Deformable Sleeve Alignment Sub for Wellbore Tool Orientation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wellbore tool alignment systems require breaking connections to adjust orientations, which is time-consuming and costly, and do not allow for continuous rotation of tool components.
Innovation Solution
An alignment sub with an axially deformable and variable length sleeve that maintains torque within a predetermined range, enabling continuous rotation and orientation adjustment of wellbore tool components without disassembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If torque rings are used to align wellbore tool components, then the standoff distance between components can be controlled, but the connection must be broken apart to machine down the torque ring when the standoff distance is too great, which is time-consuming and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the sleeve deformable rather than rigid. The sleeve can elastically deform axially in response to rotation between the first and second tubular components, allowing continuous rotation and orientation adjustment without breaking the connection. This dynamic capability resolves the contradiction by enabling precision alignment through controlled deformation while maintaining connection integrity throughout the adjustment process.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies parameter changes by utilizing the sleeve's variable length capability. As the sleeve deforms axially during rotation, its length parameter changes dynamically, allowing the system to accommodate different orientation angles while maintaining a predetermined torque range. This resolves the contradiction by enabling continuous adjustment of orientation without requiring connection breakdown and remachining.
2Manufacturing precision
If the standoff distance is adjusted by machining down the torque ring, then the orientation can be precisely controlled, but the connection must be broken apart and remade, increasing complexity and cost
Solution Approach 1:
The deformable sleeve provides a dynamic solution that eliminates the need for connection breakdown. The sleeve can be deformed axially during rotation to achieve precise orientation control while maintaining connection integrity. This resolves the contradiction by replacing the static, multi-step machining process with a dynamic, continuous deformation process that maintains connection throughout.
Solution Approach 2:
The sleeve's ability to change its axial dimension through elastic deformation allows precise orientation control without breaking the connection. The parameter change in sleeve length accommodates the rotational adjustment needs while maintaining connection integrity, thereby reducing device complexity compared to the break-apart-and-remake process.
3Strength
If a rigid connection is used between wellbore tool components, then the connection is simple and strong, but the components cannot be rotated relative to each other for orientation adjustment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by transforming the rigid connection into a semi-rigid, deformable connection. The sleeve can elastically deform axially during rotation, enabling the second tubular component to rotate relative to the first while maintaining connection strength through controlled elastic deformation. This resolves the contradiction by providing both rotational adaptability and connection strength through the deformable sleeve mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The sleeve's variable length capability allows it to change its axial dimension during rotation, enabling orientation adjustment while maintaining connection integrity. The parameter change in sleeve length accommodates the rotational movement without compromising connection strength, thereby resolving the contradiction between rigidity and adaptability.
4Reliability
If the connection is made rigid to maintain predetermined torque range, then connection integrity is maintained, but continuous rotation for orientation adjustment is prevented
Solution Approach 1:
The deformable sleeve provides a dynamic solution that allows continuous rotation while maintaining connection integrity. The sleeve can elastically deform axially during rotation, accommodating the orientation adjustment needs while keeping the connection within the predetermined torque range. This resolves the contradiction by enabling ease of operation through continuous rotation while maintaining reliability through controlled elastic deformation.
Solution Approach 2:
The sleeve's ability to change its axial length through elastic deformation allows continuous rotation to occur while maintaining connection integrity. The parameter change accommodates the rotational movement without exceeding the predetermined torque range, thereby resolving the contradiction between operational ease and connection 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
Facilitates quick and cost-effective orientation adjustments of wellbore tool components, reducing construction and installation time while maintaining connection integrity.
Implementation Method 1
an axially deformable and variable length sleeve disposed around and attached to an end portion of the first tubular component and adjacent a tip of an end portion of the second tubular component
Data Source
AI summary
In accordance with presently disclosed embodiments, a system and method for rotationally orienting two wellbore tool components on a tool string relative to each other is provided. The system may include an alignment sub that is simple to operate and allows for quick adjustments to the relative orientations of downhole tool components. The disclosed alignment sub may include a first tubular component on one side and a second tubular component on the other side, and these tubular components are coupled together. The disclosed alignment sub utilizes an axially deformable and variable length sleeve attached to the first tubular component and adjacent to a tip of the second tubular component. The sleeve may provide an appropriate standoff distance between the opposing tubular components while enabling the components to be rotated relative to each other up to at least one full rotation about an axis of the alignment sub.