Circulation and Rotation Tool for Continuous Drilling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional drilling methods require cessation of rotation and mud circulation when adding or removing pipe stands, leading to increased risks of pipe sticking and wellbore instability, which are costly and hazardous.
Innovation Solution
A circulation and rotation tool (CRT) that allows continuous rotation and fluid circulation through the pipe string during stand make-up or break-out, featuring independently rotating tubular members with a central bore valve and side entry ports for fluid injection, enabling simultaneous drilling and pipe manipulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If rotation of the pipe string is stopped during stand make up or break out, then pipe connection operations can be completed, but the risk of pipe string becoming stuck in the wellbore increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pipe string is divided into segments: the active drill string below the CRT that continues rotating, and the passive stand above the CRT that is being connected. The CRT acts as a temporary separation point, allowing the lower segment to maintain rotation while the upper segment is manipulated for connection.
Solution Approach 2:
The circulation and rotation tool (CRT) serves as an intermediary device between the active drill string and the stand being connected. It temporarily decouples these elements, allowing independent rotation of the drill string while facilitating stand connection operations at the CRT location.
2Ease of operation
If circulation of drilling mud is stopped during stand make up or break out, then pipe connection operations can be completed, but wellbore pressure decreases causing wellbore instability or blowout risk
Solution Approach 1:
The drilling fluid circulation path is segmented into two independent routes: the original path through the drill string, and an alternate path through the CRT. This allows fluid to continue circulating through one path while connection operations occur at the CRT, maintaining wellbore pressure without interfering with the connection process.
Solution Approach 2:
The alternate circulation path through the CRT ensures continuous drilling fluid circulation throughout the drill string during stand connection operations. This maintains constant wellbore pressure, preventing wellbore instability and blowout risks that would occur if circulation were completely stopped.
3Reliability
If rotation and circulation are maintained during stand make up, then pipe sticking risk is reduced, but connection operations become more complex requiring specialized equipment
Solution Approach 1:
The circulation and rotation tool (CRT) is designed with multiple functions integrated into a single device: it provides alternate circulation paths, enables independent rotation of drill string segments, and facilitates stand connection operations. This multi-functionality reduces the need for multiple separate specialized equipment pieces.
Solution Approach 2:
The CRT combines the circulation control functions and rotation control functions into a single integrated tool. By merging these functions, the system achieves continuous rotation and circulation during connection operations without requiring separate complex equipment for each function.
4Productivity
If rotation is maintained during stand make up, then productivity is improved, but the device required to enable this increases in complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The CRT employs dynamic elements including a rotating spool that can rotate independently within the tool body, and a valve mechanism that can be opened or closed to control fluid flow paths. This dynamic design allows the system to adapt between different operational modes (continuous rotation vs. connection mode) while maintaining relatively simple overall structure.
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 2C
AI summary
A tool (100) circulates drilling fluid through and rotates a pipe string (157) while making up or breaking out a stand of pipe (171). The tool (100) includes a tubular member defining a central bore (101) having an axis (102), wherein the tubular member comprises an upper tubular member (109) and a lower tubular member (111), and wherein the upper tubular member (109) and the lower tubular member (111) are configured to alternately rotate independently and in unison. The tool (100) also includes a central bore valve (131) coupled to the upper member (109), and at least one radial valve (133) coupled to the upper tubular member (109) axially below the central bore valve (131).