side of the housing forming an opening through a first connecting member; the other side of the backplane opposite to the one side is connected to the other side of the housing opposite to the one side through a second connecting member. The first connecting member can include: a first backplane pin hole formed at one end of the backplane; and a first pin extending in the axial direction of the first backplane pin hole and capable of cooperating with the first backplane pin hole; wherein, the locking unit is provided with a first chain fixing pin hole, and the first chain fixing pin hole and the first backplane pin hole cooperate with the first pin to connect one end of the backplane to the locking unit. The second connecting member can include: a second backplane pin hole formed at the other end of the backplane; and a second pin extending in the axial direction of the second backplane pin hole and capable of cooperating with the second backplane pin hole; wherein, the locking unit is provided with a second chain fixing pin hole, and the second chain fixing pin hole and the second backplane pin hole cooperate with the second pin to connect and lock the locking unit to hold or release the other end of the backplane.

[0016] In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a control button for controlling the locking unit can be provided on the outer wall of the housing.

[0017] In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a sealing groove can be provided inside the side outlet for installing a sealing ring.

[0018] In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a back-off prevention ring can be provided at one end of the connector near the continuous circulation valve, and back-off prevention teeth are provided inside the side outlet. The back-off prevention ring cooperates with the back-off prevention teeth to limit the free movement of the connector.

[0019] In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, one end of the connector near the continuous circulation valve can be designed as a frustum of a cone.

[0020] In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, one end of the continuous circulation valve can be used to connect to the main circulation pipeline. The working mechanism further includes a flow path switching control device, and the flow path switching control device can include: a manifold skid for switching the connection between the continuous circulation valve and the main circulation pipeline or the side circulation pipeline; and a control operation room for monitoring and receiving the pressure information of the main circulation pipeline and the side circulation pipeline to control the manifold skid to realize the switching between the main circulation pipeline and the side circulation pipeline.

[0021] In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the continuous circulation valve may include a hollow body and an arrow-shaped main valve disposed inside the upper end of the body. The arrow-shaped main valve is coaxially arranged with the body and includes a support seat, a sealing arrow, a centralizer sleeve, an elastic member, and a compression cap. The support seat is mounted inside the valve body through its side wall. A first through hole and a first fluid passage are formed on the support seat. The compression cap is mounted inside the valve body. A second through hole and a second fluid passage are formed on the compression cap. The second through hole is coaxially arranged with the first through hole. The sealing arrow may include a sealing arrow body, a sealing portion, and a centralizer sleeve mounting portion connected in sequence. The lower end of the sealing arrow can be inserted into the first through hole, and the upper end of the sealing arrow can be inserted into the second through hole. The sealing portion protrudes outward from the sealing arrow body, and the outer edge of the sealing portion can contact the side wall of the compression cap to form a sealing surface. The centralizer sleeve mounting portion is located below the sealing portion and protrudes outward from the sealing arrow body. The outer diameter of the centralizer sleeve mounting portion is equal to or slightly smaller than the inner diameter of the centralizer sleeve. The upper end of the centralizer sleeve is sleeved on the centralizer sleeve mounting portion. The axial length of the centralizer sleeve is less than the distance between the lower end surface of the side wall of the compression cap and the upper end surface of the support seat. The elastic member is sleeved between the sealing arrow body and the centralizer sleeve. The lower end of the elastic member contacts the upper end surface of the support seat, and the upper end of the elastic member contacts the lower end of the centralizer sleeve mounting portion, and the elastic member is in a compressed state.

[0022] In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the continuous circulation valve may further include a side valve disposed on the side wall of the lower end of the body. The side valve may be an anti-falling side valve. The side valve may include a valve seat, a pin cover, a first fixing pin, and a second fixing pin. The pin cover is fastened to the valve body through the first fixing pin, and the valve seat is fastened to the pin cover through the second fixing pin.

[0023] In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the gap between the first fixing pin and the pin cover may be covered with anaerobic adhesive, and the gap between the pin cover and the valve body may be covered with anaerobic adhesive.

[0024] In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the continuous circulation valve may further include a side valve provided on the side wall of the valve body. The side valve is an observable side valve, including a valve plate, a valve plate fixing pin, a valve seat, a cover plate, a pressure relief member, a leakage observation member, and a leakage observation valve. The valve seat has a third through hole and a pressure relief hole. The third through hole can communicate with the internal cavity of the valve body, and the pressure relief hole communicates with the third through hole. The valve plate is fixed to the valve body through the valve plate fixing pin. The cover plate has an axially stepped through hole. The cover plate is installed on the inner wall of the valve seat through its outer wall and forms an end face seal with the valve seat. The stepped through hole is coaxial with the third through hole. The pressure relief member is arranged in the pressure relief hole. The leakage observation member is formed with a hollow channel, and an excretion hole communicating with the hollow channel is formed on the side wall of the leakage observation member. The leakage observation member can be inserted into the hollow channel through its front end and can move to a first position and a second position in the hollow channel. In the first position, the leakage observation valve seals the excretion hole. In the second position, there is no contact between the leakage observation valve and the excretion hole, so that the medium in the hollow channel can be discharged through the excretion hole.

[0025] In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the cover plate and the valve seat may be connected by threads. The pressure relief hole communicates with the outside from the inner thread relief groove of the valve seat, and the pressure relief member presses against the outer wall of the cover plate.

[0026] In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the leakage observation member may have a fixed layer and an exhaust layer connected in sequence. The leakage observation valve has a first sealing portion, a second sealing portion, and a third sealing portion connected in sequence and with diameters increasing in sequence. Among them, the fixed layer is installed on the inner wall of the cover plate and forms an end face seal with the cover plate. The excretion holes are circumferentially and uniformly distributed on the exhaust layer. When the leakage observation valve moves to the first position in the hollow channel, the second sealing portion seals the excretion hole. When the leakage observation valve moves to the second position in the hollow channel, the excretion hole is aligned with the third sealing portion.

[0027] In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a first sealing member may further be included, and the first sealing member is sleeved on the second sealing portion.

[0028] On the other hand, the present invention provides a continuous circulation drilling process, characterized in that the process includes one or more actions of drilling, connecting drill pipes, pulling out the drill string, and removing drill pipes. Among them, the above-mentioned continuous circulation drilling system is used to realize the rapid connection of the side circulation pipeline and the continuous circulation valve.

[0029] In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the process may include: pre - connecting the continuous circulation valve with an arrow - shaped main valve to the drill string. During the drilling operation, the continuous circulation valve with an arrow - shaped main valve is in the main circulation. The drill string connection operation includes the following actions carried out in sequence: switching the Nth drill string to the side circulation, connecting the (N + 1)th drill string, opening the main circulation of the (N + 1)th drill string and switching the Nth drill string to the main circulation. During the pulling - out operation, the continuous circulation valve is in the main circulation. The drill string removal operation includes the following actions carried out in sequence: removing the continuous circulation valve part of the Mth drill string and the (M - 1)th drill string, switching the (M - 1)th drill string to the side circulation and closing the main circulation of the Mth drill string, removing the Mth drill string, and switching the (M - 1)th drill string to the side circulation. The action of switching to the side circulation includes, carried out in sequence: opening the side valve and connecting the side valve input pipeline, using the control system to control the opening of the side circulation and closing the main circulation, closing the arrow - shaped main valve and disassembling the arrow - shaped main valve input pipeline. The action of switching to the main circulation includes, carried out in sequence: opening the arrow - shaped main valve and connecting the arrow - shaped main valve input pipeline, using the control system to control the opening of the main circulation and closing the side circulation, closing the side valve and disassembling the side valve input pipeline. The side valve input pipeline is connected to the side valve to inject the circulating medium into the central channel through the side valve. The arrow - shaped main valve input pipeline is connected to the central channel of the valve body and can inject the circulating medium into the central channel.

[0030] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of the present invention may include:

[0031] 1) By integrating the control cabinet and the gate valve manifold skid into an integrated house, the problems of large floor area, scatteredness, inconvenience in loading, unloading, installation and management of the continuous circulation drilling system are effectively solved.

[0032] 2) The operation of the present invention is simple, initially realizing automation and mechanization, and greatly reducing the labor intensity of the operating personnel.

[0033] 3) The present invention significantly reduces the number of operating personnel in continuous circulation drilling operations, significantly reducing the personnel cost.

[0034] 4) The present invention reduces the number of operating personnel on the drill floor, greatly reducing the unsafe risks of the operating personnel on the drill floor and enhancing the safety of the operation process.

[0035] 5) The present invention realizes real - time monitoring of the entire process of the operation on the drill floor on the ground control cabinet, and centrally displays the drilling parameters, especially the pressure of the main circulation channel and the pressure of the side circulation channel, on the display of the ground control cabinet, significantly enhancing the safety of the operation process.

[0036] 6) In the present invention, the connection operation between the side circulation pipeline and the continuous circulation sub-section is changed from manual connection to rapid connection between the connection head of the side circulation pipeline and the side outlet of the continuous circulation sub-section through a rapid connection device. At the same time, an electro-hydraulic device (or pneumatic / hydraulic device) is used to achieve safe sealing, improving the efficiency, reliability and safety of the connection.

[0037] 7) It can also achieve the active sealing of the arrow-shaped main valve, greatly improving the operation safety of the continuous circulation valve; it can avoid the occurrence of accidents where high-pressure gas leaks from the side valve and injures people when connecting the side circulation pipeline; it can avoid the risk of the side valve falling into the well due to vibration during drilling. Brief Description of the Drawings

[0038] Figure 1 The application scenario diagram of the valve-type continuous circulation drilling safety and rapid operation mechanism showing an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

[0039] Figures 2(a) and (b) respectively show the structural diagram of the clamping unit of the valve-type continuous circulation drilling safety and rapid operation mechanism and the internal structural diagram of the rapid connection device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

[0040] Figures 3(a) and (b) respectively show the cross-sectional view of the connection head of the rapid connection device of the valve-type continuous circulation drilling safety and rapid operation mechanism according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention and the front view of the connection head and the fixing plate;

[0041] Figures 4(a) and (b) respectively show the cross-sectional view and the front view of the opening of the continuous circulation valve of the valve-type continuous circulation drilling safety and rapid operation mechanism according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

[0042] Figure 5 It shows a partial cross-sectional view of the continuous circulation valve in an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

[0043] Figure 6 It shows a cross-sectional view of the side valve in an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

[0044] Figure 7 It shows a cross-sectional view of the leakage observation member in an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

[0045] Figure 8 It shows a cross-sectional view of the leakage observation valve in an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0046] Explanation of the reference numerals is as follows:

[0047] 1 - Continuous circulation valve, 2 - Quick connection device, 3 - Control device, 4 - Drilling floor, 5 - Drill pipe, 6 - Main circulation pipeline, 7 - Side circulation pipeline, 8 - Circulation medium injection device, 31 - Manifold skid-mounted unit, 32 - Control operation room, 1a - Side outlet, 21 - Clamping unit, 22 - Connector, 23 - Locking unit, 24 - Fixed plate, 21a - Opening, 211 - Housing, 212 - Back plate, 213 - First connecting piece, 214 - Second connecting piece, 213a - First back plate pin hole, 213b - First pin, 214a - Second back plate pin hole, 214b - Second pin, 23a - First locking pin hole, 23b - Second locking pin hole, 211a - Control button, 211b - Lifting lug, 22a - Back-off prevention ring, 11 - Sealing groove and 12 - Back-off prevention teeth.

[0048] 10 - Valve body, 20 - Arrow-shaped main valve, 30 - Side valve, 40 - Support seat, 50 - Sealing arrow, 60 - Centering sleeve, 70 - Elastic member, 80 - Compression cap, 90 - Valve seat, 100 - Pin cover, 110 - First fixing pin, 120 - Second fixing pin, 130 - Valve plate, 140 - Valve plate fixing pin, 150 - Cover plate, 160 - Pressure relief hole, 170 - Leakage observation member, 180 - Leakage observation valve, 190 - Drain hole, 200 - First seal, 210 - First fluid passage, 220 - Second fluid passage, 230 - Second seal, 240 - Loading and unloading hole, 250 - Sealing arrow body, 260 - Sealing part, 270 - Centering sleeve installation part, 280 - First sealing part, 290 - Second sealing part, 300 - Third sealing part. Detailed implementation mode

[0049] In the following, the continuous circulation drilling system and process of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to exemplary embodiments. Herein, "first", "second", etc. are only for convenience of description and easy distinction, and cannot be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or having a strict sequential order.

[0050] Figure 1 The application scenario diagram of the valve type continuous circulation drilling safety and quick operation mechanism of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0051] Figure 2 includes Figure 2(a) and Figure 2(b), which respectively show the structure diagram of the clamping unit of the valve type continuous circulation drilling safety and quick operation mechanism and the internal structure diagram of the quick connection device of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0052] Figure 3 includes Figure 3(a) and Figure 3(b), which respectively show the cross-sectional view of the connector of the quick connection device of the valve type continuous circulation drilling safety and quick operation mechanism and the front view of the connector and the fixed plate of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0053] Figure 4 includes Figure 4(a) and Figure 4(b), which respectively show a cross-sectional view and a front view of the opening of the continuous circulation valve of the valve-type continuous circulation drilling safety and rapid operation mechanism according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0054] In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, as Figure 1 shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the provided continuous circulation drilling system includes a continuous circulation valve 1 and a valve-type continuous circulation drilling safety and rapid operation mechanism, and the operation mechanism includes a quick connection device 2.

[0055] Among them, there is a side outlet 1a on the side wall of the continuous circulation valve 1, and the side outlet 1a is used to connect to the side circulation pipeline. The upper end of the continuous circulation valve is used to connect to the main circulation pipeline 6. The quick connection device includes a clamping unit 21, a connection head 22, and a locking unit 23. The clamping unit 21 is used to clamp the continuous circulation valve 1; one end of the connection head 22 is used to connect to the side outlet 1a, and the other end is connected to the side circulation pipeline 7; the locking unit 23 drives the connection head 22 to approach or move away from the side outlet 1a when the clamping unit 21 clamps the continuous circulation valve 1, so that the connection head 22 is locked or loosened from the continuous circulation valve 1.

[0056] The provided valve-type continuous circulation drilling safety and rapid operation mechanism greatly reduces the risk of injury to personnel during operation on the drill floor, and improves the efficiency, reliability, and safety during the continuous circulation drilling operation. In addition, through the setting of the clamping unit 21 and the locking unit 23 of the quick connection device, the efficiency and reliability of the connection between the quick connection device and the continuous circulation valve 1 can be improved.

[0057] As shown in FIG. 2, the clamping unit 21 may include a housing 211 and a back plate 212. The inner cavity of the housing 211 is hollow and has an opening 21a on one side, and an arc-shaped opening groove is formed on one side of the housing, and the arc-shaped opening groove corresponds to one side surface of the continuous circulation valve. The back plate 212 is disposed at the opening 21a in an openable and closable manner, and a curved surface corresponding to the other side surface of the continuous circulation valve is formed on the back plate 212. One side surface and the other side surface of the continuous circulation valve are opposite to each other. In the state where the back plate closes the opening 21a, a clamping port for clamping the continuous circulation valve is formed between the curved surface and the arc-shaped opening groove. Here, the curved surface and the arc-shaped opening groove can be in close contact with the opposite side surfaces of the continuous circulation valve respectively, so as to clamp the continuous circulation valve.

[0058] The locking unit 23 may be a linear telescopic driving mechanism placed in the housing. One end of the linear telescopic driving mechanism is connected to the back plate 212, and the other end is connected to the other end of the connection head 22. The linear telescopic movement of the linear telescopic driving mechanism drives one end of the connection head 22 to be combined with or separated from the side outlet 1a.

[0059] The linear telescopic drive mechanism can be a pneumatic-hydraulic device, a hydraulic-hydraulic device, or an electric-hydraulic device. The cylinder block of the linear telescopic drive mechanism is connected to the back plate 212, and the end of the piston rod of the linear telescopic drive mechanism is connected to the connecting head 22 through the fixing plate 24. The fixing plate 24 extends radially outward from the connecting head 22 near the other end. For example, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the linear telescopic drive mechanism has two small holes at both ends of the fixing plate 24, and the linear telescopic drive mechanism is connected to the fixing plate 24 through the small holes.

[0060] As shown in FIG. 2, one side of the back plate 212 can be connected to one side edge of the housing 211 forming the opening 21a through the first connecting member 213; the other side of the back plate 212 opposite to one side is connected to the other side edge of the housing 211 opposite to one side edge through the second connecting member 214. The first connecting member 213 includes a first back plate pin hole 213a and a first pin 213b. The first back plate pin hole 213a is formed at one end of the back plate 212; the first pin 213b extends in the axial direction of the first back plate pin hole 213a and can cooperate with the first back plate pin hole 213a; wherein, the locking unit 23 is provided with a first chain fixing pin hole 23a, and the first chain fixing pin hole 23a and the first back plate pin hole 213a cooperate with the first pin 213b to connect one end of the back plate 212 to the locking unit 23. The second connecting member 214 includes a second back plate pin hole 214a and a second pin 214b. The second back plate pin hole 214a is formed at the other end of the back plate; the second pin 214b extends in the axial direction of the second back plate pin hole 214a and can cooperate with the second back plate pin hole 214a; wherein, the locking unit 23 is provided with a second chain fixing pin hole 23b, and the second chain fixing pin hole 23b and the second back plate pin hole 214a cooperate with the second pin 214b to connect the locking unit 23 in a manner of holding or releasing (i.e., opening or closing) the other end of the back plate 212.

[0061] The first connecting member 213 is not limited to the above components and does not necessarily have to be a single component, as long as it can connect one side of the back plate 212 to the locking unit 23. For example, welding one end of the back plate 212 to the locking unit 23, or connecting one end of the back plate 212 and the locking unit 23 together by means of threaded connection. The second connecting member 214 is also not limited to the above components, as long as it can connect the other side of the back plate to the locking unit 23 and can achieve holding or releasing (i.e., opening or closing). For example, connection methods such as threaded connection and snap connection.

[0062] As shown in FIG. 2, a control button 211a for controlling the locking unit 23 can be provided on the outer wall of the housing 211.

[0063] In addition, as Figure 1As shown in FIG. 2, the outer wall of the housing 211 may be provided with a lifting lug 211b, and the height of the quick connection device can be fixed through the lifting lug 211b. By setting the lifting lug 211b and fixing it during operation, the risk of the side circulation pipeline 7 falling off during the connection of the side circulation pipeline 7 and when injecting the circulating medium can be avoided.

[0064] As shown in FIG. 3, a sealing groove 11 may be provided inside the side outlet 1a for installing a sealing ring. By providing the sealing groove 11 and installing a sealing ring in the sealing groove 11, the sealing connection between the opening of the continuous circulation valve and the connector of the quick connection device can be efficiently achieved. For example, an "O" - ring groove is provided at the side outlet 1a of the continuous circulation valve, which can be used to install an "O" - shaped rubber sealing ring to seal the side outlet 1a of the continuous circulation valve and the internal connector of the quick connection device.

[0065] As shown in FIGS. 2, 3, and 4, a retaining ring 22a may be provided at one end of the connector 22 adjacent to the continuous circulation valve 1, and retaining teeth 12 are provided inside the side outlet 1a. The retaining ring 22a and the retaining teeth 12 cooperate to limit the free movement of the connector 22. That is to say, when the connector 22 is connected to the continuous circulation valve 1, the retaining ring 22a on the connector 22 can cooperate with the retaining teeth 12 inside the side outlet 1a, making the connector 22 unable to move freely. As shown in FIG. 3, four retaining teeth 12 can be evenly distributed on the inner wall of the side outlet 1a, and a single retaining tooth 12 can be serrated; the retaining ring 22a can be formed in an annular band at one end of the connector 22 connected to the continuous circulation valve 1; when the connector 22 is connected to the continuous circulation valve 1, the four retaining teeth 12 can be snapped into the annular - band - shaped retaining ring 22a, so as to play a role in restricting the free movement of the connector 22.

[0066] As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, one end of the connector 22 adjacent to the continuous circulation valve can be designed as a frustum - shaped. Correspondingly, the side outlet 1a is provided with a structure that matches the frustum - shaped connector 22, and the frustum - shaped design of the connector 22 can guide the quick connection between the connector 22 and the opening of the continuous circulation valve. For example, one end of the connector 22 adjacent to the continuous circulation valve 1 is machined into a frustum shape at an angle of 5 - 20°, and the end close to the continuous circulation valve 1 is the small end. Such a design can enable the connector 22 to be quickly inserted into the side outlet 1a of the continuous circulation valve 1. In addition, the frustum - shaped connector 22 can be formed with a retaining ring 22a, which can make the retaining ring 22a more efficiently cooperate with the retaining teeth 12 to limit the free movement of the connector 22.

[0067] As Figure 1As shown in the figure, one end of the continuous circulation valve 1 is used to connect to the main circulation pipeline 6. The operating mechanism may further include a flow path switching control device 3, which may include a manifold skid 31 and a control operation room 32. The manifold skid 31 is used to switch the connection between the continuous circulation valve 1 and the main circulation pipeline 6 or the side circulation pipeline 7; the control operation room 32 monitors and receives the pressure information of the main circulation pipeline 6 and the side circulation pipeline 7 to control the manifold skid 31 to achieve the switching between the main circulation pipeline 6 and the side circulation pipeline 7.

[0068] In the present invention, the main circulation pipeline 6 refers to the pipeline that connects the riser from the manifold skid 31 and passes through the main valve of the continuous circulation valve 1, and the side circulation pipeline 7 refers to the pipeline that passes through the side valve of the continuous circulation valve 1 from the manifold skid 31.

[0069] The manifold skid 31 is a commonly used flow path switching gate valve and pipeline combination device in the art. It can control the flow path switching between the main circulation pipeline 6 and the side circulation pipeline 7 by opening / closing the corresponding gate valves, and can also relieve the pressure of the main circulation pipeline 6 and the side circulation pipeline 7. The present invention will not elaborate too much on this.

[0070] The control operation room 32 can be a commonly used intelligent device and system in the art. After design, purchase, programming, and debugging of the program, the functions of detecting, receiving information, controlling, etc. of the present invention can be realized.

[0071] Figure 1 This is an application scenario diagram of the valve-type continuous circulation drilling safety and fast operating mechanism of the present invention. During drilling or circulating while tripping in or out, the circulating medium enters the wellbore through the drill pipe's central hole. At this time, the main circulation pipeline 6 is open, and the side circulation pipeline 7 is closed. When it is necessary to connect or disconnect a stand (or a single joint), first connect the quick connection device 2 to the side outlet 1a of the continuous circulation valve 1 and lock it; then the control operation room 32 controls the manifold skid 31 to switch the circulation channel from the main circulation pipeline 6 to the side circulation pipeline 7, close the gate valve between the manifold skid 31 and the main circulation pipeline 6, and the control operation room 32 detects and controls the pressure in the main circulation pipeline 6 to be relieved to zero; then, disassemble the thread between the continuous circulation valve 1 and the top drive, kelly bar, or drill pipe above it, connect or disconnect the stand (or a single joint), and then reconnect it to the continuous circulation valve 1; finally, the control operation room 32 controls the manifold skid 31 to switch the circulation channel from the side circulation pipeline 7 to the main circulation pipeline 6, close the gate valve between the manifold skid 31 and the side circulation pipeline 7, the control operation room 32 detects and controls the pressure in the side circulation pipeline 7 to be relieved to zero, remove the quick connection device 2, and resume drilling or circulating while tripping in or out.

[0072] In another exemplary embodiment, a valve-type continuous circulation drilling safety and quick operation mechanism is provided, which includes three parts: a continuous circulation valve, a quick connection device, and a flow path switching control device. The tapered end face of the side outlet of the continuous circulation valve and the connection head of the side circulation pipeline are sealed with an "O"-ring. The side outlet quick connection device includes a quick connection head, which is welded to the fixed plate and fixed to the telescopic rod of an electro-hydraulic locking device (or pneumatic / hydraulic device) by bolts. The electro-hydraulic locking device and the back plate are connected together by a back plate chain fixed end pin. The handle on the back plate can be conveniently switched. Align the movable end pin hole of the back plate and the movable end pin hole, and insert the movable end pin into the hole to make the quick connection device hold the continuous circulation valve. A pressure display panel is provided on the outer shell of the quick connection device to observe the working pressure of the electro-hydraulic device and the pressure of the circulating medium inside the side circulation pipeline. A locking and unlocking control button is provided on the outer shell to lock and unlock the connection head of the side circulation pipeline and the continuous circulation valve. The flow path switching control device includes a pipe skid and a control operation room, and a video display, a parameter display, and a control console are assembled in the control operation room.

[0073] In another exemplary embodiment, a valve-type continuous circulation drilling safety and quick operation mechanism is provided, which includes three parts: a continuous circulation valve, a quick connection device, and a flow path switching control device. An "O"-ring groove is machined on the inner end face of the side outlet of the continuous circulation valve for placing an "O"-ring. Telescopic anti-backlash teeth are evenly embedded in the circumference of the side outlet of the continuous circulation valve and cooperate with the anti-backlash ring at the tapered end of the connection head. The continuous circulation valve is connected to the top of a single drill pipe (or stand). When disassembling and connecting a single drill pipe (or stand), the continuous circulation valve needs to be lifted onto the drill floor, the elevator or slips should be properly seated, and the side circulation pipeline should be connected.

[0074] A connection head is installed inside the quick connection device. The connection head is welded to the fixed plate and fixed to the telescopic rod of an electro-hydraulic locking device (or pneumatic / hydraulic device) by bolts. The electro-hydraulic locking device is connected together through the back plate chain fixed end pin hole, the fixed end pin, and the fixed end pin hole on the back plate. The handle can conveniently switch the back plate. After the connection head is connected to the side outlet of the continuous circulation valve, align the movable end pin hole of the back plate and the movable end pin hole, and insert the movable end pin into the hole to make the quick connection device hold the continuous circulation valve. A pressure display panel is installed on the outer shell of the quick connection device to observe the working pressure of the electro-hydraulic device and the pressure of the circulating medium inside the side circulation pipeline. A locking and unlocking control button is provided on the outer shell to lock and unlock the side circulation pipeline, the connection head, and the continuous circulation valve. A lifting lug is installed on the top of the outer shell for convenient lifting by a pneumatic winch.

[0075] The flow path switching control device may include a manifold skid and a control operation room, and can realize the switching between the main circulation pipeline and the side circulation pipeline. Among them, a video display, a parameter display, and a control console are assembled in the control operation room. The video display can monitor the entire process of operations on the drill floor in real time, prevent misoperations, and ensure operation safety. The parameter display can display the pressures in the main circulation pipeline and the side circulation pipeline, closely monitor that the main circulation pipeline and the side circulation pipeline are switched in place and the pressure is relieved, and ensure the safety of the make-up and break-out of the main and side valves of the continuous circulation valve.

[0076] The present invention provides a valve-type continuous circulation drilling safety and fast operation mechanism, which relates to the technical field of drilling for continuous circulation of circulating media in oil and gas drilling, and solves the problems in the existing continuous circulation drilling system that the connection operation steps of the side circulation pipeline are numerous and time-consuming, and the control systems of the main and side circulation channels of continuous circulation drilling have a large floor area, are scattered and not convenient for loading, unloading, installation, and management. At the same time, the risk of the side circulation pipeline slipping and falling off during the connection process of the side circulation pipeline and when injecting the circulating medium is avoided. The present invention mainly includes two parts: a side outlet quick connection device and a flow path switching control device. Among them, the side outlet quick connection device includes a quick connector, an electro-hydraulic locking device (or pneumatic / hydraulic device), a pressure display panel, and a locking / unlocking control button; the flow path switching control device includes a manifold skid and a control operation room, and a video display, a parameter display, and a control console are assembled in the control operation room. The present invention can reduce the labor intensity of the operators of valve-type continuous circulation drilling, initially realize automation and mechanization, improve the connection efficiency and reliability between the side outlet of the continuous circulation valve and the side circulation pipeline, and the ground control operation room is equipped with a real-time operation video display on the drill floor and pressure monitoring displays for the main and side circulation pipelines, effectively improving the safety of the cooperation between the drill floor and the ground operators and ensuring the safety of the operators.

[0077] The present invention also provides a continuous circulation drilling process, which includes one or more actions such as drilling, connecting drill pipes, pulling out drill pipes, and unscrewing drill pipes. Among them, the above-mentioned continuous circulation drilling system is used to realize the quick connection between the side circulation pipeline and the continuous circulation valve.

[0078] Figure 5 A partial cross-sectional view of the continuous circulation valve in an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0079] Figure 6 A cross-sectional view of the side valve in an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is shown; Figure 7 A cross-sectional view of the leakage observation member in an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is shown; Figure 8 A cross-sectional view of the leakage observation valve in an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0080] In an exemplary embodiment, asFigure 5 As shown in Figure 5 , the continuous circulation valve may be a continuous circulation valve with an arrow-shaped main valve, which includes a hollow valve body 10, an arrow-shaped main valve 20 arranged at the top of the valve body, and a side valve 30 arranged on the side of the valve body.

[0081] The arrow-shaped main valve 20 may be an arrow-shaped valve coaxially arranged with the valve body 10. The arrow-shaped main valve 20 may include a support seat 40, a sealing arrow 50, a centralizer sleeve 60, an elastic member 70, and a compression cap 80.

[0082] The support seat 40 may be installed in the valve body 10 through its side wall. A first through hole and a first fluid passage 210 are formed on the support seat 40.

[0083] The compression cap 80 is installed in the valve body 10. A second through hole and a second fluid passage 220 may be formed on the compression cap 80. The second through hole is coaxially arranged with the first through hole.

[0084] As Figure 5 and Figure 6 shown in Figure 5 and Figure 6 , the sealing arrow 50 includes a sealing arrow body 250, a sealing portion 260, and a centralizer sleeve mounting portion 270 connected in sequence. The lower end of the sealing arrow 50 can be inserted into the first through hole, and the upper end of the sealing arrow 50 can be inserted into the second through hole. The sealing portion 260 protrudes outward from the sealing arrow body 250, and the outer edge of the sealing portion 260 can contact the side wall of the compression cap 80 to form a sealing surface, thereby sealing the first fluid passage 210. The centralizer sleeve mounting portion 270 is located below the sealing portion 260 and protrudes outward from the sealing arrow body 250. The outer diameter of the centralizer sleeve mounting portion 270 is equal to or slightly smaller than the inner diameter of the centralizer sleeve 60.

[0085] The upper end of the centralizer sleeve 60 is sleeved on the centralizer sleeve mounting portion 270. The axial length of the centralizer sleeve 60 is less than the distance between the lower end face of the side wall of the compression cap 80 and the upper end face of the support seat 40.

[0086] The elastic member 70 is sleeved between the sealing arrow body 250 and the centralizer sleeve 60. The lower end of the elastic member 70 contacts the upper end face of the support seat 40, and the upper end contacts the centralizer sleeve mounting portion, and the elastic member 70 is in a compressed state.

[0087] The continuous circulation valve may have two states: open and closed.

[0088] When the continuous circulation valve is switched to the open state, that is, when the continuous circulation state is switched to the main circulation, the pressure brought by the circulating medium acts on the sealing portion, causing the sealing arrow to move downward. The sealing portion does not contact the compression cap, thereby opening the first fluid passage. When the sealing arrow moves downward, the centralizer sleeve can contact the support seat, thereby limiting the downward movement distance of the sealing arrow, so that the sealing portion does not seal the second fluid passage.

[0089] When the continuous circulation valve is switched to the closed state, that is, when the continuous circulation state is switched to the side circulation, under the elastic force of the elastic member in the compressed state, the sealing arrow moves upward, so that the sealing portion contacts the side wall of the compression cap to form a sealing surface, thereby closing the first fluid passage and closing the arrow-shaped main valve. When switching to the side circulation, the arrow-shaped main valve is in the active closed state, which can play the role of an internal blowout preventer tool and improve drilling safety.

[0090] In another exemplary embodiment, the continuous circulation drilling process uses the continuous circulation valve having the arrow-shaped main valve described above.

[0091] The process includes one or more actions of drilling, connecting drill pipes, pulling out the drill string, and removing drill pipes. Among them,

[0092] The continuous circulation valve having the arrow-shaped main valve is pre-connected to the drill string.

[0093] During the drilling action, the continuous circulation valve having the arrow-shaped main valve is in the main circulation.

[0094] The drill pipe connection operation includes the following actions performed in sequence: switching the Nth drill pipe to the side circulation, connecting the (N + 1)th drill pipe, opening the main circulation of the (N + 1)th drill pipe and switching the Nth drill pipe to the main circulation.

[0095] During the pulling out of the drill string action, the continuous circulation valve is in the main circulation and the continuous circulation valve is in the open state.

[0096] The drill pipe removal operation includes the following actions performed in sequence: removing the continuous circulation valve part of the Mth drill pipe and the (M - 1)th drill pipe, switching the (M - 1)th drill pipe to the side circulation and closing the main circulation of the Mth drill pipe, removing the Mth drill pipe, and switching the (M - 1)th drill pipe to the side circulation.

[0097] The action of switching to the side circulation includes the following actions performed in sequence: opening the side valve and connecting the side valve input pipeline, using the control system to control the opening of the side circulation and closing the main circulation, closing the arrow-shaped main valve and removing the arrow-shaped main valve input pipeline.

[0098] The action of switching to the main circulation includes the following actions performed in sequence: opening the arrow-shaped main valve and connecting the arrow-shaped main valve input pipeline, using the control system to control the opening of the main circulation and closing the side circulation, closing the side valve and removing the side valve input pipeline.

[0099] The side valve input pipeline is connected to the side valve to inject the circulating medium into the central channel through the side valve.

[0100] The arrow-shaped main valve input pipeline is connected to the central channel of the valve body and can inject the circulating medium into the central channel.

[0101] The following is combined withFigure 5 Describe the continuous circulation drilling process, which includes drilling, connecting drill pipes, pulling out drill pipes, and removing drill pipes.

[0102] During the drilling operation, the continuous circulation valve is in the main circulation state. At this time, the centralizer sleeve 60 contacts the support seat 40, and the circulating medium can circulate through the first fluid channel 210 and the second fluid channel 220.

[0103] Before the drill pipe connection operation, the continuous circulation valve with an arrow-shaped main valve of the present invention needs to be pre-connected to the drill pipe.

[0104] During the drill pipe connection operation, assume that the drill pipe already in the well is the Nth drill pipe, and the drill pipe to be connected is the (N + 1)th drill pipe, where N is a natural number. The drill pipe connection operation may include the following actions performed in sequence: switching the Nth drill pipe to the side circulation. At this time, the circulation in the well is to inject the circulating medium into the wellbore through the side valve of the continuous circulation valve on the Nth drill pipe, and the circulation does not stop, maintaining the wellbore pressure stable; connecting the (N + 1)th drill pipe; opening the main circulation of the (N + 1)th drill pipe and switching the Nth drill pipe to the main circulation. At this time, the circulation in the well is to inject the circulating medium into the wellbore through the hollow channels of the continuous circulation valves on the Nth drill pipe and the (N + 1)th drill pipe, and the circulation does not stop, maintaining the wellbore pressure stable.

[0105] The action of switching to the side circulation includes, in sequence, opening the side valve and connecting the side valve input pipeline, using the control system to control the opening of the side circulation and closing the main circulation, closing the arrow-shaped main valve and removing the arrow-shaped main valve input pipeline. The action of switching to the main circulation includes, in sequence, opening the arrow-shaped main valve and connecting the arrow-shaped main valve input pipeline, using the control system to control the opening of the main circulation and closing the side circulation, closing the side valve and removing the side valve input pipeline.

[0106] During the drill pipe removal operation, assume that the drill pipe already out of the well is the Mth drill pipe, and the drill pipe connected below the Mth drill pipe is the (M - 1)th drill pipe, where M ≥ 5. The drill pipe removal operation includes the following actions performed in sequence: removing the continuous circulation valve parts of the Mth drill pipe and the (M - 1)th drill pipe. At this time, the circulation in the well is to inject the circulating medium into the wellbore through the hollow channel of the continuous circulation valve on the Mth drill pipe; switching the (M - 1)th drill pipe to the side circulation and closing the main circulation of the Mth drill pipe. At this time, the circulation in the well is to inject the circulating medium into the hollow channel of the continuous circulation valve through the side valve of the continuous circulation valve on the (M - 1)th drill pipe, and then inject the circulating medium into the wellbore to achieve it; removing the Mth drill pipe; switching the (M - 1)th drill pipe to the main circulation. At this time, the circulation in the well is to inject the circulating medium into the wellbore through the hollow channel of the continuous circulation valve on the (M - 1)th drill pipe.

[0107] During the pulling out drill pipe operation, the continuous circulation valve is in the main circulation state.

[0108] During the entire process of drilling, connecting drill pipes, pulling out drill pipes or removing drill pipes, the wellbore circulation never stops, eliminating the pressure fluctuations when stopping and starting the circulation for connecting drill pipes, which is beneficial to maintaining the stability of wellbore pressure.

[0109] In another exemplary embodiment, as Figure 5 shown, the continuous circulation valve may include a hollow body 10, an arrow-shaped main valve 20 provided at the top of the body, and a side valve 30 provided on the side of the body.

[0110] The side valve 30 is a fall-preventing side valve, including a valve seat 90, a pin cover 100, a first fixing pin 110, and a second fixing pin 120.

[0111] The pin cover 100 is fastened to the body 10 by the first fixing pin 110. Further, the first fixing pin 110 includes two pins.

[0112] The valve seat 90 is fastened to the pin cover 100 by the second fixing pin 120.

[0113] Further, since the pin cover 100 is not disassembled during on-site use, the gap between the first fixing pin 110 and the pin cover 100 is covered and fixed again with anaerobic adhesive, and the gap between the pin cover 100 and the body 10 is covered with anaerobic adhesive.

[0114] In another exemplary embodiment, the continuous circulation valve may include a hollow body 10, an arrow-shaped main valve 20 provided at the top of the body 10, and a side valve 30 provided on the side of the body 10.

[0115] The side valve 30 is an observable side valve, as Figure 7 shown, including a valve plate 130, a valve plate fixing pin 140, a valve seat 90, a cover plate 150, a pressure relief member, a leakage observation member 170, and a leakage observation valve 180.

[0116] The valve seat 90 has a third through-hole and a pressure relief hole 160. The third through-hole can communicate with the hollow interior of the body 10, and the pressure relief hole 160 communicates with the third through-hole.

[0117] Further, the valve seat 90 may also have a loading and unloading hole 240 to facilitate the loading and unloading of the valve seat 90. For example, the loading and unloading hole 240 may be 4 holes evenly distributed on the valve seat 90.

[0118] The valve plate fixing pin 140 is disposed in the valve plate fixing pin hole to fix the valve plate 130. When the valve plate 130 is opened, the third through-hole can communicate with the hollow interior of the body 10, and when the valve plate 130 is closed, it can seal the hollow interior of the body 10.

[0119] The cover plate 150 has an axially stepped through hole, which is coaxial with the third through hole, and the axis of the cover plate 150 is perpendicular to the axis of the valve body 10.

[0120] The cover plate 150 is mounted on the inner wall of the valve seat 90 through its outer wall and forms an end face seal with the valve seat 90.

[0121] The pressure relief member is disposed in the pressure relief hole 160.

[0122] Further, one end of the pressure relief member abuts against the outer wall of the cover plate 150, which serves to further lock the cover plate 150.

[0123] Further, the cover plate 150 and the valve seat 90 are connected by internal and external threads, and the pressure relief hole 160 communicates with the outside from the internal thread relief groove of the valve seat 90 to prevent the pressure relief member from damaging the thread.

[0124] The leakage observation member 170 is configured with a hollow channel, and discharge holes 190 communicating with the hollow channel are formed on the side wall of the leakage observation member 170. Further, the discharge holes 190 can be 1 to 6 through holes evenly distributed circumferentially on the side wall of the leakage observation member.

[0125] The leakage observation member 170 can be inserted into the hollow channel through its front end and can move to a first position and a second position in the hollow channel. In the first position, the leakage observation valve 180 seals the discharge hole 190. In the second position, there is no contact between the leakage observation valve 180 and the discharge hole 190, so that the medium in the hollow channel can be discharged through the discharge hole.

[0126] Further, the leakage observation member 170 has a fixed layer and an exhaust layer connected in sequence. The fixed layer is connected to the inner wall of the cover plate 150 and forms an end face seal, and the discharge holes 190 are distributed on the exhaust layer.

[0127] Further, as Figure 8 shown, the leakage observation valve 180 has a first sealing portion 280, a second sealing portion 290, and a third sealing portion 300 connected in sequence and with diameters increasing in sequence. When the leakage observation valve 180 moves to the first position in the hollow channel, the second sealing portion 290 seals the discharge hole 190. When the leakage observation valve 180 moves to the second position in the hollow channel, the discharge hole 190 is aligned with the third sealing portion 300. Further, an internal hexagonal screw hole can be formed on the third sealing portion 300 to facilitate the loading and unloading of the leakage observation valve 180.

[0128] Further, the continuous circulation valve may further include a first seal 200, and the first seal 200 (such as, a rubber ring) is sleeved on the second sealing portion 290, which is beneficial to further seal the hollow channel of the leakage observation member 170.

[0129] Further, the continuous circulation valve further includes a second seal 230, and the second seal 230 (such as, a rubber ring) is sleeved on the end face connection of the cover plate 150 and the valve seat 90, which is beneficial to further seal the side valve 30.

[0130] When the continuous circulation valve switches from the main circulation to the side circulation state, the leakage observation valve 180 is gradually moved from the first position to the second position. If the side valve 30 leaks, gas or other media will be discharged from the drain hole 190, and the staff can directly observe whether the side valve 30 leaks, avoiding the accident of pressure jet injury when directly disassembling the pressure relief component. If the side valve 30 does not leak, then disassemble the pressure relief component and the cover plate 150, etc., and connect the side circulation pipeline.

[0131] In another exemplary embodiment, the side valve of the continuous circulation valve includes a valve seat 90, a cover plate 150, a pressure relief component, a leakage observation member 170, and a leakage observation valve 180.

[0132] The valve seat 90 has a third through hole and a pressure relief hole 160. The third through hole can communicate with the internal hollow of the valve body 10, and the pressure relief hole communicates with the third through hole.

[0133] The valve plate 130 is fixed to the valve body 10 through a valve plate fixing pin 140.

[0134] The cover plate 150 has an axially stepped through hole. The cover plate 150 is installed on the inner wall of the valve seat 90 through its outer wall and forms an end face seal with the valve seat 90. The stepped through hole is coaxial with the third through hole.

[0135] The pressure relief component is arranged in the pressure relief hole 160.

[0136] A hollow channel is formed on the leakage observation member 170, and a drain hole 190 communicating with the hollow channel is formed on the side wall of the leakage observation member 170. Further, the drain hole 190 is arranged circumferentially on the leakage observation member 17. Further, the number of the drain holes 190 can be 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 or 12.

[0137] The leakage observation member 170 can be inserted into the hollow channel through its front end and can move to a first position and a second position in the hollow channel. At the first position, the leakage observation valve 180 seals the discharge hole 190. At the second position, there is no contact between the leakage observation valve 180 and the discharge hole 190, so that the medium in the hollow channel can be discharged through the discharge hole 190.

[0138] Further, the leakage observation valve 180 has a first sealing portion, a second sealing portion, and a third sealing portion that are sequentially connected and have sequentially increasing diameters. Among them, when the leakage observation valve 180 moves to the first position in the hollow channel, the second sealing portion 290 seals the discharge hole 190. When the leakage observation valve 180 moves to the second position in the hollow channel, the first contact cannot seal the discharge hole 190, and further the medium in the hollow channel can be discharged through the discharge hole 190.

[0139] In summary, the beneficial effects of the valve-type continuous circulation drilling safety and rapid operation mechanism of the present invention may include:

[0140] 1) The structural setting of the quick connection device can achieve the quick connection of the side circulation pipeline and the continuous circulation valve. At the same time, in cooperation with the setting of the continuous circulation valve, the efficiency, reliability, and safety of the connection are improved.

[0141] 2) Integrated as a control device, it can not only initially achieve automation and mechanization, greatly reducing the labor intensity of operators; but also effectively solve the problems of large floor area, scattered and inconvenient loading, unloading, installation, and management of the continuous circulation drilling system.

[0142] 3) The provided operation mechanism can reduce the labor intensity of the valve-type continuous circulation drilling operators, initially achieve automation and mechanization, reduce the risk of injury to personnel during operations on the drill floor, ensure the safety of operators, and comprehensively improve the efficiency, reliability, and safety during the continuous circulation drilling operation process.

[0143] 4) It can achieve the active sealing of the main valve, greatly enhancing the operation safety of the continuous circulation valve.

[0144] 5) It can avoid the risk of the side valve falling into the well caused by vibration during drilling.

[0145] 6) It can observe whether the side valve leaks before the side valve cover plate is opened.

[0146] 7) It can avoid the occurrence of accidents where high-pressure gas leaking from the side valve may injure people when connecting the side circulation pipeline.

[0147] Although the present invention has been described above in connection with exemplary embodiments and the accompanying drawings, those of ordinary skill in the art should understand that various modifications can be made to the above embodiments without departing from the spirit and scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A continuous circulation drilling system, characterized in that, the continuous circulation drilling system includes a continuous circulation valve and a valve-type continuous circulation drilling safety and rapid operation mechanism, and a side outlet is formed on the side wall of the continuous circulation valve; the operation mechanism includes a quick connection device, and the quick connection device includes: a clamping unit for clamping the continuous circulation valve; a connector, one end of the connector is used to connect with the side outlet, and the other end is connected to a side circulation pipeline; and a locking unit, when the clamping unit clamps the continuous circulation valve, driving the connector to approach or move away from the side outlet, so that the connector is locked or loosened from the continuous circulation valve; the continuous circulation valve includes a hollow valve body and an arrow-shaped main valve arranged inside the upper end of the valve body, and the arrow-shaped main valve is coaxially arranged with the valve body; the continuous circulation valve further includes a side valve arranged on the side wall of the valve body, the side valve is an observable side valve, and includes a valve plate, a valve seat, a cover plate, a pressure relief member, a leakage observation member and a leakage observation valve. The valve seat has a third through hole and a pressure relief hole. The third through hole can communicate with the hollow interior of the valve body, and the pressure relief hole communicates with the third through hole. The valve plate is fixed on the valve body. The cover plate has an axially stepped through hole. The cover plate is installed on the inner wall of the valve seat through its outer wall and forms an end face seal with the valve seat. The stepped through hole is coaxial with the third through hole. The pressure relief member is arranged in the pressure relief hole. The leakage observation member is formed with a hollow channel, and a discharge hole communicating with the hollow channel is formed on the side wall of the leakage observation member. The leakage observation member can be inserted into the hollow channel through its front end and can move to a first position and a second position in the hollow channel. In the first position, the leakage observation valve seals the discharge hole. In the second position, there is no contact between the leakage observation valve and the discharge hole, so that the medium in the hollow channel can be discharged through the discharge hole.

2. The continuous circulation drilling system according to claim 1, characterized in that, the clamping unit includes: a housing with a hollow inner cavity and an opening on one side. An arc-shaped opening groove is formed on the one side of the housing, and the arc-shaped opening groove corresponds to one side surface of the continuous circulation valve; and a back plate, which is openably arranged at the opening. A curved surface corresponding to the other side surface of the continuous circulation valve is formed on the back plate. The one side surface and the other side surface of the continuous circulation valve are opposite. In the state where the back plate closes the opening, a clamping port for clamping the continuous circulation valve is formed between the curved surface and the arc-shaped opening groove.

3. The continuous circulation drilling system according to claim 2, characterized in that, the locking unit is a linear telescopic driving mechanism placed in the housing. One end of the linear telescopic driving mechanism is connected to the back plate, and the other end is connected to the other end of the connector. The linear telescopic movement of the linear telescopic driving mechanism drives one end of the connector to be combined with or separated from the side outlet.

4. The continuous circulation drilling system according to claim 3, characterized in that, The linear telescopic driving mechanism is a pneumatic-hydraulic device, a hydraulic-hydraulic device or an electric-hydraulic device. The cylinder body of the linear telescopic driving mechanism is connected to the back plate. The end of the piston rod of the linear telescopic driving mechanism is connected to the connector through a fixing plate, and the fixing plate extends radially outward from the connector near the other end.

5. The continuous circulation drilling system according to claim 2, wherein, One side of the back plate is connected to one side of the housing forming the opening through a first connecting member; The other side of the back plate opposite to the one side is connected to the other side of the housing opposite to the one side through a second connecting member; The first connecting member includes: A first back plate pin hole formed at one end of the back plate; and A first pin extending in the axial direction of the first back plate pin hole and capable of cooperating with the first back plate pin hole; wherein, The locking unit is provided with a first chain fixing pin hole, and the first chain fixing pin hole and the first back plate pin hole cooperate with the first pin to connect one end of the back plate to the locking unit; The second connecting member includes: A second back plate pin hole formed at the other end of the back plate; and A second pin extending in the axial direction of the second back plate pin hole and capable of cooperating with the second back plate pin hole; wherein, The locking unit is provided with a second chain fixing pin hole, and the second chain fixing pin hole and the second back plate pin hole cooperate with the second pin to connect the other end of the back plate to the locking unit in a manner of holding or releasing.

6. The continuous circulation drilling system according to claim 2, wherein, A control button for controlling the locking unit is provided on the outer wall of the housing.

7. The continuous circulation drilling system according to claim 1, wherein, A sealing groove is provided inside the side outlet for installing a sealing ring.

8. The continuous circulation drilling system according to claim 1, wherein, A back-off prevention ring is provided at one end of the connector near the continuous circulation valve, and back-off prevention teeth are provided inside the side outlet. The back-off prevention ring and the back-off prevention teeth cooperate to limit the free movement of the connector.

9. The continuous circulation drilling system according to claim 1, wherein, One end of the connector near the continuous circulation valve is designed as a frustum shape.

10. The continuous circulation drilling system according to claim 1, wherein, One end of the continuous circulation valve is used for connecting to the main circulation pipeline. The working mechanism further includes a flow path switching control device, and the flow path switching control device includes: A pipe manifold skid for switching the connection between the continuous circulation valve and the main circulation pipeline or the side circulation pipeline; and A control operation room for monitoring and receiving the pressure information of the main circulation pipeline and the side circulation pipeline to control the pipe manifold skid to realize the switching between the main circulation pipeline and the side circulation pipeline.

11. The continuous circulation drilling system according to claim 1, wherein, The arrow-shaped main valve includes a support seat, a sealing arrow, a centralizing sleeve, an elastic member and a compression cap, The support seat is installed on the valve body through its side wall, and a first through hole and a first fluid passage are formed on the support seat. The compression cap is installed in the valve body. A second through hole and a second fluid passage are formed in the compression cap. The second through hole is coaxially arranged with the first through hole. The sealing arrow includes a sealing arrow body, a sealing part, and a centralizer sleeve mounting part connected in sequence. The lower end of the sealing arrow can be inserted into the first through hole, and the upper end of the sealing arrow can be inserted into the second through hole. The sealing part protrudes outward from the sealing arrow body, and the outer edge of the sealing part can contact the side wall of the compression cap to form a sealing surface. The centralizer sleeve mounting part is located below the sealing part and protrudes outward from the sealing arrow body. The outer diameter of the centralizer sleeve mounting part is equal to or slightly smaller than the inner diameter of the centralizer sleeve. The upper end of the centralizer sleeve is sleeved on the centralizer sleeve mounting part. The axial length of the centralizer sleeve is less than the distance between the lower end face of the side wall of the compression cap and the upper end face of the support seat. The elastic member is sleeved between the sealing arrow body and the centralizer sleeve. The lower end of the elastic member contacts the upper end face of the support seat, and the upper end of the elastic member contacts the lower end of the centralizer sleeve mounting part, and the elastic member is in a compressed state.

12. The continuous circulation drilling system according to claim 11, wherein, The continuous circulation valve further includes a side valve provided on the side wall at the lower end of the valve body. The side valve is a fall-preventing side valve. The side valve includes a valve seat, a pin cover, a first fixing pin, and a second fixing pin. The pin cover is fastened to the valve body by the first fixing pin. The valve seat is fastened to the pin cover by the second fixing pin.

13. The continuous circulation drilling system according to claim 12, wherein, The gap between the first fixing pin and the pin cover is covered with anaerobic adhesive, and the gap between the pin cover and the valve body is covered with anaerobic adhesive.

14. The continuous circulation drilling system according to claim 11, wherein, The observable side valve includes a valve plate fixing pin. The valve plate is fixed to the valve body by the valve plate fixing pin.

15. The continuous circulation drilling system according to claim 14, wherein, The cover plate and the valve seat are connected by threads. The pressure relief hole communicates with the outside from the thread relief groove of the valve seat. The pressure relief member presses against the outer wall of the cover plate.

16. The continuous circulation drilling system according to claim 14, wherein, The leakage observation member has a fixed layer and an exhaust layer connected in sequence. The leakage observation valve has a first sealing part, a second sealing part, and a third sealing part connected in sequence and with diameters increasing in sequence. Among them, The fixed layer is installed on the inner wall of the cover plate and forms an end face seal with the cover plate. The discharge holes are circumferentially and evenly distributed on the exhaust layer. When the leakage observation valve moves to the first position in the hollow channel, the second sealing part seals the discharge holes. When the leakage observation valve moves to the second position in the hollow channel, the discharge holes are aligned with the third sealing part.

17. The continuous circulation drilling system according to claim 16, wherein, It further includes a first sealing member. The first sealing member is sleeved on the second sealing part.

18. A continuous circulation drilling process, wherein, The process includes one or more of the actions of drilling, connecting drill pipes, pulling out the drill string, and removing drill pipes. Among them, the rapid connection between the side circulation pipeline and the continuous circulation valve is realized by using the continuous circulation drilling system described in any one of claims 1 to 17.

19. The continuous circulation drilling process according to claim 18, characterized in that the process includes: pre - connecting the continuous circulation valve with the arrow - shaped main valve on the drill string in advance, during the drilling action, the continuous circulation valve with the arrow - shaped main valve is in the main circulation; the drill pipe connection operation includes the following actions carried out in sequence: switching the Nth drill pipe to side circulation, connecting the (N + 1)th drill pipe, opening the main circulation of the (N + 1)th drill pipe and switching the Nth drill pipe to the main circulation; during the pulling - out - of - the - drill - string action, the continuous circulation valve is in the main circulation; the drill - pipe - removing operation includes the following actions carried out in sequence: removing the continuous circulation valve part of the Mth drill pipe and the (M - 1)th drill pipe, switching the (M - 1)th drill pipe to side circulation and closing the main circulation of the Mth drill pipe, removing the Mth drill pipe, and switching the (M - 1)th drill pipe to side circulation; the action of switching to side circulation includes, in sequence, opening the side valve and connecting the side - valve input pipeline, using the control system to control the opening of side circulation and closing of main circulation, closing the arrow - shaped main valve and disassembling the arrow - shaped main - valve input pipeline; the action of switching to main circulation includes, in sequence, opening the arrow - shaped main valve and connecting the arrow - shaped main - valve input pipeline, using the control system to control the opening of main circulation and closing of side circulation, closing the side valve and disassembling the side - valve input pipeline; the side - valve input pipeline is connected to the side valve to inject the circulating medium into the hollow channel of the continuous circulation valve through the side valve; the arrow - shaped main - valve input pipeline is connected to the internal hollow of the valve body and can inject the circulating medium into the hollow channel of the continuous circulation valve.

Citation Information

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