A new hydraulic variable-diameter expansion cone

Abstract

The application discloses a novel hydraulic variable-diameter expansion cone, which comprises a drilling tool joint, an outer fixed pipe and two hydraulic cylinders, the drilling tool joint, the outer fixed pipe, the right hydraulic cylinder and the left hydraulic cylinder are sequentially connected in series through butt joint, and a sealing ring is arranged at the butt joint part; a connecting head is further fixedly connected to the left side of the left hydraulic cylinder; an expansion block is arranged on the left side of the expansion cone; a pressure relief valve is arranged on the left side of the expansion cone; eight circular-arc grooves are equidistantly arranged on the surface of the connecting head close to the left end; the inner surfaces of the circular-arc grooves are all slidably connected with expansion blocks; the expansion cone comprises a cylindrical part and a conical part; and the application relates to the technical field of expansion pipes. The novel hydraulic variable-diameter expansion cone can adjust the expansion rate of the expansion pipe through the design of the expansion cone and the expansion blocks, and can theoretically expand to all expansion rates within the preset expansion rate range, so that the expansion pipe has the ability of stepless expansion.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of expansion tube technology, specifically a novel hydraulic variable diameter expansion cone. Background Technology

[0002] In deep drilling operations, to ensure the normal operating dimensions of the target formation well and meet the requirements of subsequent well workover and production enhancement, the initial wellbore size is inevitably large. Drilling large-diameter wells consumes significant human and material resources, substantially increasing drilling costs. To overcome this technical challenge, major domestic and international oil companies have been striving to develop more advanced drilling and completion technologies. Expandable tubing technology emerged as a result. The expansion tool is the core tool in expandable tubing technology, directly determining whether the expansion operation can be successfully implemented and the quality of the expansion.

[0003] Chinese Patent No. CN209924957U disclosed on January 10, 2020, an expansion device for expansion operation using a variable diameter expansion head and expansion tube. This utility model relates to an expansion device for expansion operation using a variable diameter expansion head and expansion tube. This device reduces the starting driving force for expansion operation and achieves a larger expansion rate.

[0004] Using a fixed-diameter expansion cone for expansion is advantageous because of its simple structure, ease of operation, and ability to provide sufficiently large radial expansion force. However, its drawback is that the outer diameter of the cone is a fixed value, larger than the inner diameter of the upper unexpanded casing. During expansion operations, if an irregular well diameter or wellbore narrowing prevents expansion, there is no remedial measure. These complex and demanding operational requirements mean that expansion tubing operations cannot be carried out under many conditions. Furthermore, while existing variable-diameter expansion cones can change diameter, subsequent work can only proceed after a preset value is reached; their expansion rate is a fixed value. If an intermediate expansion rate is required, existing variable-diameter expansion cones cannot meet the requirements, necessitating replacement of the expansion cone to continue operations. Summary of the Invention

[0005] To address the shortcomings of existing technologies, this invention provides a novel hydraulic variable diameter expansion cone, which solves the problems that existing fixed diameter expansion cones cannot perform expansion operations under special conditions and that the expansion rate of variable diameter expansion cones is a constant value.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention is implemented through the following technical solution: A novel hydraulic variable diameter expansion cone includes a drill bit connector, an external fixed pipe, and two hydraulic cylinders on the left and right sides. The drill bit connector, the external fixed pipe, the right hydraulic cylinder, and the left hydraulic cylinder are connected in series by being connected in sequence, and a sealing ring is provided at the connection point. A connector is also fixedly connected to the left side of the left hydraulic cylinder. An expansion cone is provided on the left side of the expansion block, and a pressure relief valve is provided on the left side of the expansion cone. Eight arc grooves are evenly spaced on the surface of the connector near the left end. Expansion blocks are slidably connected to the inner surfaces of the arc grooves. The expansion cone includes a cylindrical part and a conical part. The right side of the conical part is fixedly connected to the cylindrical part. Eight bosses are evenly spaced on the surface of the conical part. The expansion blocks are installed at the positions of the bosses by an installation assembly.

[0007] Preferably, the maximum diameter of the conical portion is smaller than the diameter of the cylindrical portion, the maximum diameter of the conical shape formed by the plurality of bosses is the same as the diameter of the cylindrical portion, and the inner sides of the eight expansion blocks are provided with mounting grooves, and the inner walls of the mounting grooves are provided with continuous second grooves on both sides.

[0008] Preferably, the mounting assembly includes an inner groove formed inside the boss, a lead screw rotatably connected to the right side of the inner wall of the inner groove, the lead screw passing through the inner groove and extending into the interior of the cylindrical portion, an internal hexagon head fixedly connected to one end of the inner groove inside the cylindrical portion, and multiple sliding sleeves threaded at equal intervals on the surface of the lead screw located inside the inner groove.

[0009] Preferably, the front and back of the boss are slidably connected with a plurality of mounting blocks at equal distances, the same number as the number of the sliding sleeve. The mounting blocks engage with the second sliding groove. The front and back of the sliding sleeve are rotatably connected with connecting rods. The other ends of the front and rear connecting rods are rotatably connected to the opposite side of the front and rear mounting blocks at corresponding positions.

[0010] Preferably, pistons are slidably connected to the inner surfaces of both left and right hydraulic cylinders, a second hydraulic pipe is fixedly connected between the opposite sides of the two pistons, both pistons are connected to the second hydraulic pipe, a first hydraulic pipe is fixedly connected to the opposite sides of the two pistons, the two first hydraulic pipes are respectively connected to the two pistons, the expansion cone is fixedly connected to the surface of the left first hydraulic pipe, and the first hydraulic pipe passes through the expansion cone and extends to the left side of the expansion cone.

[0011] Preferably, the pressure relief valve is connected to the port on the left side of the expansion cone of the first hydraulic pipe. The pressure relief valve consists of a pressure relief valve baffle, a pressure relief valve cone, a pressure relief valve spring, a pressure relief valve support seat, and a pressure relief valve housing. The pressure relief valve housing is fixedly connected to the left side of the expansion cone. The pressure relief valve baffle and the pressure relief valve support seat are respectively disposed on the left and right sides inside the pressure relief valve housing. The pressure relief valve cone is located between the pressure relief valve baffle and the pressure relief valve support seat, and the pressure relief valve spring is disposed between the pressure relief valve cone and the pressure relief valve support seat.

[0012] Preferably, a one-way valve is connected to the right port of the second hydraulic pipe on the right side. The one-way valve consists of a one-way valve support, a one-way valve base, a one-way valve spring, a one-way valve cone, and a one-way valve top cover. The one-way valve support is slidably connected to the inner surface of the outer fixed pipe. The one-way valve base and the one-way valve top cover are located on the left and right sides inside the one-way valve support, respectively. The one-way valve cone is located between the one-way valve base and the one-way valve top cover, and the one-way valve spring is disposed between the one-way valve cone and the one-way valve base.

[0013] Preferably, the drill bit joint has an internal fluid inlet channel, and the drill bit joint is connected to the external fixed pipe. Beneficial effects

[0014] This invention provides a novel hydraulic variable diameter expansion cone. Compared with the prior art, it has the following advantages:

[0015] 1. This new type of hydraulic variable diameter expansion cone, through the design of the expansion cone and expansion blocks, makes the expansion rate of the expansion tube adjustable when the expansion cone moves directly to multiple expansion blocks. Theoretically, it can expand to all expansion rates within the preset expansion rate range, so that the expansion tube has the ability to expand infinitely.

[0016] 2. This new type of hydraulic variable diameter expansion cone, through the design of the expansion cone, allows the expansion tube to operate from top to bottom, or from bottom to top, or to expand in the middle of the expansion tube before operation, and can also be used for expansion operations in complex downhole environments.

[0017] 3. This new type of hydraulic variable diameter expansion cone, through the installation components set in the expansion cone, allows multiple expansion blocks to be quickly and easily installed onto the external boss of the expansion cone, and when one or more expansion blocks are damaged, the expansion blocks can be quickly removed and replaced with new expansion blocks. Attached Figure Description

[0018] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the appearance of the present invention;

[0019] Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional view of the present invention;

[0020] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the collision cone of the present invention;

[0021] Figure 4 This is a side view of the expansion cone of the present invention;

[0022] Figure 5 This is a cross-sectional view of the expansion cone and expansion block of the present invention;

[0023] Figure 6 A cross-sectional view of the mounting boss of the present invention;

[0024] Figure 7 This is a side view of the drill joint of the present invention;

[0025] Figure 8 This is a side view of the expansion cone and expansion block of the present invention;

[0026] Figure 9 This is a cross-sectional view of the pressure relief valve of the present invention;

[0027] Figure 10 This is a cross-sectional view of the one-way valve of the present invention;

[0028] Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram of the expansion state of the present invention;

[0029] Figure 12 This is a cross-sectional view of the expanded state of the present invention.

[0030] In the diagram: 1. Drill tool connector; 2. External fixing pipe; 3. Hydraulic cylinder; 4. Connector; 5. Arc groove; 6. Expansion block; 61. Mounting slide; 7. Expansion cone; 71. Cylindrical part; 72. Conical part; 73. Boss; 8. Mounting assembly; 81. Inner groove; 82. Lead screw; 83. Socket head; 84. Sliding sleeve; 85. Mounting block; 86. Connecting rod; 9. Pressure relief valve baffle; 10. Pressure relief valve cone; 11. Pressure relief valve spring; 12. Pressure relief valve support seat; 13. Pressure relief valve housing; 14. First hydraulic pipe; 15. Piston; 16. Second hydraulic pipe; 17. Sealing ring; 18. Check valve support seat; 19. Check valve base; 20. Check valve spring; 21. Check valve cone; 22. Check valve top cover. Detailed Implementation

[0031] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0032] This new hydraulic variable diameter expansion cone offers two technical solutions:

[0033] like Figure 1-47.9-12 illustrates the first embodiment: It includes a drill bit connector 1, an external fixing pipe 2, and two hydraulic cylinders 3 (left and right). The drill bit connector 1, external fixing pipe 2, right-side hydraulic cylinder 3, and left-side hydraulic cylinder 3 are connected in series, with sealing rings 17 at the connection points. The drill bit connector 1 has an internal fluid inlet channel and is connected to the external fixing pipe 2. A connector 4 is fixedly connected to the left side of the left-side hydraulic cylinder 3. An expansion cone 7 is located on the left side of the expansion block 6. A pressure relief valve is provided on the left side. Eight arc grooves 5 are equally spaced on the surface of the connector 4 near the left end. Expansion blocks 6 are slidably connected to the inner surface of each arc groove 5. The expansion cone 7 includes a cylindrical part 71 and a conical part 72. The conical part 72 is fixedly connected to the right side of the cylindrical part 71. Eight bosses 73 are fixedly connected at equal distances on the surface of the conical part 72. The expansion blocks 6 are installed at the positions of the bosses 73 by the mounting assembly 8. The maximum diameter of the conical part 72 is smaller than the diameter of the cylindrical part 71. The maximum diameter of the cone shape formed by the multiple bosses 73 is the same as the diameter of the cylindrical part 71. The inner side of each of the eight expansion blocks 6 is provided with a mounting groove 61. The two sides of the inner wall of the mounting groove 61 are provided with continuous second grooves.

[0034] Pistons 15 are slidably connected to the inner surfaces of the two hydraulic cylinders 3 on the left and right sides. A second hydraulic pipe 16 is fixedly connected between the opposite sides of the two pistons 15. Both pistons 15 are connected to the second hydraulic pipe 16. A first hydraulic pipe 14 is fixedly connected to the opposite sides of the two pistons 15. The two first hydraulic pipes 14 are respectively connected to the two pistons 15. The expansion cone 7 is fixedly connected to the surface of the left first hydraulic pipe 14. The first hydraulic pipe 14 passes through the expansion cone 7 and extends to the left side of the expansion cone 7.

[0035] The pressure relief valve is connected to the port on the left side of the expansion cone 7 of the first hydraulic pipe 14. The pressure relief valve is composed of a pressure relief valve baffle 9, a pressure relief valve cone 10, a pressure relief valve spring 11, a pressure relief valve support seat 12, and a pressure relief valve housing 13. The pressure relief valve housing 13 is fixedly connected to the left side of the expansion cone 7. The pressure relief valve baffle 9 and the pressure relief valve support seat 12 are respectively arranged on the left and right sides inside the pressure relief valve housing 13. The pressure relief valve cone 10 is located between the pressure relief valve baffle 9 and the pressure relief valve support seat 12, and the pressure relief valve spring 11 is arranged between the pressure relief valve cone 10 and the pressure relief valve support seat 12.

[0036] A one-way valve is connected to the right port of the second hydraulic pipe 16 on the right side. The one-way valve consists of a one-way valve support 18, a one-way valve base 19, a one-way valve spring 20, a one-way valve cone 21, and a one-way valve top cover 22. The one-way valve support 18 is slidably connected to the inner surface of the outer fixed pipe 2. The one-way valve base 19 and the one-way valve top cover 22 are located on the left and right sides inside the one-way valve support 18, respectively. The one-way valve cone 21 is located between the one-way valve base 19 and the one-way valve top cover 22, and the one-way valve spring 20 is located between the one-way valve cone 21 and the one-way valve base 19.

[0037] By designing the expansion cone 7 and expansion block 6, the expansion rate of the expansion tube can be adjusted when the expansion cone 7 moves directly over multiple expansion blocks 6. Theoretically, it can expand to all expansion rates within the preset expansion rate range, giving the expansion tube the ability to expand infinitely. The design of the expansion cone 7 allows the expansion tube to operate from top to bottom, from bottom to top, or expand in the middle of the expansion tube before operation, and can also perform expansion operations in complex downhole environments.

[0038] like Figure 4-6 The second embodiment is shown, and the main difference from the first embodiment is that: the mounting component 8 includes an inner groove 81 opened inside the boss 73. A lead screw 82 is rotatably connected to the right side of the inner wall of the inner groove 81. The lead screw 82 passes through the inner groove 81 and extends into the interior of the cylindrical part 71. An internal hexagon head 83 is fixedly connected to one end of the inner groove 81 inside the cylindrical part 71. Multiple sliding sleeves 84 are threaded at equal intervals on the surface of the lead screw 82 inside the inner groove 81. Multiple mounting blocks 85, the same number as the sliding sleeves 84, are slidably connected at equal intervals on the front and back sides of the boss 73. The mounting blocks 85 engage with the second sliding groove. Connecting rods 86 are rotatably connected to both the front and back sides of the sliding sleeves 84. The other ends of the front and rear connecting rods 86 are rotatably connected to the opposite side of the front and rear mounting blocks 85 at the corresponding positions.

[0039] The mounting component 8 provided in the expansion cone 7 allows multiple expansion blocks 6 to be quickly and easily installed onto the external boss of the expansion cone 7, and if one or more expansion blocks 6 are damaged, the expansion blocks 6 can be quickly removed and replaced with new expansion blocks 6.

[0040] In use, the assembled new hydraulic variable diameter expansion cone system is installed into the expansion tube, and the entire tool is positioned as needed. The new hydraulic variable diameter expansion cone is pressurized, allowing liquid to enter through the one-way valve and fill the entire inner cavity. Then, both pistons 15 move simultaneously, causing the expansion cone 7 to move. The movement of the expansion cone 7 converts the axial motion into the radial motion of multiple expansion blocks 6. After expansion is complete, the new hydraulic variable diameter expansion cone is pulled out, causing the expansion cone 7 to move throughout the expansion tube, resulting in plastic deformation of the expansion tube. Pressure is then released using the pressure relief valve, and the expansion tube contracts back to its initial state, completing the pressure release process. After the expansion cone 7 is removed, when the expansion block 6 is damaged and needs to be replaced, the screw 82 is rotated by a tool. The rotation of the screw 82 drives multiple sliding sleeves 84 to move together. Then, the mounting block 85 is pulled into the inner groove 81 by the connecting rod 86, so that multiple expansion blocks 6 can be removed from the expansion cone 7. When installing a new expansion block 6, multiple expansion blocks 6 are first installed into multiple arc grooves 5 in sequence, and the mounting groove 61 is aligned with the boss 73 on the expansion cone 7. Finally, the screw 82 is rotated to make the mounting block 85 enter the second groove.

[0041] It should be noted that, in this document, relational terms such as "first" and "second" are used only to distinguish one entity or operation from another, and do not necessarily require or imply any such actual relationship or order between these entities or operations. Furthermore, the terms "comprising," "including," or any other variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements includes not only those elements but also other elements not expressly listed, or elements inherent to such process, method, article, or apparatus.

[0042] Although embodiments of the invention have been shown and described, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes, modifications, substitutions and alterations can be made to these embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of the invention, the scope of which is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A new type of hydraulic variable-diameter expansion cone, comprising a drill tool joint (1), an outer fixed tube (2) and two left and right hydraulic cylinders (3), characterized in that: The drill tool joint (1), the outer fixed tube (2), the right hydraulic cylinder (3), the left hydraulic cylinder (3) are connected in series by butt joint, and the butt joint part is provided with a sealing ring (17), the left side of the left hydraulic cylinder (3) is further fixedly connected with a connector (4), the surface of the connector (4) close to the left end is equally provided with eight circular arc grooves (5), the inner surface of the circular arc groove (5) is slidably connected with an expansion block (6), the left side of the expansion block (6) is provided with an expansion cone (7), the left side of the expansion cone (7) is provided with a pressure relief valve, the expansion cone (7) comprises a cylindrical portion (71) and a conical portion (72), the conical portion (72) is fixedly connected with the right side of the cylindrical portion (71), the surface of the conical portion (72) is equally fixedly connected with eight bosses (73), the expansion block (6) is installed at the position of the boss (73) through a mounting assembly (8); The maximum diameter of the conical portion (72) is smaller than the diameter of the cylindrical portion (71), the maximum diameter of the conical shape formed by the plurality of bosses (73) is the same as the diameter of the cylindrical portion (71), the inner side of the eight expansion blocks (6) is provided with a mounting sliding groove (61), the two sides of the inner wall of the mounting sliding groove (61) are provided with a continuous second sliding groove; The mounting assembly (8) comprises an inner groove (81) provided in the boss (73), a screw rod (82) is rotatably connected with the right side of the inner wall of the inner groove (81), the screw rod (82) penetrates the inner groove (81) and extends into the inside of the cylindrical portion (71), one end of the inner groove (81) in the inside of the cylindrical portion (71) is fixedly connected with an inner hexagonal head (83), the surface of the screw rod (82) in the inside of the inner groove (81) is threadedly connected with a plurality of sliding sleeves (84) at equal distances.

2. A new hydraulic variable-diameter expansion cone according to claim 1, characterized in that: The front and back of the boss (73) are slidably connected with a plurality of mounting blocks (85) which are the same in number as the sliding sleeves (84), the mounting block (85) is combined with the second sliding groove, the front and back of the sliding sleeve (84) are rotatably connected with a connecting rod (86), the other ends of the front and back connecting rods (86) are rotatably connected with the opposite sides of the corresponding front and back mounting blocks (85).

3. A new hydraulic variable diameter expansion cone according to claim 1, characterized in that: The inner surfaces of the left and right hydraulic cylinders (3) are slidably connected with pistons (15), a second hydraulic pipe (16) is fixedly connected between the opposite sides of the two pistons (15), the two pistons (15) are in communication with the second hydraulic pipe (16), the left and right sides of the two pistons (15) are fixedly connected with first hydraulic pipes (14), the two first hydraulic pipes (14) are in communication with the two pistons (15) respectively, the surface of the expansion cone (7) is fixedly connected with the left first hydraulic pipe (14), the first hydraulic pipe (14) penetrates the expansion cone (7) and extends to the left side of the expansion cone (7).

4. A new hydraulic variable-diameter expansion cone according to claim 3, characterized in that: The pressure relief valve is connected with the port of the first hydraulic pipe (14) on the left side of the expansion cone (7), and the pressure relief valve is composed of a pressure relief valve baffle (9), a pressure relief valve cone (10), a pressure relief valve spring (11), a pressure relief valve support seat (12) and a pressure relief valve shell (13).

5. A new hydraulic variable diameter expansion cone according to claim 3, characterized in that: The right side port of the second hydraulic pipe (16) is connected with a one-way valve, and the one-way valve is composed of a one-way valve support seat (18), a one-way valve base (19), a one-way valve spring (20), a one-way valve cone (21) and a one-way valve top cover (22), the one-way valve support seat (18) is in sliding connection with the inner surface of the outer fixed pipe (2), the one-way valve base (19) and the one-way valve top cover (22) are respectively on the left and right sides of the one-way valve support seat (18) inside, the one-way valve cone (21) is located between the one-way valve base (19) and the one-way valve top cover (22), and the one-way valve spring (20) is arranged between the one-way valve cone (21) and the one-way valve base (19).

6. A new hydraulic variable diameter expansion cone according to claim 1, characterized in that: The inside of the drill tool joint (1) is provided with a liquid inlet channel, and the drill tool joint (1) is in communication with the outer fixed pipe (2).

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