Drill Pipe Torque Reducer with Pivotable Clamp Segments
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Solution Overview
Problem
In extended-reach and horizontal drilling, 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 torque-reducing apparatus comprising a clamp assembly with arcuate segments and an outer sleeve, where the clamp assembly is secured to the oilfield tubular and configured to rotate with the tubular, while the outer sleeve is rotatable relative to the clamp assembly, reducing frictional torque through a low-friction, wear-resistant engagement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a drill pipe protector is used to prevent contact between the drill pipe and wellbore, then wear and abrasion on the drill pipe is reduced, but frictional torque is still generated due to rotation between the drill pipe and the protector
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp assembly is divided into multiple arcuate clamp segments that can independently pivot and wear, allowing the system to accommodate drill pipe dimensional variations while distributing wear across multiple segments rather than a single continuous contact surface
Solution Approach 2:
The clamp segments are designed to pivot relative to each other, creating a dynamic clamp assembly that can adapt to drill pipe ovality and dimensional changes during rotation, maintaining optimal contact conditions and reducing frictional torque through controlled movement
2Productivity
If the drill string is rotated to transmit power to the drill bit, then drilling progress is achieved, but frictional losses increase due to contact between the enlarged end portions and the wellbore or casing
Solution Approach 1:
The outer sleeve acts as an intermediary component between the clamp assembly and the drill pipe protector, providing a low-friction rotational interface that reduces direct contact friction while still allowing power transmission to the drill bit
Solution Approach 2:
The friction characteristics are changed by introducing the outer sleeve with its low-friction surface, fundamentally altering the friction parameter in the contact interface between the drill string components and the wellbore environment
3Object-affected harmful factors
If rotating drill pipe protectors are implemented to allow rotation, then the drill pipe does not contact the wellbore, but frictional torque is still created and wear occurs on the outer surface of the drill pipes
Solution Approach 1:
The outer sleeve serves as a mediator between the rotating drill pipe protector and the stationary wellbore, absorbing the frictional interaction and protecting the drill pipe outer surface from direct wear while still enabling rotation
Solution Approach 2:
The clamp segments and outer sleeve are designed as wear components that can be replaced independently of the expensive drill pipe, absorbing wear damage in lieu of the drill pipe itself and extending drill pipe lifespan through sacrificial protective elements
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 in the drill string, minimizing wear and extending the lifespan of both the drill pipes and the drill pipe protectors by mitigating frictional contact and abrasion, thereby enhancing drilling efficiency and reducing maintenance needs.
Implementation Method 1
reducing frictional torque through a low-friction, wear-resistant engagement
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus and method for reducing torque in a drill string, in which the apparatus includes a first clamp assembly including a plurality of arcuate clamp segments that are pivotally connected together, the plurality of arcuate clamp segments being configured to be positioned around and secured to an oilfield tubular so as to be rotationally fixed to the oilfield tubular, and an outer sleeve positioned around the first clamp assembly. The outer sleeve includes at least two sleeve segments assembled together to form a generally cylindrical sleeve around the first clamp assembly, and the first clamp assembly is configured to rotate with the oilfield tubular and with respect to the outer sleeve.