Subterranean Drill String Segmentation for BOP Testing

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Solution Overview

Problem

The process of removing and reinserting a drill string for blowout preventer (BOP) testing in subterranean drilling operations is time-consuming, often taking 2-3 days and significantly interrupting drilling operations and delaying hydrocarbon production.

Innovation Solution

A method for subterranean drill string coupling and uncoupling that involves forming a well bore using detachable drill string segments, immobilizing one segment, uncoupling and retracting the other, testing the BOP while keeping it in place, and then reinserting and re-coupling the segments to resume drilling, utilizing an on/off tool and hang off tool for efficient operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the entire drill string is removed from the well bore for BOP testing, then the BOP can be properly tested at the well surface, but the drilling operation is significantly interrupted and delayed for 2-3 days

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveBOP testing integrityVSAvoiddrilling operation interruption

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The drill string is divided into multiple segments that can be independently handled. The upper segment is detached and removed for BOP testing while the lower segment remains in the well bore, allowing partial operation continuity and reducing overall interruption time

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Only the necessary portion of the drill string (upper segment) is extracted from the well bore for BOP testing, rather than removing the entire drill string. This minimizes the time and effort required for reinsertion and resumption of drilling operations

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Reliability

If the entire drill string is removed and reinserted for BOP testing, then the BOP testing can be completed, but the process significantly delays hydrocarbon production

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveBOP capacity verificationVSAvoidhydrocarbon production timing

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

By segmenting the drill string into upper and lower portions, the invention enables selective removal of only the upper segment for BOP testing. The lower segment remains in place, allowing faster reassembly and resumption of drilling operations, thereby minimizing impact on hydrocarbon production timelines

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The drill string is pre-configured with detachable connections and segmentation features that allow rapid disassembly and reassembly. This preliminary preparation enables quick execution of the partial removal and reinsertion process, reducing overall downtime and protecting production schedules

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS9920573B1Subterranean well drilling method

Publication Date: 2018.03.20 BRANTON CHRISTOPHER A

AI summary

A drill string coupling and uncoupling method includes forming a well bore by conducting a drilling operation using a drill string having a first drill string segment and a second drill string segment detachably coupled to the first drill string segment; immobilizing the second drill string segment in the well bore; uncoupling the first drill string segment from the second drill string segment; at least partially retracting the first drill string segment in the well bore away from the second drill string segment; reinserting the first drill string segment in the well bore to the second drill string segment; and re-coupling the first drill string segment to the second drill string segment.