Single Ball Activated Hydraulic Circulating Sub
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Solution Overview
Problem
In oil and gas drilling operations, maintaining effective fluid circulation within the wellbore is challenging due to fluid leakage into geological formations, which reduces pressure and requires increased circulation to keep the drill string and drill bit cooled and lubricated.
Innovation Solution
A circulating sub with a movable inner member and locking elements, activated by a solid ball that controls fluid flow through exit ports, allowing for adjustable fluid circulation by varying pressure, enabling the sub to switch between locked and open positions to manage fluid flow effectively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a circulating sub is used to increase fluid circulation, then fluid circulation is improved, but device complexity increases due to the need for movable inner member and locking elements
Solution Approach 1:
The circulating sub employs a movable inner member that can shift between locked and open positions to dynamically control fluid circulation. The inner member is movable along the longitudinal axis, allowing the device to adapt its flow control characteristics based on operational needs, thereby resolving the contradiction between improved circulation control and device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The design places the inner member within the outer member's internal bore, creating a nested structure where the inner member is disposed within the outer member. This nesting arrangement allows for compact construction while maintaining the functionality of variable fluid circulation control, addressing the complexity issue
2Reliability
If locking elements are added to maintain fixed inner and outer members, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking elements are designed to automatically engage and disengage based on the position of the inner member. When the inner member is in the locked position, the locking elements self-engage to maintain the fixed relationship between inner and outer members. This self-service mechanism provides reliable locking without requiring additional complex control systems
Solution Approach 2:
The locking elements combine multiple functions into a single component structure, integrating both the locking mechanism and the fluid flow control function. The elongate arm with projecting ear and catch member configuration merges the mechanical locking function with the overall fluid circulation control system, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining reliability
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
The sub effectively increases fluid circulation within the wellbore by controlling fluid flow through exit ports, maintaining pressure and lubrication of the drill string and drill bit, and can be repeatedly activated and deactivated as needed by adjusting fluid pressure.
Implementation Method 1
The sub is activated by a ball that seals against the nozzle to block fluid flow through the channel
Implementation Method 2
The inner member is movable relative the outer body such that the inner member is movable between: (1) a locked position, in which fluid does not pass through the exit port; and (2) an open position, in which fluid passes through the exit port
Data Source
AI summary
A circulating sub having an elongate outer member and an elongate inner member positioned within the outer member. Locking members releasably maintain the inner and outer members in a longitudinally fixed relationship. The sub may be activated by a single ball. The ball engages with the locking members and unlocks the inner member from the outer member. The increase of fluid pressure within the sub causes the inner member to move downward within the outer member. Downward movement of the inner member opens exit ports on the outer member to allow fluid to flow into a wellbore surrounding the sub. The decrease of fluid pressure within the sub causes the inner member to move upward within the outer member. Upward movement of the inner member seals the exit ports and deactivates the sub. Once the sub is deactivated, the ball may be expelled from the sub.