Dissolvable Downhole Connect Tool Actuation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional ball-actuated connect/disconnect devices in well drilling operations face challenges when specialized tools like drill string agitators obstruct the path of balls or darts, leading to lengthy and costly string removals when the bottom hole assembly gets stuck.

Innovation Solution

A connect tool with a tubular housing and tension members, where a selectively dissolvable retaining member allows for inline placement and actuation using a dissolving fluid, enabling the tool to be placed anywhere along the string, including above agitators, facilitating efficient disconnection without requiring a clear pathway for balls or darts.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a ball-actuated disconnect device is used, then disconnection can be achieved, but the device requires a clear pathway for the ball to pass through, which is obstructed by specialized tools like agitators

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedisconnect functionVSAvoidball pathway clearance

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical ball-actuation system with a chemical dissolution system. Instead of using a physical ball that must travel through the string interior, the invention uses a dissolvable retaining member (e.g., made of sugar, salt, or other soluble materials) that can be dissolved by injecting a compatible fluid through the string. This eliminates the need for a clear mechanical pathway while maintaining the disconnect function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a dissolvable retaining member as an intermediary between the connected sections. This retaining member holds the sections together during operation and can be selectively removed by dissolution, serving as a temporary bonding agent that eliminates the need for complex mechanical actuation mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If the disconnect device is placed above agitators to ensure ball passage, then the disconnect function works, but a very long string portion remains in the wellbore requiring costly and complicated removal

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedisconnect functionVSAvoidstring length in wellbore

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLength of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

By replacing the ball-actuation mechanism with a dissolvable retaining member system, the disconnect device can be positioned anywhere in the string regardless of agitator locations. The dissolvable mechanism works equally well whether positioned above or below agitators, eliminating the constraint that forced placement above agitators and the resulting long string retrieval problem.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Productivity

If specialized tools are placed in the string to reduce friction, then drilling efficiency improves, but these tools obstruct the ball pathway to the disconnect device

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedrilling efficiencyVSAvoidball pathway clearance

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical ball actuation system with a chemical dissolution system that is compatible with specialized tools like agitators. The dissolvable retaining member can be positioned below agitators (enabling their use for friction reduction) and activated by injecting dissolution fluid through the same string interior that the agitators occupy, eliminating the conflict between tool placement and disconnect actuation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 disconnection of the bottom hole assembly from the drill string by allowing the dissolving fluid to pass through downhole tools, reducing the length of string left in the wellbore and simplifying the recovery process, thus minimizing costs and complications.

Implementation Method 1

The retaining member is selectively dissolvable by a dissolving fluid while the remaining components of the connect tool are comprised of a material that can withstand said dissolving fluid

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDissolution: Solvation

Data Source

PatentUS11702893B2Dissolvable downhole connect tool

Publication Date: 2023.07.18 SNUB EQUIP LTD

AI summary

A drill string connect tool comprises a housing having first and second sections. The first section has a first recess, and the second section has a second recess. The tool and the first and sections may be in a connected configuration or a disconnected configuration. The connect tool comprises at least one tension member placeable within, and suitable to transfer tensile forces between, the first and second sections when in the connected configuration. A retaining member can retain the tension member within the first and second recesses. The retaining member is selectively dissolvable by a dissolving fluid, while the remaining components of the tool can withstand the dissolving fluid. When exposed to a dissolving fluid, the retaining member dissolves, allowing the tension member to exit the first and second recesses, thereby actuating the tool to the disconnected configuration.