Surface Layer Conductor Running Tool Anti-Rotation Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current surface layer conductor running tools for deep-water well drilling in China face challenges due to lack of disclosed technology and high service charges from foreign companies, leading to inefficiencies and difficulties in operations.
Innovation Solution
A surface layer conductor running tool comprising a mandrel, inner sleeve, outer sleeve, and main body, with a transmission thread pair and anti-rotation pin, allowing for the conductor to be locked and released, and featuring a lateral flow-back hole design to prevent rock cutting accumulation and a rib plate structure for support, enabling efficient conductor deployment and disengagement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conductor jetting technology is used for deep-water well drilling, then drilling time is saved and formation protection is improved, but the service charges are very high and technology is not disclosed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a domestic copy of the foreign conductor running tool technology, replicating its core functionality through the mandrel-inner sleeve-outer sleeve-main body structure. This allows China to achieve the same drilling efficiency benefits without paying high service charges or relying on foreign technology disclosure.
2Reliability
If the conductor running tool is designed with complex locking and releasing mechanisms, then the conductor can be securely deployed and disengaged, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking and releasing functions are segmented into distinct components: the retaining pawl for locking, the anti-rotation pin for positioning, and the transmission thread pair for controlled movement. This segmentation allows each component to perform its function simply and reliably without requiring a complex integrated mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using complex active locking mechanisms, the patent employs passive locking through the retaining pawl that engages with the conductor head's annular groove. The locking action occurs automatically through the natural interaction of these simple geometric features, eliminating the need for complex active control systems.
3Ease of operation
If the running tool structure is simplified to reduce complexity, then manufacturing and operation become easier, but the supporting force and rotation prevention capability may be insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The rib plates are strategically placed at specific locations on the main body to provide localized structural reinforcement exactly where supporting force is needed. This allows the overall tool structure to remain simple and easy to operate, while critical areas have enhanced strength to prevent rotation and provide adequate support during conductor deployment.
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
Enables efficient conductor deployment and disengagement, preventing rock cutting accumulation and ensuring stable tool operation, allowing for continued drilling and reducing operational complexities and costs.
Implementation Method 1
the outer sleeve and the inner sleeve are connected via a transmission thread pair
Implementation Method 2
an anti-rotation pin penetrating the main body and the outer sleeve, so that the outer sleeve can move up and down in the main body only, but cannot rotate
Implementation Method 3
a retaining pawl penetrating the main body and radially slidable in horizontal direction
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to offshore oil and gas exploration drilling field and, in particular, to a surface layer conductor running tool for deep-water well drilling, which is used to run a conductor to a designated position, so that the drill stem can be released and the drilling can be continued. The surface layer conductor running tool for deep-water well drilling comprises a mandrel, an inner sleeve, an outer sleeve, and a main body, wherein the inner sleeve, the outer sleeve, and the main body are fitted over the mandrel sequentially; the inner sleeve can slide up and down but cannot rotate in relation to the mandrel, the outer sleeve and the inner sleeve are connected via a transmission thread pair, and the main body is situated on the inner sleeve; a retaining pawl penetrating the main body and radially slidable in horizontal direction; and an anti-rotation pin penetrating the main body and the outer sleeve, so that the outer sleeve can move up and down in the main body only, but cannot rotate.