Downhole Tool Nozzle Assembly for Adjustable Flow Area
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing downhole drilling tools face challenges in efficiently controlling and adjusting the fluid flow between the bore and annular fluid paths, requiring time-consuming and equipment-intensive processes to modify the total flow area, especially when changing nozzle configurations on the rig floor.
Innovation Solution
A downhole tool design featuring a tubular mandrel with nozzle ports that allow fluid coupling between the bore and annular flow paths, along with a removable outer plug and nozzle system, enabling the selection and installation of nozzles with different flow areas without breaking tubular connections, allowing for adjustable total flow area configurations without the need for large equipment or rig floor modifications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If nozzles are installed in a barrier portion between bore fluid path and annular fluid path with fixed TFA configuration, then fluid flow control between bore and annular paths is achieved, but adaptability to change TFA configuration is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The barrier portion is segmented into a fixed outer barrier body and a removable nozzle assembly. The nozzle assembly can be independently removed and replaced through an access port, allowing TFA configuration changes without affecting the overall tool structure or requiring tool withdrawal to surface.
Solution Approach 2:
The nozzle assembly is designed to be dynamically replaceable rather than fixed. The access port allows nozzles to be removed and replaced in situ, enabling the system to adapt to different TFA requirements while maintaining reliable fluid flow control through the barrier portion.
2Adaptability or versatility
If tubular connection is broken out to access nozzles for TFA change, then nozzle replacement is possible, but operational time and equipment requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
An access port is pre-provided in the outer barrier body, eliminating the need to break out tubular connections during nozzle replacement. This preliminary design feature allows direct access to the nozzle assembly, significantly reducing the time and equipment needed for TFA configuration changes.
Solution Approach 2:
The nozzle assembly is extracted as a separate, independently replaceable component. The access port enables the nozzle assembly to be removed and replaced without disassembling the main tool body or breaking tubular connections, allowing rapid TFA changes while the tool remains in position.
3Productivity
If nozzles are made replaceable without breaking tubular connections, then operational efficiency improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The barrier portion is divided into a fixed outer body and a removable nozzle assembly. This segmentation allows the complex functionality of replaceable nozzles to be achieved through a relatively simple interface design, minimizing the increase in overall device complexity while maximizing operational efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The access port serves multiple functions: it provides access for nozzle replacement, maintains structural integrity of the barrier portion, and allows sealing when the nozzle assembly is installed. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional complex components, balancing ease of operation with device simplicity.
Data Source
AI summary
A downhole tool includes an outer sub and a mandrel positioned within the outer sub. The outer sub and the mandrel are tubular. The interior of the mandrel defines a bore flow path, and the annular space between the outer sub and the mandrel defines an annular flow path. One or more nozzle ports are formed in the mandrel to fluidly couple the bore flow path and the annular flow path. A nozzle is positioned in each nozzle port. The nozzle includes a nozzle body having a flow path formed therein to fluidly couple the bore flow path to the annular flow path through the nozzle.