Downhole Well String Suspension Clamp Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for suspending and managing well strings in boreholes are inefficient and labor-intensive, particularly when dealing with varying diameters of bottom-hole assembly components, leading to excessive clamping force and time-consuming operations.
Innovation Solution
A clamping device with a base plate and clamp mechanism that includes two clamp bodies with gripping surfaces, supported by a drive mechanism for linear motion, allowing for adjustable clamping and self-adjusting to component sizes, and a drive control system for precise operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If conventional slips with wedged shape are used to suspend the drill string, then the clamping force increases with the weight of the suspended string, but this results in excessive clamping force that can crush the drill string component
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp mechanism transitions from a static conventional slip system to a dynamic system where the clamp body can move along the guide way. The hydraulic cylinder dynamically adjusts the clamp body position to maintain optimal clamping force regardless of the suspended string weight, preventing crushing while ensuring adequate grip.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces the purely mechanical wedged slip system with a hybrid system incorporating hydraulic actuation. The hydraulic cylinder provides controlled force application, substituting the uncontrolled mechanical wedge action that causes excessive clamping force with a regulated hydraulic system.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple configurations of suspension assembly are used to accommodate different diameters of bottom hole assembly components, then various diameters can be accommodated, but this requires multiple removals and replacements of slips, bushings, and insert bowls which is time consuming and labor intensive
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp mechanism is designed as a universal device that can accommodate various diameters of bottom hole assembly components through a single configuration. The adjustable clamp body position along the guide way and the adaptable gripping surfaces enable one suspension assembly to handle multiple component sizes, eliminating the need for multiple specialized configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The clamp mechanism uses dynamic adjustment capabilities rather than static fixed configurations. The clamp body can be repositioned along the guide way and the hydraulic system can adjust clamping parameters to adapt to different diameters, providing versatility without requiring physical replacement of components.
3Ease of repair
If manual handling with lifting slings is used to replace heavy components of the suspension assembly, then component replacement can be performed, but this is labor intensive and requires consistent adherence to personnel safety procedures
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp mechanism is designed to maintain continuous grip on the drill string component throughout the replacement process. The hydraulic system automatically adjusts and maintains clamping force, making the system self-regulating and reducing the need for manual intervention and safety procedures associated with manual handling.
4Extent of automation
If the clamp mechanism uses a hydraulic cylinder to move the clamp body, then precise control of clamping force is achieved, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention introduces a hydraulic cylinder to replace manual or purely mechanical control methods. This substitution provides precise automated control of the clamp body movement and clamping force, achieving high extent of automation through hydraulic actuation while maintaining a relatively simple overall system architecture.
Data Source
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AI summary
A clamping device for supporting a well string in a borehole includes a base plate with a central opening and primary clamp body clamp body supported for linear motion relative to the base plate. The clamping device further includes other clamp bodies supported for independent linear motion relative to the base plate. In certain embodiments, the clamping bodies are supported for pivoting motion to open and close the central opening. Each of the clamp bodies carries a gripping member on a face thereof for engaging a well string component received in the central opening. A drive mechanism is coupled to the clamp bodies and configured to move the clamp bodies relative to the base plate.