Methods and systems for a deployment swivel in a string
The deployment swivel system addresses the challenge of independent rotation and torque management in directional drilling by allowing selective one-way rotation of mandrel and housing, enhancing cement placement and zonal isolation in long strings.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- PCT/US2025/024068
- Authority / Receiving Office
- WO · WO
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Priority Date
- 2024-05-28
- Filing Date
- 2025-04-10
- Publication Date
- 2025-12-04
AI Technical Summary
Existing directional drilling systems face challenges in rotating drill shafts and lower completion components independently while maintaining rotational lock, leading to sub-optimal cement jobs and compromised zonal isolation due to high torque and friction in long strings.
A deployment swivel system that allows a mandrel to freely rotate in one direction relative to a housing while being locked in the opposite direction, activated by rotational, mechanical, or hydraulic forces, positioned above non-rotating parts of the string to manage torque and friction.
Enables efficient cement placement and improved zonal isolation, maximizing stimulated reservoir volume by reducing axial drag and buckling, and allowing completion strings to reach target depth despite high torque limitations.
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Figure US2025024068_04122025_PF_FP_ABST
Abstract
Description
METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR A DEPLOYMENT SWIVEL IN A STRINGBACKGROUND INFORMATIONField of the Disclosure
[0001] Examples of the present disclosure relate to a swivel system in a string with an on-demand deployable swivel that is configured to allow for free one-way rotation of a mandrel relative to a housing after activation, wherein the mandrel and the housing are bi-directionally locked before activating the deployable swivel. More specifically, embodiments are directed towards a clutch positioned on an outer diameter of a mandrel that includes a keyed outer diameter, wherein placement of the clutch may be positioned to maximize the rotation length of the string for efficient mud and filter cake removal, improved cement placement, and improved zonal isolation to maximize the stimulated reservoir volume.Background
[0002] Directional drilling is the practice of drilling non-vertical wells. Deviated wells tend to be more productive than vertical wells because they allow a single well to reach multiple points of the producing formation across a horizontal axis without the need for additional vertical wells. This makes each well more productive by being able to reach longer reservoir sections across the horizontal axis. While horizontal wells are more productive than conventional wells, horizontal wells are costlier.
[0003] Directional drilling techniques are used to control the direction of the drill bit. A rotary steerable drilling system is one type of directional drilling system that allows a drill string to rotate continuously while steering the drill bit to a desired directional target location in a subterranean formation. Rotary steerable drilling systems are generally positioned at a lower end of the drill string and typically include a rotating drill shaft or mandrel, a housing that rotatably supports the drill shaft, and additional components within the housing that orient the direction of the drill bit at the end of the drill shaft relative to the housing. In normal operating conditions, the rotating drill shaft correspondingly rotates relative to the housing, but there are situations in which it is advantageous to rotate the drill shaft while the housing does not rotate.
[0004] Further, after deployment, there are situations where it is undesirable to rotate the lower completion components. However, due to the directional drilled trajectory, the length of the string, and / or the high friction in the well can necessitate rotating the string above the lower completions components or running tool to overcome the static friction.
[0005] Accordingly, needs exist for systems and methods for a deployment swivel in a string that is configured to allow a mandrel to freely rotate in a first direction relative to housing while the housing is rotationally locked to the mandrel when the mandrel is rotated in a second direction, wherein the deployment swivel is positioned above a non -rotating part of the string.ATTORNEY DOCKET NUMBER PATENT APPLICATIONANT1040-1 Customer No . 109967SUMMARY
[0006] Examples of the present disclosure relate to a reusable service tool that can be rotated under constant compression or torsion forces in the laterals. Specifically, embodiments may be directed towards a deployment swivel that is configured to be positioned above a non-rotating, or selectively rotating, part of a string, wherein the deployment swivel is run in hole in a locked position. The deployment swivel may be subsequently activated, and allow for a mandrel to freely rotate in a first direction relative to a housing while the housing is rotationally locked to the mandrel when the mandrel is rotated in a second direction. In embodiments, the deployment swivel may be activated via rotational forces, mechanical forces, axial forces, hydraulic pressure within or outside of housing, via downhole electronic systems, or via any other system that can unlock, and potentially lock, on demand. Additionally, the deployment swivel may be positioned above the torque limitation point in the drill string.
[0007] In specific embodiments, casing or liner may be run in hole in long string situations, where rotation of the entire casing or liner may not be possible or limited due to high torque for the casing connections caused by the length and friction of the string. In these situations, the casing cannot be cemented with rotation. This leads to a sub-optimal cement job and sub-optimal wellbore integrity, where zonal isolation may be compromised. In these situations, the deployment swivel may be positioned at a location along the casing or liner above a point where the casing or liner threads can handle the torque, thereby limiting the total torque necessary to rotate the first portion of the casing or liner while the second portion remains stationary. Specifically, the first and second portions of the casing or liner may be pushed through the curve, and a nose of the liner or casing passes the curve, to the toe of a wellbore, wherein the deployment swivel is positioned between the first and second portions of the casing or liner, which may be positioned between the curve and the toe of the wellbore.
[0008] In some embodiments, the deployment swivel includes a mandrel and a housing that are initially, temporarily, and selectively coupled. Before activation, the mandrel and housing are rotationally locked together, which also locks tire first and second portions of the casing liner. Upon activation, tire deployment swivel allows torque transmission from the mandrel to the housing when the mandrel rotates in a second direction, while preventing torque transmission when the housing rotates in the opposite (first) direction.
[0009] The mandrel is a cylindrical tube with a passageway extending from its proximal to distal end and may be coupled to the first portion of the casing. Ty pically, the mandrel is radially positioned within the housing, though in some configurations, the housing may be radially positioned within the mandrel. After activation, rotating the mandrel in the first direction does not transfer torque to the housing — keys on the mandrel can move freely in and out of indicators on the housing. In contrast, rotating the mandrel in theATTORNEY DOCKET NUMBER PATENT APPLICATIONANT1040-1 Customer No . 109967 second direction causes the keys to engage with the indicators, transmitting torque from the mandrel to the housing. The mandrel may include a slot on its outer diameter designed to receive a clutch.
[0010] The housing surrounds the mandrel and may be coupled to tire second portion of tire casing or liner, while the mandrel connects to the first portion. In some cases, the housing may instead be placed inside the mandrel. After activation, the housing rotates in response to mandrel rotation in the second direction but remains stationary when the mandrel rotates in the first direction. This enables selective one-way rotation of the second portion of the casing, while the first portion remains rotatable in both directions.
[0011] The inner diameter of the housing includes multiple indicators, each with an angled sidewall and a linear sidewall. The angled sidewall gradually tapers, allowing the mandrel's keys to pass freely when rotating in the first direction. The linear sidewall provides a firm stop, engaging with the keys to lock the mandrel and housing together when rotated in the second direction.
[0012] The mandrel may function as a clutch, featuring grooves on its outer surface. After activation, the mandrel can rotate freely in the first direction relative to the housing, but locks with the housing when rotated in the second direction. The mandrel may incorporate radially expandable and compressible members, keys, and temporary coupling mechanisms.
[0013] The expandable / compressible members — such as springs, gas chambers, or hydraulic chambers — are designed to expand and contract radially. One end attaches to grooves on the mandrel's outer surface, while the other connects to the proximal end of each key. When the keys align with the indicators, the members expand to push tire keys into position. If misaligned, the keys compress the members as they are pushed inward.
[0014] The keys are configured to move radially based on alignment with the indicators. After activation, they can freely move in and out of the indicators when rotating in the first direction, allowing passage across multiple indicators. However, in the second direction, the keys become locked within the indicators. Once engaged, the keys cannot rotate further, effectively locking the mandrel and housing together. Despite this, the keys can disengage again if rotated back in the first direction. This may allow the mandrel to uphole receive forces in the second direction to rotate the second portion in the first direction.
[0015] Each key may include parallel first and second sidewalls, a proximal end, and a distal end. The first sidewall is shorter than the second, resulting in an angled distal end. This design facilitates smooth movement into and out of the indicators during first-direction rotation, while maximizing contact between the key and the indicator during second-direction rotation. The second sidewall is responsible for receiving torque from the housing, ensuring load distribution across the key body rather than concentrating it at the tip.
[0016] Temporary coupling mechanisms — such as shear pins, screws, or electronic locks — secure the keys to the housing before activation. These mechanisms maintain rotational lock in both directions. ActivationATTORNEY DOCKET NUMBER PATENT APPLICATIONANT1040-1 Customer No . 109967 occurs by applying sufficient force (e.g., by rotating the housing in the first direction), which breaks the coupling and enables relative rotation. In other embodiments, activation may occur via hydraulic or electronic means.
[0017] Selective activation of the deployment swivel is particularly advantageous when it is necessary to keep the first and second casing portions rotationally locked while running in hole, but then allow them to rotate independently afterward.
[0018] These, and other, aspects of the invention will be better appreciated and understood when considered in conjunction with the following description and the accompanying drawings. The following description, while indicating various embodiments of the invention and numerous specific details thereof, is given by way of illustration and not of limitation. Many substitutions, modifications, additions, or rearrangements may be made within the scope of the invention, and the invention includes all such substitutions, modifications, additions, or rearrangements.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0019] Non-limiting and non-exhaustive embodiments of the present invention are described concerning the following figures, wherein reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the various views unless otherwise specified.
[0020] FIGURE 1 depicts a system that is configured to allow relative and selective rotation of the first portion of the casing and the second portion via a deployment swivel, according to an embodiment.
[0021] FIGURE 2 depicts a deployment swivel, according to an embodiment.
[0022] FIGURES 3 and 4 depict a deployment swivel before activation, according to an embodiment.
[0023] FIGURES 5 and 6 depict a deployment swivel after activation, according to an embodiment.
[0024] FIGURE 7 depicts a method for utilizing a deployment swivel to control the relative rotation of a housing and a mandrel, according to an embodiment.
[0025] Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding components throughout the several views of the drawings. Skilled artisans will appreciate that elements in the figures are illustrated for simplicity and clarity and have not necessarily been drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some of the elements in the figures may be exaggerated relative to other elements to help improve understanding of various embodiments of the present disclosure. Also, common but well-understood elements that are useful or necessary in a commercially feasible embodiment are often not depicted to facilitate a less obstructed view of these various embodiments of the present disclosure.ATTORNEY DOCKET NUMBER PATENT APPLICATIONANT1040-1 Customer No . 109967DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0026] In the following description, numerous specific details arc outlined to provide a thorough understanding of the present embodiments. It will be apparent, however, to one having ordinary skill in the art, that the specific detail need not be employed to practice the present embodiments. In other instances, well-known materials or methods have not been described in detail to avoid obscuring the present embodiments.
[0027] FIGURE 1 depicts a system 100 that is configured to allow relative and selective rotation of a first portion 120 of the casing 114 and a second portion 130 via a deployment swivel 140. Specifically, deployment swivel 140 is configured to be positioned above a non-rotating, second portion 130, part of a string, run in hole in a locked position. When in the locked position, neither the first portion 120 nor the second portion 140 may be rotated relative to each other. After activating deployment swivel 140. a mandrel may freely rotate in a first direction relative to the housing to rotate the first portion 120 while the second portion 130 does not rotate. However, the housing and the mandrel may be rotationally locked when the mandrel is rotated in a second direction. In embodiments, the deployment swivel 140 may be activated via rotational forces, axial forces, hydraulic pressure within or outside of housing, or via downhole electronic systems.
[0028] System 100 may deploy a casing string (or liner) 114 within a highly deviated well 110. which may include a heel 112 and a toe. Casing 114 may be run in hole in long-string situations. In these situations, it may be desirable to run the entire casing 114 downhole in a locked position. However, subsequent rotation of the entire casing 114, including the first portion 120 and the second portion 140, may not be possible or limited due to the high torque for the casing connections caused by the length and friction of the string. Conventionally, if the entire casing 114 cannot be rotated, it is not possible to rotate only an upper portion of the casing. This leads to a sub-optimal cement job and sub-optimal wellbore integrity, where zonal isolation may be compromised. Yet, it still may be desirable to rotate the first portion 120 of the casing 114, while the second portion 140 remains rotationally and axially fixed in place.
[0029] Tire deployment swivel 140 may be positioned at a location along the casing 114 a point where the casing or liner threads cant handle the torque to rotate the entire string above the swivel yet can rotate a portion of the string, thereby limiting the total torque necessary to rotate a first portion 120 of the casing 114 while a second portion 130 remains stationary. Specifically, both the first 120 and second portions 130 may? be pushed through the heel 112 to the toe of the wellbore 110, which may? be positioned deployment swivel 140 between heel 112 and the toe of the wellbore 114.
[0030] After activating the deployment swivel 140, the deployment swivel 140 is configured to not transmit torque from the first portion 120 to the second portion 140 in response to the rotation of the first portion 120 in a first direction while transmitting the torque from the first portion 120 to the second portion 140 in response to rotation of the first portion 120 in a second direction, wherein the first direction and the second direction are opposite directions.ATTORNEY DOCKET NUMBER PATENT APPLICATIONANT1040-1 Customer No . 109967
[0031] This allows for the maximum rotational length of a completion string for improved cement placement and zonal isolation to maximize the stimulated reservoir volume. Furthermore, system 100 may reduce axial drag and buckling, thereby increasing the likelihood of reaching the target depth.
[0032] In specific embodiments, deployment swivel 140 may be positioned at a torque limitation point, which may be in the horizontal or vertical section of a wellbore 1 14. In embodiments, the torque limitation point may be determined based on a torque and drag analysis, and may be determined before system 100 is run in hole.
[0033] FIGURE 2 depicts deployment swivel 140, according to an embodiment. Elements depicted in FIGURE 2 may be described above, and further description of these elements may be omitted for brevity. As depicted in FIGURE 2, deployment swivel 140 may include mandrel 220 coupled to the first portion 120 of the casing, housing 210 coupled to the second portion 130 of the casing, and temporary coupling mechanisms 230.
[0034] The mandrel 220 may be coupled to or positioned on an outer diameter of the first portion 120, and within an inner diameter of housing 210. Mandrel 220 may have a larger outer diameter than that of the rest of first portion 120, wherein first portion 120 may have a continuous, and same, inner diameter. The continuous inner diameter of the first portion 120 may allow tools to pass through the inner diameter of the first portion 120 without restriction. In embodiments, responsive to the first portion 120 rotating, mandrel 220 may correspondingly rotate.
[0035] Housing 210 may be coupled to or positioned on the second portion 130 of the casing. Housing 210 and second portion 130 may be rotationally locked, such that when housing 210 rotates second portion 130 may rotate as well. Before activating deployment swivel 140, housing 210 and mandrel 220 may be rotationally locked together, such that rotation of mandrel 220 in the first and second direction will cause corresponding rotation of housing 210. However, after activating deployment swivel 140, housing 210 may be configured to rotate in a second direction responsive to mandrel 220 rotating in the second direction. Yet. the rotation of mandrel 220 in the first direction may not rotate housing 210.
[0036] Temporary coupling mechanisms 230 may be shear pins, screws, electronic locks, or any other device that is configured to temporarily and selectively couple the housing 210 and mandrel 220. Before activating temporary coupling mechanisms 230, and correspondingly deployment swivel 140, housing 210 and mandrel 220 may be rotationally and axially locked together. After activating temporary coupling mechanisms 230, housing 210 and mandrel 220 may be selectively rotationally locked together. In embodiments, each of the keys 332 may have their own respective temporary coupling mechanism 230
[0037] In embodiments, the deployment swivel 140 may be activated by breaking or moving the temporary coupling mechanism 230. For example, after supplying a sufficient amount of force against the temporary coupling mechanism 230, such as by rotating the mandrel 220 in the first direction the temporaryATTORNEY DOCKET NUMBER PATENT APPLICATIONANT1040-1 Customer No . 109967 coupling mechanism 230 may shear. In other embodiments, the temporary coupling mechanisms 230 may be sheared via axial hydraulic forces being applied through the housing or mandrel, electronically moving temporary coupling mechanisms 230 radially, etc.
[0038] FIGURES 3 and 4 depict deployment swivel 140 before activation, according to an embodiment. Elements depicted in FIGURES 3 and 4 may be described above, and further descriptions of these elements may be omitted for brevity. As depicted in FIGURES 3 and 4, deployment swivel 140 may include a housing 210, mandrel 220, and temporary coupling mechanisms 230.
[0039] Housing 210 may include a plurality of indicators 310 positioned on an inner circumference of housing 210. Indicators 310 may include first cutouts 312 and second cutouts 314 which are positioned tangential to each other and may have different lengths and positioned at different angles. First cutout 312 may be configured to allow a key 332 of the mandrel 220 to rotate in a first direction relative to the housing 220, and the second cutout 314 may be configured to disallow the relative rotation of the mandrel 220 and housing 210.
[0040] Mandrel 220 may include a plurality of grooves 320 with a closed proximal end 322, an open distal end 324. and slot 344. The grooves 330 may extend from an outer diameter of mandrel 220 and extend in a plane to minimize the distance from the outer diameter of mandrel 220 and the central axis of groove 320. Each of the grooves 320 is configured to receive a linearly adjustable member 330, corresponding key 332, and a temporary coupling mechanism 230. In embodiments, grooves 320 may extend in a substantially flat angle away from the outer surface of mandrel 220, and not directly towards a central axis of mandrel 220. Groove 320 may also include slot 334 with a central axis that is orthogonal to the central axis of groove 320, wherein a temporary coupling mechanism 230 may be inserted into slot 334 and through a passageway in a corresponding key 332.
[0041] In embodiments, linearly adjustable member 330 may be positioned against the proximal end 322 of groove 320 and a proximal end 350 of key 332. Linearly adjustable members 330 may be devices that are configured to expand and compress. In embodiments, linearly adjustable member 330 may be springs, hydraulic chambers, etc. Based on an alignment of keys 332 and indicators 310, linearly adjustable member 330 may elongate to push keys 332 radially outward. Responsive to misaligning the keys 322 and the indicators 310, linearly adjustable member 330 may compress allowing keys 322 to enter grove 320. In other words, linearly adjustable member 330 may be configured to allow the distal end 324 of keys 332 to be positioned directly adjacent to a surface encompassing the keys 332, wherein an inner diameter across the surface encompassing the keys 332 may change.
[0042] Keys 332 may be elements that are configured to move outward based on their alignment or misalignment with a corresponding indicator 310. In embodiments, keys 332 freely rotate in a first direction relative to housing 220, such that keys 332 may be rotated into and out of indicators 310 in the first direction. ThisATTORNEY DOCKET NUMBER PATENT APPLICATIONANT1040-1 Customer No . 109967 may allow keys 332 to be rotated in numerous rotations in the first direction without impacting the rotational movement of housing 210. However, keys 332 may be configured to be rotationally locked with housing 210 responsive to rotating the keys 332 in a second direction. When keys 332 are rotated in the second direction and embedded within indicators 310. keys 332 may not be rotated past the indicators 310. In embodiments, keys 332 may not extend in an axis orthogonal to a central axis of mandrel 220 and may be positioned in an offset axis as close as possible to an outer diameter of mandrel 220. Furthermore, key 332 may have a substantially longer length than width because the sidewall of key 332, and not the distal end, is configured to block the rotation of mandrel 220 in the second direction. Having a sidewall of keys 332 align with indicators to block the rotation of mandrel 220 may allow torque to be applied over a greater surface area when compared to just the tip of keys 332.
[0043] In embodiments, keys 232 may include a passageway, first sidewall 340, second sidewall 342, a proximal end 350, and a tapered distal end 324.
[0044] Hie passageway may be an opening through a key 332 that extends in an axis orthogonal to the central axis of the key 332. The passageway may be configured to align with slot 334 in groove 320 to allow temporary coupling mechanism 230 to be inserted through key 332, which may secure key 332 in place before activation.
[0045] First sidewall 340 and second sidewall 342 may be surfaces of a key 332 that extend in parallel to each other, wherein second sidewall 342 may be positioned closer to a central axis of mandrel 220 than first sidewall 340. Hie first sidewall 340 may have a shorter length than the second sidewall 342. When mandrel 220 rotates in the second direction, first sidewall 340 may be configured to interface with second cutout 314 to rotationally lock mandrel 220 and housing 210. By utilizing a sidewall instead of tapered distal end 324 to block the relative rotation of mandrel 220 and housing 210, mandrel 220 may transfer more torque to housing 210.
[0046] Hie proximal end 350 may be positioned adjacent to linearly adjustable member 330, and receive forces from linearly adjustable member 330 based on the positioning of key 332 and indicator 310. To this end, when key 332 is aligned with indicator 310 more of key 332 will be positioned outside of groove 320 than when misaligned with indicator 310.
[0047] The distal end 324 of key 332 may be a tapered, angled, sloped, etc. surface. In embodiments, an angle of distal end 324 may be different than an angle of first cutout 312 to create a gap between tire two. This may assist in allowing distal end 324 to slide along first cutout 312 and minimize a contact surface area when rotating mandrel 320 in the first direction and applying a force along the central axis of key 332.
[0048] Temporary coupling mechanisms 230 may be configured to be initially inserted into slot 334 in groove 320 and the passageway through key 332 to lock mandrel 220 and housing 210 together. However, after activating temporary’ coupling mechanisms 230, mandrel 220 and housing 210 may not be rotationallyATTORNEY DOCKET NUMBER PATENT APPLICATIONANT1040-1 Customer No . 109967 locked together. In specific embodiments, temporary coupling mechanisms 230 may be sheared by rotating mandrel 220 in the first direction above a predetermined threshold.
[0049] FIGURES 5 and 6 depict deployment swivel 140 after activation, according to an embodiment. Elements depicted in FIGURES 5 and 6 may be described above, and further descriptions of these elements may be omitted for brevity.
[0050] As depicted in FIGURES 5 and 6, after sufficient torque (or another activating mechanism) is applied to temporary coupling mechanism 230 by rotating mandrel 220 in the first direction, temporary coupling mechanism 230 may shear. This activation may allow' the relative rotation between mandrel 220 and housing 210 in tire first direction. In other words, responsive to rotating mandrel 220 in the first direction at a torque higher than a threshold associated with temporary coupling mechanisms 230. deployment swivel 140 may be activated.
[0051] The activating of deployment swivel 140 may allow' mandrel 220 to rotate in the first direction w'hile housing 210 remains stationary. Specifically, after rotating mandrel 220 the distal end 324 of key 232 may slide dow n first cutout 312 to a smaller inner diameter of mandrel 220. This may cause key 232 to apply an inward force against linearly adjustable member 330 and compress.
[0052] After activating and rotating mandrel 220 in the second direction, the first sidewall 340 may be positioned adjacent to the second cutout 314, w'hich may rotationally lock mandrel 220 and housing 210 when rotating in the second direction.
[0053] FIGURE 7 depicts a method 700 for utilizing a clutch to control the relative rotation of a housing and a mandrel, according to an embodiment. The operations of the method presented below are intended to be illustrative. In some embodiments, the method may be accomplished with one or more additional operations not described, and / or without one or more of the operations discussed. Additionally, the order in which the operations of the method arc illustrated in FIGURE 7 and described below is not intended to be limiting.
[0054] At operation 710. a mandrel and a housing may be rotationally locked together via temporary coupling mechanisms.
[0055] At operation 720, temporary' coupling mechanisms may be activated responsive to rotating the mandrel in the first direction at a torque higher than a threshold associated with tire temporary coupling mechanisms.
[0056] At operation 730, the mandrel may be rotated in a first direction.
[0057] At operation 740, while the mandrel is rotated in the first direction, keys associated with a clutch may be pushed into indicators within a housing, and subsequently moved out of indicators due to profiles of the keys and the indicators. Responsive to the mandrel rotating in the first direction, the keys may not transfer torque to the housing. This may allow the mandrel to be rotated while the housing is rotationally fixed.ATTORNEY DOCKET NUMBER PATENT APPLICATIONANT1040-1 Customer No . 109967
[0058] At operation 750, the mandrel may be rotated in a second direction.
[0059] At operation 760, responsive to rotating the mandrel in the second direction, the keys may be positioned within the indicators. Specifically, during rotation, springs may apply a radially outward force to move the keys into the indicators. Due to the profiles of the indicators, the keys may not be able to rotate past the indicators while rotating in the second direction. This may rotationally lock the housing and the mandrel.
[0060] At operation 770, the housing may rotate along with the mandrel in the second direction.
[0061] Reference throughout this specification to "one embodiment", "an embodiment", "one example" or "an example" means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment or example is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, appearances of the phrases "in one embodiment", "in an embodiment", "one example" or "an example" in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable combinations and / or sub -combinations in one or more embodiments or examples. In addition, it is appreciated that the figures provided herewith are for explanation purposes to persons ordinarily skilled in the art and that the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale.
[0062] Although the present technology has been described in detail for illustration based on what is currently considered to be the most practical and preferred implementations, it is to be understood that such detail is solely for that purpose and that the technology is not limited to the disclosed implementations, but, on the contrary, is intended to cover modifications and equivalent arrangements that are within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. For example, it is to be understood that the present technology contemplates that, to the extent possible, one or more features of any implementation can be combined with one or more features of any other implementation.
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A downhole tool comprising: a housing; a mandrel configured to rotate in a first direction and a second direction; temporary coupling mechanisms configured to rotationally lock the mandrel and the housing together until activation of the temporary coupling mechanisms, wherein prior to activation, the mandrel and housing are configured to rotate together in the second direction, and after activation the mandrel is configured to rotate in the first direction independently of the housing, and after activation both remain configured to rotate together in the second direction.
2. The downhole tool of claim 1, wherein the mandrel includes grooves configured to receive keys, wherein the keys are axially locked in place before activating the temporary coupling mechanisms.
3. The downhole tool of claim 2, wherein the temporary coupling mechanisms are inserted into the keys.
4. The downhole tool of claim 2, further comprising: indicators positioned on an inner surface of the housing, wherein, during rotation in the second direction, the keys interface with the indicators to rotationally lock the mandrel and housing together.
5. The downhole tool of claim 4, wherein, when the keys are aligned with the indicators, only the first sidewalls contact the indicators, and the distal ends remain spaced from the indicators.
6. The downhole tool of claim 5, wherein the distal ends of the keys have a continuous slope extending from the first sidewalls to second sidewalls of the keys.
7. The downhole tool of claim 4, wherein the contact surface area of the first sidewalls is greater than any contact surface area of the distal ends.
8. The downhole tool of claim 2, wherein a height of the keys exceeds their width.
9. The downhole tool of claim 2, wherein an angle of the grooves extends toward the outer circumference of the mandrel rather than the central axis.
10. The downhole tool of claim 1, wherein the temporary coupling mechanisms are located above a torque-limiting point in the drill string.
Citation Information
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