Downhole Joint Rotation to Prevent Torque Trapping in Deviated Wells
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tubing rotators in oil wells cause casing wear due to torque trapping and sudden release, leading to increased downtime and maintenance costs, as they rotate the entire tubing string, which is not efficient in deviated wells.
Innovation Solution
A downhole joint rotator that selectively rotates specific intervals of the tubing string between two points, using an electrically powered motor and control line to manage rotation and prevent torque trapping, with optional anchoring and sensor systems for monitoring and control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of stationary object
If a surface tubing rotator is used to rotate the entire tubing string, then tubing wear is reduced and tubing life is extended, but torque trapping occurs in deviated wells causing sudden torque release and casing wear
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the rotation function by introducing a downhole joint rotator that rotates only specific tubing joints at the deviation point rather than the entire tubing string. This localized rotation approach prevents torque trapping while still achieving the wear distribution benefit, thereby extending tubing life without causing casing wear.
Solution Approach 2:
The downhole joint rotator acts as an intermediary device installed within the tubing string at the deviation point. It mediates between the sucker rods and the tubing by providing localized rotation where needed, preventing the torque trapping that would otherwise occur in deviated sections and eliminating the harmful effect of sudden torque release on the casing.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a downhole tubing rotator is used to rotate tubing at the deviation point, then torque trapping is prevented, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The downhole joint rotator is designed to be self-contained and self-powered, utilizing the existing pump system or a dedicated motor within the tool itself. This self-service capability eliminates the need for complex surface-based control systems and reduces overall system complexity while effectively preventing torque trapping at the deviation point.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical surface-based rotation systems with a simplified downhole electric or hydraulic motor-driven joint rotator. This substitution reduces mechanical complexity by moving the rotation function to the downhole environment where it can be more efficiently and simply implemented.
3Duration of action of stationary object
If the entire tubing string is rotated at surface, then wear is distributed over the entire inside diameter, but downtime is increased due to torque release incidents
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the rotation function to occur locally at deviation points rather than requiring rotation of the entire tubing string, the system prevents torque trapping incidents that would cause downtime. The localized rotation still achieves wear distribution benefits without the harmful side effects of full-string rotation.
Solution Approach 2:
The downhole joint rotator performs preliminary rotation action at the deviation point before torque can build up and cause trapping. This proactive localized rotation prevents the conditions that lead to sudden torque release and subsequent downtime, maintaining continuous operation.
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 solution reduces casing wear and extends the mean time between failures by focusing rotation on areas of concern, minimizing torque trapping and allowing for continuous or intermittent gradual rotation, thus reducing operational costs and downtime.
Implementation Method 1
an induction motor with a hollow center configured to rotate a joint below said tool
Data Source
AI summary
A downhole tubing rotator that has a housing configured into a production tubing string in a well in a reservoir, the housing being generally cylindrical with a hollow center and containing a two pole, three phase induction squirrel cage motor operatively connected to a tubing rotator configured to clamp onto a production tubing joint and rotate one or more production tubing joints (but not an entire production tubing string) when the motor is activated. An armor-protected insulated power and control cable connects the motor to a control box positioned at a surface of a reservoir and various sensors provide feedback for the unit. Methods of using this tool are also provided.