Drillstring Pressure Relief via Remote Valve Actuation
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Solution Overview
Problem
The slow dissipation of pressure in a drillstring due to its length and components like float valves and downhole pumps increases the time required to add a section of drillpipe, leading to higher costs and inefficiencies in wellbore drilling.
Innovation Solution
A remote switch and valve actuator system that rapidly opens a valve to divert drilling fluid from the drillstring to a flowline via a bleed-off line, allowing for quicker pressure relief by routing the fluid through a pneumatic, hydraulic, or electric valve actuator mechanism.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If manual valve operation is used to relieve drillstring pressure, then the system is simple and reliable, but the pressure dissipation time is excessively long
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical valve operation with an automated actuation system. The valve is equipped with an actuator (pneumatic, hydraulic, or electric) that can be controlled remotely from the drilling rig, eliminating the need for manual intervention and significantly reducing the time required to relieve drillstring pressure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a remote control system as an intermediary between the operator and the valve. The operator can initiate pressure relief from the drilling rig console, and the system automatically executes the valve opening sequence, reducing the time loss associated with manual valve operation while maintaining system reliability.
2Length of stationary object
If the drillstring length is increased to reach deeper wellbores, then the drilling depth is improved, but the pressure dissipation time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies automated actuation to compensate for the increased pressure dissipation time caused by longer drillstrings. The rapid valve actuation system can initiate pressure relief immediately when needed, overcoming the slower natural dissipation rate inherent in longer drillstring configurations.
3Reliability
If float valves and downhole pumps are installed in the drillstring, then the drilling operation reliability is improved, but the pressure dissipation speed is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a remote control system as an intermediary that enables rapid initiation of pressure relief despite the presence of flow-restricting components. The automated system can quickly open the valve and establish alternative flow paths, compensating for the reduced dissipation speed caused by float valves and downhole pumps.
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
This solution significantly reduces the time needed to relieve drillstring pressure, enabling faster addition of drillpipe sections and lowering drilling costs by facilitating quicker wellbore expansion.
Implementation Method 1
routing the fluid through a pneumatic, hydraulic, or electric valve actuator mechanism
Implementation Method 2
routing the fluid through a pneumatic, hydraulic, or electric valve actuator mechanism
Implementation Method 3
routing the fluid through a pneumatic, hydraulic, or electric valve actuator mechanism
Data Source
AI summary
Described herein is a system for relieving pressure in a drillstring on a drilling rig. The system includes a remote switch which moves from a closed-valve position to an open-valve position. The system also includes a valve actuator which moves from a first valve actuator position to a second valve actuator position when the remote switch moves from the closed-valve position to the open-valve position. The system further includes a valve to route a drilling fluid from the drillstring to a flowline via a bleed-off line when the valve moves from a closed position to an open position as the valve actuator moves from the first valve actuator position to the second valve actuator position.