Adjustable Straight Blade Stabilizer for Variable Wellbore Sizing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing stabilizer assemblies for drilling oil and gas wellbores are limited in their ability to adjust the offset distance of the drill string from the wellbore wall, requiring multiple stabilizers for different hole sizes and under-gage dimensions, which increases inventory needs and complicates drilling operations.
Innovation Solution
An adjustable straight blade stabilizer design featuring a body with inclined tracks and sliding blocks, allowing for radial extension and retraction of blades via a threaded stud, enabling the same stabilizer to be used in multiple wellbore sizes with variable under-gage dimensions by adjusting blade position before drilling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed blade stabilizer with predetermined diameter is used, then the stabilizer maintains a predetermined offset distance, but multiple stabilizers are required for different hole sizes and under-gage dimensions, increasing inventory needs and operational complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The stabilizer blade is designed with dynamic adjustability, allowing the blade to be positioned at different radial distances from the stabilizer body axis. This is achieved through a mechanism comprising a blade, a body with a cavity, and a adjustment mechanism that enables the blade to move between retracted and extended positions. The dynamic configuration allows a single stabilizer to adapt to multiple wellbore sizes and under-gage dimensions, eliminating the need for multiple fixed stabilizers in inventory.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed blade stabilizer is used, then the structure is simple, but the stabilizer cannot be adjusted for different offset distances, requiring tripping out and replacing stabilizers
Solution Approach 1:
The stabilizer incorporates a dynamic adjustment mechanism that allows the blade position to be changed while the stabilizer is in the wellbore. The mechanism includes a blade movable within a cavity, with components such as a piston or screw mechanism that enables radial adjustment of the blade. This dynamic capability eliminates the need to trip out and replace stabilizers when offset distance changes are required, significantly reducing non-productive time.
Solution Approach 2:
The stabilizer blade can be pre-positioned at different radial distances before drilling operations begin. The adjustment mechanism allows the blade to be set at the desired offset distance in advance, and this position can be maintained throughout drilling. If adjustment is needed, it can be done without tripping out, as the mechanism allows for in-situ repositioning of the blade.
3Adaptability or versatility
If adjustable blade stabilizers with actuation mechanisms are used, then blade position can be changed, but the actuation mechanism adds structural complexity and requires hydraulic flow systems
Solution Approach 1:
The stabilizer employs a mechanical adjustment mechanism that allows the blade to move radially within a cavity. The mechanism comprises a blade connected to a positioning system that can be adjusted to different positions. While this adds some structural complexity compared to fixed stabilizers, the design is streamlined to minimize the number of components, using elements such as a piston, screw, or cam mechanism integrated into the stabilizer body cavity.
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 design allows for a single stabilizer to accommodate various wellbore sizes without the need for multiple inventory items, enabling precise control of drill string positioning and reducing operational complexity by allowing independent adjustment of blade positions.
Implementation Method 1
an elongated shaft having a first end and a second end and having an exterior surface at least partially threaded between the first end and the second end, wherein the threaded surface of the shaft engages the threaded through bore of the sliding block
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3a~3b
AI summary
A drill string stabilizer has an elongated cavity formed in an exterior surface of the body. An elongated blade is generally disposed to extend from the cavity. The blade is extended or retracted by rotating a stud threaded on opposite ends with left and right handed threads. Rotation of the stud causes axial movement of slide blocks threadingly engaged to the stud. A follower and track between the body and the slide blocks causes the slide blocks to slidingly engage the body. The blade track is inclined relative to the body track so that the blade radially retracts or extends relative to the body as blocks are moved along their respective tracks by rotation of the stud. The position of each stabilizer blade is independent of the other blades.