Downhole Separating Device Mechanical Release Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

Downhole separating devices in the prior art fail to adapt to various working conditions and effectively transmit torque during drilling, particularly in gas-liquid medium drilling, limiting their application.

Innovation Solution

A controllable downhole drilling and completion tool separating device comprising an upper mandrel connector, outer sleeve, claw clamp sleeve, claw clamp locking ring, mandrel sleeve, piston ring, and pressure bearing ball, which allows for torque transmission and reliable separation through a hydraulic piston ring structure, enabling operation in both liquid and gas drilling conditions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If hydraulic pin shearing mode is used for separation, then separation can be achieved, but reliability is reduced due to faults such as advanced separation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveseparation reliabilityVSAvoidseparating device structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the traditional hydraulic pin shearing mechanism with a mechanical releasing mechanism consisting of a releasing auger, releasing blade, and locking components. This mechanical system eliminates the reliability issues of hydraulic pin shearing (such as advanced separation) while maintaining separation functionality through pure mechanical engagement and disengagement of the auger and blade components

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The separating device is divided into distinct functional modules: the upper drill string connector with releasing auger, the lower drill string connector with locking blade, and the connecting section. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, improving overall reliability while enabling controlled separation through the interaction of these segmented parts

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If mechanical releasing devices are used, then torque transmission can be achieved, but adaptability to various working conditions is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptation to working conditionsVSAvoidseparating device structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The releasing mechanism is designed with multi-functionality to handle various working conditions: it can transmit torque during drilling operations, enable controlled separation when needed, and adapt to different drill string configurations. The releasing auger and blade system can operate in both torque transmission mode and separation mode, making the device universal for multiple drilling and completion operations without requiring additional specialized components

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Force

If hydraulic separating devices are used, then separation can be achieved, but torque transmission capability is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetorque transmissionVSAvoidseparation reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
ForceVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the hydraulic separation mechanism with a purely mechanical releasing system where the releasing auger engages with the locking blade through mechanical threads and surfaces. This mechanical interaction provides superior torque transmission capability compared to hydraulic systems, as the threaded engagement of the auger with the blade creates strong mechanical interlocking that can withstand high torsional loads while maintaining reliable separation functionality

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Stress or pressure

If conventional releasing methods are used in gas drilling, then separation may be achieved, but pressure is not enough to shear off the pins

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepressure for pin shearingVSAvoidrelease capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Stress or pressureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the pin shearing mechanism (which relies on hydraulic pressure to shear pins) with a mechanical releasing system using the releasing auger and locking blade. In gas drilling conditions where pressure is insufficient to shear pins, this mechanical system provides an alternative release mechanism where the auger can be rotated to engage or disengage the locking blade, enabling reliable separation without depending on high pressure to shear pins

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

The device provides reliable separation and torque transmission, reducing the number of pipe string trips and labor costs, and is applicable to various well types, including straight, inclined, and horizontal wells, while avoiding complex operations like sidetrack drilling.

Implementation Method 1

liquid under the increased pressure from the upper part enters the lower part of the piston ring (7) through the bypass hole (101) to push the piston ring (7) to move upward

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHydraulic pressure: Pressure Increase

Implementation Method 2

The cooperation of the downhole separating device and completion tools such as packers can realize drill-pipe pre-completion

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentUS11988055B2Controllable downhole drilling and completion tool separating device and their method of use
Publication Date: 2024.05.21 SOUTHWEST PETROLEUM UNIV
  • US11988055B2 patent drawing
  • US11988055B2 patent drawing
  • US11988055B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A controllable downhole drilling and completion tool separating device and their method of use are provided. The device includes an upper mandrel connector, an outer sleeve, a claw clamp sleeve, a claw clamp locking ring, a mandrel sleeve, a lower connector, a piston ring and a pressure bearing ball. The upper end of the lower connector is on the outer side of the upper connector in a sleeving mode. A first annular cavity is between the lower connector and the upper connector. The piston ring is on the outer side of the upper connector in a sleeving mode and located in the first annular cavity. The claw clamp sleeve and the outer sleeve are sequentially arranged on the outer side of the upper connector in a sleeving mode. A second annular cavity is communicated with the first annular cavity and formed between the claw clamp sleeve and the upper connector.