Debris Resistant Keyed Running Tool for Slotted Orientation
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Solution Overview
Problem
During stimulation and fracturing operations, debris such as frac sand collects in slotted orientation apparatus slots, causing issues with the sliding of keyed running tools, and aligning keys with slots can be difficult, especially when slots do not extend entirely around the tubular.
Innovation Solution
Designing a slotted orientation apparatus with a slot positioned on the high side of the tubular, radially extending 180 degrees or less, and a keyed running tool with movable keys that are laterally and radially offset, allowing for engagement with the slot even when it's partially extended.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a slot extends entirely around the tubular, then alignment of keys with slots is easier, but debris collection in the slot increases
Solution Approach 1:
The slot is segmented into multiple sections: an axial portion, an angled portion, and a radial portion. This segmentation allows the slot to provide alignment functionality while limiting debris collection zones, as debris can more easily exit through the angled portion rather than accumulating in a continuous circumferential slot.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of extending the slot 360 degrees around the tubular as conventionally done, the slot is inverted to extend only partially (e.g., 180 degrees or less). This inversion maintains sufficient alignment capability while dramatically reducing the surface area where debris can accumulate.
2Measurement precision
If the slot radially extends more than 180 degrees, then key alignment is improved, but debris removal becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The keyed running tool incorporates movable keys that can shift position dynamically. When debris is encountered, the keys can move radially or axially to maintain engagement with the slot, allowing the system to adapt to debris presence rather than requiring perfect static alignment.
Solution Approach 2:
The angled portion of the slot acts as an intermediary element between the axial and radial portions, providing a transition zone that facilitates debris removal while maintaining key alignment. This intermediate section allows debris to be redirected toward the exterior of the tubular.
3Device complexity
If keys are fixed in position, then structural simplicity is maintained, but alignment with partially extended slots is difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The keys are designed to be movable rather than fixed, allowing them to adjust their position in response to the partial slot extension. This dynamic capability enables the keys to align with the slot even when it extends only 180 degrees or less, without requiring complex adjustment mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The key structure allows for parameter changes in position (radial and axial displacement) to match the slot configuration. By enabling the keys to change their positional parameters, the system can accommodate the reduced slot extension while maintaining functional alignment.
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a keyed running tool for use with a slotted orientation apparatus. The keyed running tool, in one aspect, includes a housing, and two or more keys extending from the housing, the two or more keys movable between a radially retracted state and a radially extended state, wherein adjacent ones of the two or more keys are laterally offset from each other and radially offset from each other by Y degrees, wherein Y is 180 degrees or less.