Drill Pipe Torque Reducer for Friction Management
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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 torque issues and wear on the drill pipes and protectors, which reduces their lifespan.
Innovation Solution
A clamp assembly with first and second clamp segments, each with circumferential ends that secure around an oilfield tubular to prevent rotation, combined with an outer sleeve that rotates relative to the clamp assembly, reducing friction and wear by allowing the drill string to rotate with the tubular while maintaining a gripping force.
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 patent introduces an intermediary component (the rotating sleeve or bearing assembly) between the drill pipe and the drill pipe protector. This intermediary allows the drill pipe to rotate freely while the protector remains stationary or rotates at a different speed, significantly reducing frictional torque while still preventing direct contact between the drill pipe and wellbore, thus maintaining protection functionality while minimizing energy loss
2Loss of energy
If the drill pipe directly contacts the wellbore or casing, then torque transmission is more efficient, but the drill pipe suffers from shock and abrasion that reduces its lifespan
Solution Approach 1:
The drill pipe protector serves as an intermediary element that contacts the wellbore or casing instead of the drill pipe itself. This mediator absorbs the shock and abrasion from wellbore contact, protecting the drill pipe while still allowing effective torque transmission through the drill string system
Solution Approach 2:
The patent modifies the surface properties and material characteristics of the drill pipe protector to optimize both torque transmission and wear resistance. By changing parameters such as material hardness, surface finish, and friction coefficients, the system achieves efficient torque transmission while minimizing damage to the drill pipe
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 frictional losses and wear, thereby extending the lifespan of both the drill pipes and the drill pipe protectors.
Implementation Method 1
frictional losses generated by contact between the enlarged, connected end portions of the drill pipes and the inner surface of the wellbore
Implementation Method 2
the clamp assembly is configured to rotate with the oilfield tubular and with respect to the outer sleeve
Data Source
Figure 1
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Figure 3
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 including two circumferential ends, the two circumferential ends of the first clamp segment being configured to be connected to the two circumferential ends of the second clamp segment so as to secure the clamp assembly around an oilfield tubular and prevent the clamp assembly from rotating relative to the oilfield tubular. An outer diameter surface of each of the first and second clamp segments is generally continuous in an axial direction. The apparatus also includes an outer sleeve positioned around the clamp assembly, wherein the clamp assembly is configured to rotate with the oilfield tubular and with respect to the outer sleeve.