Circulation Tool for Casing Retrieval and Kick Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for retrieving a bottom hole assembly during casing-while-drilling operations are inefficient, as they often require specialized equipment and can result in casing sticking or formation kicks, especially when circulating fluid through the casing while running or retrieving drill pipe.

Innovation Solution

A circulation tool is secured to the drill pipe to close off the inner annulus and allow fluid circulation through the drill pipe and outer annulus, enabling simultaneous circulation and reciprocation of the casing while retrieving the bottom hole assembly, using a landing sub and cooperative fasteners for unified movement.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If reverse circulation is used to retrieve the bottom hole assembly, then the assembly can be pumped up the casing, but the open hole formation may be damaged

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveretrieval efficiencyVSAvoidformation damage

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The circulation path is segmented into two separate channels: the inner annulus between the drill pipe and casing, and the outer annulus between the casing and borehole. By closing the inner annulus with a circulation tool, the system directs fluid flow exclusively through the outer annulus, preventing formation damage while enabling retrieval operations

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The circulation tool acts as an intermediary device that closes off the inner annulus and redirects fluid flow. This mediator enables controlled circulation through the outer annulus only, allowing the bottom hole assembly to be retrieved without damaging the formation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Productivity

If drill pipe is run in and out to retrieve the bottom hole assembly, then the assembly can be retrieved, but the casing may become stuck in the well

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveretrieval efficiencyVSAvoidcasing sticking risk

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

Fluid circulation is maintained continuously through the outer annulus during the entire drill pipe tripping operation. This continuous circulation prevents casing sticking by keeping the annulus clean and reducing friction, while the circulation tool remains in place to control the flow path

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Solution Approach 2:

The circulation tool is installed and the inner annulus is closed off before the drill pipe tripping operation begins. This preliminary action ensures that circulation is ready to prevent sticking from the start of the operation, rather than waiting for sticking to occur

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Reliability

If circulation is attempted through the casing while drill pipe is inside, then kicks can be controlled, but no existing arrangement allows this

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvekick control capabilityVSAvoidcirculation system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The circulation system is segmented into inner and outer annuli, with the circulation tool providing a closure in the inner annulus. This segmentation enables independent control of flow paths, allowing circulation through the outer annulus while the drill pipe remains in the inner annulus, thus enabling kick control without excessive complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The circulation tool serves as an intermediary that isolates the inner annulus from the outer annulus. This mediator enables controlled circulation through the outer annulus while maintaining the drill pipe position in the inner annulus, providing kick control capability with manageable system complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 reduces the risk of casing sticking and formation kicks by allowing controlled fluid circulation and reciprocation, enhancing the efficiency and safety of the retrieval process.

Implementation Method 1

circulates fluid down through the circulation tool and drill pipe and back up an outer annulus surrounding the casing

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFluid circulation:

Implementation Method 2

The circulation tool has a seal around its exterior that seals to the landing sub or to the casing to close off the inner annulus

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSealing:

Data Source

PatentUS7845417B2Method of circulating while retrieving downhole tool in casing

Publication Date: 2010.12.07 SCHLUMBERGER TECH CORP

AI summary

Retrieving a down hole tool at a lower end of a string of casing can be performed with drill pipe during a casing-while-drilling operation. The operator suspends the casing in the well from a drilling rig floor opening. A string drill pipe is lowered into the casing while the casing is suspended for engaging and retrieving the down hole tool. When circulation is desired, the operator secures a circulation tool to an upper end of the drill pipe, then lowers the drill pipe and the circulation tool to close off an upper end of an inner annulus between the drill pipe and the casing. The operator circulates fluid down the circulation tool and the drill pipe and back up an outer annulus surrounding the casing. The connection between the circulation tool and the casing allows the operator to reciprocate the casing.