Drill Lock Assembly Retrieval via Wireline Ball Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for retrieving drill lock assemblies in casing drilling operations are complex and prone to failure due to severe drilling environments and lost circulation issues, making it difficult to retrieve stuck assemblies without damaging equipment.
Innovation Solution
A wireline setting tool and retrieval tool system that uses fluid pressure to latch and release the drill lock assembly, featuring a cam mechanism for secure engagement and a grapple for mechanical retrieval, allowing for efficient installation and retrieval of drill lock assemblies with assistance from hydraulic jars if stuck.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional wireline retrieval tools are used to retrieve the drill lock assembly, then the assembly can be retrieved from the wellbore, but the complexity of the retrieval operation increases and the risk of failure increases due to severe drilling conditions and lost circulation material
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential retrieval function from complex wireline-based systems and implements it through a simplified ball-type mechanism. The ball is lowered into the wellbore on a simple wireline, engages with the drill lock assembly's internal cavity, and retrieves it through a straightforward lifting operation, eliminating the need for complex retrieval tools while maintaining reliability in severe drilling conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses a simple, inexpensive ball mechanism instead of complex, expensive wireline retrieval tools. The ball can be easily lost or damaged in the severe wellbore environment, but its simplicity means it can be readily replaced without significant cost or operational complexity, thereby reducing the overall risk of retrieval failure
2Strength
If the drill lock assembly is stuck in the profile sub, then it remains securely locked, but it cannot be retrieved without over pulling on the wireline which may damage equipment
Solution Approach 1:
The ball acts as an intermediary mechanism between the wireline and the drill lock assembly. Instead of directly pulling on the assembly (which causes damage), the ball is lowered to engage with the assembly's internal cavity, allowing controlled retrieval through the ball's movement. This intermediary approach maintains the strong locking engagement while enabling safe retrieval without over pulling
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from a static locked state to a dynamic retrieval state through the ball's movement. The ball can be lowered into the wellbore, engage with the drill lock assembly, and then lifted to retrieve it, allowing the system to adapt between maintaining strong locking strength and enabling safe retrieval without equipment damage
3Reliability
If lost circulation material is added to drilling mud, then circulation control is improved, but the mechanical tools operate poorly due to fouling and hampering
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical retrieval tools with a simple ball mechanism that is less susceptible to fouling by lost circulation material. The ball's smooth, rounded geometry and simple engagement mechanism allow it to operate effectively even in muddy, fouled wellbore conditions where traditional mechanical tools fail, thereby maintaining ease of operation while improving circulation control
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
Enables reliable and efficient installation and retrieval of drill lock assemblies, reducing the risk of assembly failure and equipment damage by utilizing fluid pressure and mechanical engagement to securely latch and release the assembly, even in challenging drilling conditions.
Implementation Method 1
the operator exerts fluid pressure to the interior of the string of casing to actuate the setting tool, which in turn latches the drill lock assembly to the profile sub
Implementation Method 2
applying fluid pressure also causes the setting tool to release from the drill lock assembly without the need for pulling upward. The step of setting the drill lock assembly may include stroking a cam member axially from a run-in position to a locked position, which causes the lock member to extend radially outward into engagement with the profile sub
Implementation Method 3
with assistance from hydraulic jars if stuck
Data Source
AI summary
A method of installing a drilling tool at a lower end of a string of casing suspended in a borehole employs a setting tool run by wireline. The setting tool is latched to a drilling tool connected a drill lock assembly. After landing in a profile sub at the lower end of the casing, fluid pressure is applied to the interior of the string of casing to actuate the setting tool. The setting tool moves to latch the drill lock assembly to the sub so that torque may be transmitted between the profile sub and the drill lock assembly. The setting tool movement also releases the setting tool from the drill lock assembly for retrieval.