Acid-integrated drill pipe bars for stuck pipe release
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Solution Overview
Problem
Wellbore operations often result in tubulars becoming stuck due to formation projections, leading to non-productive time and complex retrieval challenges.
Innovation Solution
The integration of acid-carrying drill pipe bars with a ball seat and multiple ports that switch between open and closed positions, allowing acid to be released onto the formation to loosen it, facilitating the tubular's release.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If acid is released onto the formation to loosen stuck pipe, then the tubular can be released, but the device complexity increases due to ball seat and multiple ports mechanism
Solution Approach 1:
The drill pipe is divided into multiple bars with an annular compartment between them that can carry acid. The compartment is segmented from the main pipe body, allowing independent acid storage and release functionality. This segmentation enables the acid release mechanism without requiring complex integrated systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The acid release function is extracted as a separate annular compartment that can be independently activated. The compartment is taken out from the main pipe structure, allowing it to be filled with acid separately and released through controlled ports when needed, simplifying the overall system design.
2Ease of operation
If multiple ports are used to release acid, then the acid distribution improves, but the device complexity increases due to multiple balls needed to seal ports
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple balls act as intermediary elements to control the multiple ports. Each ball serves as a simple seal that can be dropped down the pipe to close a specific port. This intermediary mechanism provides precise control over acid release locations without requiring complex valve systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The balls used to seal the ports are simple, inexpensive components that can be easily dropped and positioned. Once a ball seals a port, it remains in place until needed to be released. These simple objects provide effective port control without the complexity of reusable mechanical valves.
3Productivity
If acid is carried in the annular compartment, then the acid is readily available for release, but the volume of the tubular required increases
Solution Approach 1:
The annular compartment is nested within the drill pipe structure, utilizing the space between the outer and inner walls of the pipe. This nested configuration allows acid storage without significantly increasing the overall external dimensions of the drill pipe, maintaining compatibility with existing wellbore operations.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This method enables real-time and efficient release of stuck tubulars without complex tools, minimizing non-productive time and eliminating the need for extra acid mixing, providing a quick solution to stuck pipe incidents.
Implementation Method 1
A portion of the tubular includes an annular compartment carrying acid which, upon contacting a formation in which the wellbore is formed, is configured to loosen the formation
Data Source
AI summary
A wellbore tool assembly to release stuck pipe includes a tubular that includes an outer wall, an inner wall and an annular compartment defined between the outer wall and the inner wall. A quantity of acid is carried within the annular compartment of the tubular. Multiple ports are formed in the tubular. Each port fluidically connects an inner volume of the tubular with a volume outside the tubular through the annular compartment. The assembly includes a ball seat disposed within the tubular. The ball seat is configured to receive a ball dropped into the tubular. The multiple ports are configured to switch between an open position and a closed position. When in the open position, the multiple ports permit flow of the acid from the annular compartment to the formation. When in the closed position, the multiple ports prevent fluid flow from the annular compartment to the formation.