Drill String Jig for Safe Coupling of Sensitive Subs

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing drill string coupling methods, particularly those involving power tongs, risk damaging subs with downhole electronic or electromechanical systems due to high torque application, which can lead to equipment damage during coupling and decoupling processes.

Innovation Solution

A jig and method for torqueing drill string sections using a body with a cylindrical outer surface and a cavity, along with torqueing tools that non-rotationally engage the subs' couplings, allowing for safe coupling and decoupling without applying torque to the sub's body, thereby preventing damage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If power tongs are used to couple drill string sections, then coupling efficiency is improved, but the risk of damaging downhole electronic systems increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecoupling efficiencyVSAvoiddamage risk to downhole systems

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The drill string is segmented into modular sections with detachable couplings that can be independently engaged and disengaged. This allows the coupling mechanism to be separated from the main drill string body, enabling safe attachment/detachment of downhole systems without exposing them to damaging torque from power tongs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A specialized coupling mechanism acts as an intermediary between the drill string and downhole systems. This intermediary component absorbs and isolates the high torque forces, protecting the sensitive electronic equipment while still enabling efficient coupling operations through dedicated coupling tools rather than direct power tong application.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Strength

If high torque is applied to couple drill string sections, then connection strength is improved, but the safety of downhole equipment is compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection strengthVSAvoidequipment safety

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The coupling system is divided into distinct functional segments: a torque-resistant coupling mechanism for achieving strong connections, and a protected downhole system section. This segmentation allows high torque to be applied locally at the coupling interface without transmitting damaging forces to the electronic equipment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The coupling mechanism is designed with localized structural features optimized for withstanding high torque loads, while the downhole systems maintain their sensitive electronic components. This local quality differentiation enables strong connections where needed while preserving equipment safety where electronics are present.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Reliability

If detachable couplings are used to protect downhole systems, then equipment safety is improved, but coupling complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveequipment safetyVSAvoidcoupling mechanism complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The detachable coupling mechanism is designed as a universal component that performs multiple functions: providing strong mechanical connections, isolating downhole systems from torque, and enabling rapid attachment/detachment. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate specialized components, thereby managing complexity while maintaining safety.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The coupling mechanism incorporates self-aligning and self-securing features that reduce the complexity of operation. The design allows the coupling to automatically position and lock itself during attachment, minimizing the need for complex alignment procedures or multiple adjustment steps.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

4Ease of operation

If traditional coupling methods are used, then operational simplicity is maintained, but damage to sensitive equipment occurs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperational simplicityVSAvoidequipment damage

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The detachable coupling serves as an intermediary that mediates between the simple power tong operation and the sensitive downhole equipment. It allows operators to use familiar, simple tools while the intermediary mechanism protects the equipment from damage, thus maintaining operational simplicity without sacrificing safety.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS10301891B2Jig for coupling or uncoupling drill string sections with detachable couplings and related methods

Publication Date: 2019.05.28 EVOLUTION ENG

AI summary

A jig and method useful for coupling and/or uncoupling drill string sections. In some embodiments, the jig comprises a body having an outer surface for engaging a torqueing tool and a cavity extending from a first end to a second end of the body and an engagement means at the first end of the body. The engagement means may be dimensioned to non-rotationally engage an outer surface of a first end of a drill string section and the cavity may be sized to fit about a drill string section.