Drill Bit Passage Tool Hinged Closure for Unobstructed Wellbore Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing drill bit systems require the closure element to be attached to the lower end of the tool for operations in a wellbore, which can be undesirable for certain operations, limiting access and functionality.
Innovation Solution
A drill bit assembly with a passage tool that allows the closure element to be secured externally, using a hinge tool with a double hinged joint to pivot away from the bit body, creating an unobstructed pathway for tools to pass through the drill bit without needing the closure element at the lower end, enabling longer tools to reach beyond the drill bit.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the closure element is attached to the lower end of the tool for operations in a wellbore, then the tool can be secured and controlled during operation, but this limits access and functionality for certain operations
Solution Approach 1:
The passage tool is divided into two separate parts: an upper part that remains in the drill string and a lower part that can be detached and left in the wellbore. This segmentation allows the tool to provide secure access during operation while enabling the lower part to be removed for operations requiring unobstructed access, thus resolving the contradiction between tool security and operational flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The lower part of the passage tool is extracted from the drill string and left in the wellbore after the operation is complete. This extraction eliminates the obstruction for subsequent operations while maintaining the security and control benefits during the actual operation, thereby resolving the contradiction between reliability and adaptability.
2Ease of operation
If the closure element is removed to allow tool passage, then direct access to the wellbore is achieved, but the closure element may be lost in the wellbore
Solution Approach 1:
The lower part of the passage tool is nested within the upper part during passage through the drill string. The closure element is attached to the lower part, which is contained within the upper part's passage. This nesting allows the closure element to be securely transported to the wellbore opening and then released, preventing loss while enabling tool passage.
Solution Approach 2:
The lower part of the passage tool acts as an intermediary carrier for the closure element. It transports the closure element from the drill string to the wellbore opening, where it can be securely attached or left in place, thus facilitating tool passage while preventing closure element loss.
3Productivity
If a closure element is used to secure the passageway, then the drill bit can be used for drilling operations, but this obstructs the passage for tools during logging operations
Solution Approach 1:
The passage tool provides a dynamic passage solution: during drilling operations, the passageway remains closed with the closure element for productivity; during logging operations, the lower part of the passage tool can be removed to create an open passage, enabling ease of operation for tool access. This dynamic adjustment resolves the contradiction between drilling capability and tool access.
Data Source
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AI summary
A drill bit assembly comprising a bit body connectable to a tubular drill string, and provided with a longitudinal passageway for an operating tool from an internal position in an attached drill string to an external position; an externally removable closure element for closing the passageway for the operating tool; and a passage tool attached to or connectable to the closure element in its closing position from inside the bit body, wherein the passage tool comprises a lower part to which the closure element is attached or connectable, which lower part is arranged so that it can be moved out of the bit body together with the closure element, and an upper tubular part which is arranged so that it can be moved along the passageway in the bit body, the upper tubular part forming a passage with a downstream opening for the operating tool, when the lower part of the passage tool has been moved out of the bit body; as well as the use of the drill bit assembly in a method of performing an operation in the wellbore.