Drill Pipe Torque Reducer Clamp Assembly

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Solution Overview

Problem

In extended-reach and horizontal drilling operations, the transmission of power from the drilling rig to the drill bit is hindered by frictional losses due to contact between the enlarged end portions of drill pipes and the wellbore or casing, leading to increased torque and wear on the drill string, which reduces its lifespan.

Innovation Solution

A clamp assembly with arcuate segments and an outer sleeve is used to secure the drill string, preventing axial and rotational movement, and featuring tapered extensions and radial protrusions to reduce friction and wear, allowing the outer sleeve to rotate while maintaining axial stability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of energy

If drill pipe protectors are used to prevent contact between drill pipe and wellbore, then frictional losses are reduced, but rotational friction between drill string and protector increases torque

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefrictional lossesVSAvoidtorque

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of energyVSForce

Solution Approach 1:

The clamp assembly is divided into multiple arcuate clamp segments that can independently engage with the drill pipe. This segmentation allows the clamp assembly to distribute clamping forces while enabling rotational movement, reducing torque buildup compared to a single rigid protector structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The clamp assembly is designed to rotate dynamically with the drill string while maintaining axial positioning. The outer sleeve and clamp segments work together to allow rotational movement that accommodates drill string rotation, preventing static friction and torque accumulation that would occur with a fixed non-rotating protector.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Object-affected harmful factors

If drill pipe protectors are used to prevent contact between drill pipe and wellbore, then abrasion is reduced, but wear on drill pipe outer surface increases due to rotation friction

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveabrasionVSAvoiddrill pipe lifespan

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSDuration of action of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The clamp assembly acts as an intermediary structure between the drill pipe and the external environment. It provides protection from wellbore contact while its rotational design minimizes friction-induced wear on the drill pipe surface, extending drill pipe lifespan.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The clamp assembly changes the friction parameters at the interface with the drill pipe by enabling rotational movement. This parameter change from static to dynamic friction reduces wear rates on the drill pipe outer surface while maintaining protective function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Stability of the object's composition

If clamp assembly prevents axial and rotational movement, then axial stability is maintained, but friction increases during rotation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaxial stabilityVSAvoidfriction

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSForce

Solution Approach 1:

The clamp assembly uses multiple arcuate segments that can rotate independently while maintaining axial clamping force. This segmentation allows the system to maintain axial stability through the clamping action while permitting rotational movement to reduce friction.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The clamp assembly transitions from a static rigid structure to a dynamic system that maintains axial positioning while allowing rotation. The outer sleeve and clamp segments work together to provide axial constraint while accommodating rotational movement, reducing friction during drill string rotation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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

The solution effectively reduces torque and wear on the drill string, enhancing its lifespan by minimizing frictional contact and allowing for efficient power transmission during drilling operations.

Implementation Method 1

The first and second clamp segments each include a first extension and a second extension, each of the first and second extensions having a tapered end that decreases in outer diameter as proceeding in an axial direction, so as to provide a conical guide surface

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFriction reduction through tapered conical surface: Friction

Data Source

PatentUS12129717B2Drill pipe torque reducer and method

Publication Date: 2024.10.29 FRANKS INT

AI summary

An apparatus for reducing torque in a drill string includes a clamp assembly having a first clamp segment and a second clamp segment, the first and second clamp segments each being generally arcuate and configured to connect together so as to secure the clamp assembly around an oilfield tubular and prevent the clamp assembly from axial and rotational movement relative to the oilfield tubular. The first and second clamp segments each include a first extension and a second extension, each of the first and second extensions having a tapered end that decreases in outer diameter as proceeding in an axial direction, so as to provide a conical guide surface. An outer sleeve is positioned around the clamp assembly, is configured to rotate with respect to the oilfield tubular and the clamp assembly, and is prevented from axial movement relative thereto.