Adjustable Tubular Running Tool for Tapered Strings
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for running tapered tubular strings into and out of a wellbore are cumbersome, requiring multiple specialized tools and risking damage due to varying diameters and wall thickness, especially when applying torque and filling with fluid during operations.
Innovation Solution
A tubular running tool with a gripping assembly that can adjust to different outer diameters, incorporating a rotational driver and fluidic device, allowing for torque transmission and fluid provision across varying diameters, and a method for manufacturing this tool to facilitate the running and cementing of tapered tubular strings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple specialized tools are used for different tubular diameters, then handling capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The gripping assembly is designed with adjustable gripping elements that can accommodate multiple tubular outer diameters (e.g., 5 inches, 7 inches, 9 inches, 12 inches) using a single tool configuration. The assembly includes a body with a bowl, slips that can be positioned at different radial distances from the axis, and a timing ring mechanism that allows the slips to be set at various positions to grip tubulars of different sizes.
Solution Approach 2:
The gripping assembly incorporates movable slips that can be dynamically positioned relative to the body axis. The slips are raised and lowered by actuators (e.g., hydraulic or pneumatic cylinders) to engage with tubulars of different diameters. The timing ring rotates to position the slips at appropriate radial distances, enabling the same assembly to adapt to varying tubular sizes during operations.
2Force
If excess force is applied to thin-walled tubulars, then gripping strength is improved, but damage risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The gripping surfaces of the slips are designed with localized features such as gripping elements, teeth, or textured surfaces that concentrate the gripping force at specific contact points rather than distributing it uniformly. This allows the slips to achieve sufficient grip on thin-walled tubulars without applying excessive radial compression that would cause crushing or deformation.
Solution Approach 2:
The gripping mechanism allows for adjustment of gripping parameters such as the radial position of slips, the angle of contact, and the applied force magnitude. By varying these parameters based on tubular wall thickness, the system can optimize grip force to be sufficient for handling while remaining below the threshold that would damage thin-walled sections.
3Manufacturing precision
If specialized tools are required for each tubular size, then gripping precision is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The timing ring mechanism enables dynamic repositioning of the slips to accommodate different tubular diameters. The ring can be rotated to position gripping elements at appropriate radial distances, and actuators can raise or lower slips to engage with tubulars of various sizes. This dynamic adjustment capability maintains gripping precision across different diameters while eliminating the need to change tools.
Solution Approach 2:
The gripping assembly incorporates self-adjusting features such as spring-loaded slips or hydraulically actuated positioning mechanisms that automatically adapt to the tubular diameter being handled. The system can sense or respond to the tubular size and adjust slip positions accordingly, reducing the need for manual intervention and tool changes while maintaining precise gripping.
4Ease of operation
If a single tool handles multiple diameters, then ease of operation is improved, but measurement precision may worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates sensors (e.g., position sensors, encoders, or feedback mechanisms) that detect the tubular diameter and automatically adjust the slip positions and gripping forces. This substitution of mechanical adjustment with sensor-based control maintains measurement precision while simplifying operation, as the system can accurately determine tubular size and configure itself accordingly without manual measurement or tool changes.
Data Source
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AI summary
A method for running a tubular string in wellbore operations according to one or more aspects of the present disclosure includes providing a tubular running tool comprising gripping assembly rotationally connected to a carrier, the gripping assembly comprising a body and slips; connecting the carrier to a quill of a top drive of a drilling rig; positioning an end of a tubular for gripping with the slips; actuating the slips into gripping engagement with the tubular; and rotating the tubular with the slips in gripping engagement therewith.