Downhole Lock Sleeve for Threshold Torque Release
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Solution Overview
Problem
Premature rotation of rotary tools in resource recovery and fluid sequestration industries can be detrimental, necessitating a solution to control and manage rotational strain between tool sections.
Innovation Solution
A downhole tool with a lock sleeve mechanism that prevents relative rotation between sections until a preselected torque is reached, featuring various interengagement and release configurations such as threads, splines, and shearable materials to ensure controlled torque transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the lock sleeve is made strong to prevent premature rotation, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases due to the need for precise torque threshold design
Solution Approach 1:
The lock sleeve mechanism is segmented into distinct functional zones: interengagement features for mechanical coupling, shearable material regions for torque sensing, and release configurations for controlled disengagement. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently while maintaining overall system reliability without excessive complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The lock sleeve utilizes parameter changes in the shearable material properties to achieve torque threshold control. By designing the shearable material with specific shear strength parameters, the mechanism automatically releases at predetermined torque levels, providing reliable premature rotation prevention through material property optimization rather than complex mechanical designs.
2Manufacturing precision
If the lock sleeve uses complex interengagement features to ensure precise torque transmission, then manufacturing precision is improved, but ease of manufacture deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The lock sleeve incorporates composite construction combining strong structural materials for the sleeve body with specialized shearable material inserts or regions. This composite approach enables precise torque transmission through the strong structural components while the shearable material regions provide controlled release at specific torque thresholds, achieving manufacturing precision without requiring the entire sleeve to be manufactured with high precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The shearable material regions are designed as sacrificial elements that are intentionally weaker than the surrounding structure. These regions are manufactured with standard precision and serve their purpose by shearing at the predetermined torque threshold, after which the lock sleeve is replaced. This approach prioritizes ease of manufacture over long-term durability of the shearable regions themselves.
3Productivity
If the lock sleeve is designed to release at a selected torque threshold, then productivity is improved by preventing premature operation, but device complexity increases due to the release mechanism
Solution Approach 1:
The lock sleeve mechanism is designed to automatically release when the applied torque reaches the predetermined threshold. The shearable material regions self-detect the torque level and self-release without requiring external control systems, sensors, or additional actuation mechanisms. This self-service approach improves productivity by preventing premature operation while minimizing device complexity through the absence of complex control systems.
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
The lock sleeve mechanism ensures reliable torque transmission and prevents premature rotation, allowing for precise control of rotational strain and efficient operation of downhole tools.
Implementation Method 1
a lock sleeve being selectively unlockable by application of a threshold torque acting between the first section and the second section
Implementation Method 2
various interengagement and release configurations such as threads, splines, and shearable materials to ensure controlled torque transmission
Implementation Method 3
various interengagement and release configurations such as threads, splines, and shearable materials to ensure controlled torque transmission
Data Source
AI summary
A downhole tool, including first and second sections, the second section being rotatable relative to the first section, a lock sleeve attached to the first and second sections, the lock sleeve being unlockable by application of a threshold torque acting between the first section and the second section. A positive displacement motor assembly, including a housing, a power section, and a stator, a drive sub connected to the rotor, and a lock sleeve nonrotatably attached to the housing and to the drive sub, the lock sleeve being releasable at a selected threshold torque between the housing and the drive sub. A method for forming a casing exit, including running a tool to a target location in a borehole, causing the first section and the second section to experience different rotational strain, releasing the lock sleeve at a torque threshold between the first and second sections.