Drill Pipe Fill-Up Tool Axial Extension for Mud Line Connection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for connecting drill pipe to a top drive mud line during well drilling operations are time-consuming, particularly when running liners, as they require making up an API connection each time a drill pipe joint is added, leading to potential mud spillage on the drilling rig floor.
Innovation Solution
A drill pipe fill-up tool system that includes an axially-extendable mud cylinder coupled to upper and lower mounting plates, an actuating cylinder, and a seal and guide assembly, allowing for quick connection of the drill pipe to the top drive mud line without the need for frequent API connections, thereby preventing mud spillage by directing displaced mud back to the mud tanks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional API connection methods are used to connect drill pipe to top drive mud line, then connection reliability is ensured, but connection time increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the connection process into two independent parts: (1) a quick-connect mechanical coupling between the fill-up tool and drill pipe, and (2) a separate API connection for the drill pipe to the stump. This allows the mud line connection to be made quickly without requiring a full API make-up, significantly reducing connection time while maintaining reliability through the sealed fluid connection.
Solution Approach 2:
The drill pipe fill-up tool acts as an intermediary device between the top drive mud line and the drill pipe. It provides a quick-connect interface that establishes fluid communication without requiring the time-consuming API threading operation, thus serving as a mediator that speeds up the connection process while maintaining system integrity.
2Productivity
If drill pipe joints are added frequently during liner running, then drilling progress is maintained, but mud spillage on rig floor increases
Solution Approach 1:
The fill-up tool is pre-positioned on the drill pipe before liner running operations begin. This preliminary setup ensures that the quick-connect interface is already in place and ready to capture displaced mud, preventing spillage before it can occur during subsequent drill pipe joint additions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system maintains continuous fluid circulation and mud containment throughout the drilling operation. By keeping the fill-up tool connected and the mud line active, the system continuously manages mud flow and pressure, preventing discontinuities that would lead to spillage during frequent joint additions.
3Loss of time
If quick-connect interface is used for mud line connection, then connection time is reduced, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The fill-up tool integrates multiple functions into a single device: it provides both the quick-connect mechanical coupling for rapid attachment/detachment and the fluid sealing interface for mud line connection. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, managing system complexity while enabling quick connections.
Solution Approach 2:
The quick-connect interface is nested within the fill-up tool assembly, which itself connects to the existing top drive mud line system. This nested structure allows the quick-connect mechanism to be integrated into the broader system without requiring complete system redesign, thus adding minimal complexity while achieving rapid connection capability.
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
Facilitates quick and efficient connection of drill pipe to the top drive mud line, reducing the time required for each joint addition and preventing mud spillage on the rig floor by ensuring continuous fluid circulation and mud management during the drilling process.
Implementation Method 1
an actuating cylinder coupled to the upper mounting plate and the lower mounting plate. The actuating cylinder is configured to axially extend the mud cylinder
Implementation Method 2
The seal and guide assembly is configured to engage with a drill pipe and to fluidly connect the mud cavity of the mud cylinder to an interior of the drill pipe
Data Source
AI summary
Present embodiments are directed to systems and methods for efficiently connecting drill pipe (i.e., referred to as the landing string) to a top drive mud line when running liners into a well. For example, in certain embodiments, a drill pipe fill-up tool includes an axially-extendable mud cylinder coupled to an upper mounting plate and a lower mounting plate. The mud cylinder includes a mud cavity configured to be fluidly connected to a mud line of a top drive of drilling system. The drill pipe fill-up tool also includes an actuating cylinder coupled to the upper mounting plate and the lower mounting plate. The actuating cylinder is configured to axially extend the mud cylinder. The drill pipe fill-up tool further includes a seal and guide assembly coupled to the mud cylinder. The seal and guide assembly is configured to engage with a drill pipe and to fluidly connect the mud cavity of the mud cylinder to an interior of the drill pipe.