Drill Stem Tool Joints with Non-Circular Activation Zones
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current drill stem technologies face challenges in managing high frictional torques and debris sedimentation during deviated well drilling, leading to equipment compromise, poor hole cleaning, and increased manufacturing costs, while requiring lighter weight and lower rigidity components that maintain drilling fluid pressure and prevent clogging.
Innovation Solution
A tubular drill stem element with non-circular tool joints featuring activation zones for drilling fluid, which reduces static and dynamic loads, enhances debris removal, and promotes homogeneous fluid flow, thereby improving drilling efficiency and safety.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional drill stem elements with circular cross-sections are used, then manufacturing is simpler and costs are lower, but drilling fluid flow is non-homogeneous leading to debris sedimentation and hole clogging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by designing tool joints with non-circular cross-sections (oval, rectangular, or triangular shapes) instead of conventional circular sections. This asymmetric geometry creates activation zones that generate turbulence in the drilling fluid, improving hole cleaning efficiency by preventing debris sedimentation in deviated wells.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements local quality by creating specific activation zones on the tool joint surfaces through non-circular cross-sections. These localized geometric features generate targeted turbulence and fluid activation in critical areas, enhancing debris removal without requiring complete redesign of the entire drill stem structure.
2Strength
If drill stem elements with higher rigidity are used, then equipment strength is improved, but frictional torques during rotation in deviated wells increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the geometric parameters of tool joints (cross-sectional shape, dimensions, and configuration) to create non-circular profiles. This changes the flow characteristics of drilling fluid and reduces frictional torques during rotation, while maintaining sufficient structural strength through optimized geometry.
3Productivity
If activation zones are added to tool joints to improve fluid flow, then debris removal is enhanced, but manufacturing complexity and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The asymmetric non-circular cross-sections serve dual purposes: they create the necessary activation zones for improved fluid flow and debris removal, while also functioning as the basic structural form of the tool joint. This integration reduces manufacturing complexity compared to adding separate activation features to conventional circular joints.
4Reliability
If non-circular tool joints with activation zones are used, then drilling fluid pressure is maintained and clogging is prevented, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the geometric parameters of tool joints to non-circular cross-sections with specific dimensional relationships. These parameter changes create self-cleaning flow patterns that maintain drilling fluid pressure and prevent clogging, while the standardized parameter sets facilitate consistent manufacturing within acceptable precision tolerances.
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 wear, abrasion, and the risk of blockages, maintains drilling fluid pressure, and enhances the quality of the drilled hole surface by improving debris removal and fluid flow, while reducing manufacturing costs and simplifying the drilling process.
Implementation Method 1
a turbulence zone in order to activate the movement of the drilling fluid in the drilled hole around the drilling equipment
Implementation Method 2
a deflection zone adjacent to the bearing zone and to the turbulence zone extending in the axial direction of the profiled element and comprising at least one surface which is inclined with respect to the drilling axis, the meridian line of which in an axial plane moves away from the axis of the profiled element
Implementation Method 3
a zone for bearing on the wall of the drilled hole
Data Source
AI summary
A tubular element for a drill stem includes a substantially cylindrical body and two tool joints. Each tool joint is disposed at one end of the body and provided with a threaded portion that can be joined to a complementary element. At least one of the tool joints has a lifting surface that can cooperate with a lifting tool of the element to connect it into a drill stem. The lifting surface has a non-circular cross-section forming an activation zone for a drilling fluid.