Extensible Tubing Seal and Piston Design for Continuous Fluid Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for filling casings during drilling operations require interruptions, pose risks of the casing string getting stuck, are time-consuming, and involve personnel entering the red zone, which are subject to a substantial risk of serious incidents related to remotely operated equipment and dropped objects.
Innovation Solution
An extensible tubing system that includes a first tubing portion for connection to the fluid receiving device and a second tubing portion for communicating the fluid to the fluid receiving device, comprising a housing, a core, a pipe, and a biasing means that allows fluid transfer without spillage by adjusting to fluid pressure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional method of filling casing by interrupting running operation is used, then fluid can be transferred to casing, but running operation is interrupted and casing string may get stuck
Solution Approach 1:
The extensible tubing enables continuous fluid transfer during the entire casing running operation without interruption. The tubing extends as the casing is run into the well and automatically retracts when fluid transfer is complete, allowing the running operation to proceed continuously while maintaining the ability to supply balancing fluid to the casing.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If conventional method using hose from drilling floor is used, then fluid can be supplied to casing, but personnel must enter red zone which is hazardous
Solution Approach 1:
The extensible tubing system is self-actuating through fluid pressure. When fluid is supplied under pressure, the piston moves automatically to extend the tubing into the casing. When fluid supply stops or pressure drops, the biasing means automatically retracts the tubing. This eliminates the need for personnel to manually operate hoses in the hazardous red zone while maintaining simple operation through automatic pressure-responsive actuation.
3Productivity
If extensible tubing is used for continuous fluid transfer, then productivity is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The extensible tubing is divided into distinct functional segments: a first tubing portion connected to the fluid supply, a second tubing portion with the extensible mechanism, a piston for actuation, and a biasing means for retraction. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently while simplifying the overall design and maintenance of the complex extensible structure.
4Loss of time
If conventional filling method is used, then equipment simplicity is maintained, but time consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The extensible tubing is pre-positioned and connected to the fluid supply system before the casing running operation begins. The tubing is designed to automatically extend to the required length as the casing is run in, eliminating the need for time-consuming manual intervention or equipment reconfiguration during the operation. The biasing means is pre-loaded to ensure automatic retraction when fluid supply stops.
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
Enables continuous fluid transfer between a fluid supplying device and a fluid receiving device, reducing the risk of interruptions, time consumption, and personnel exposure to hazardous conditions, while maintaining efficient fluid communication.
Implementation Method 1
the pipe is movable towards its extended position upon exposure to a fluid pressure force exceeding an opposite force from the biasing means
Implementation Method 2
a biasing means configured for urging the pipe towards its retracted position
Implementation Method 3
a seal prevents fluid from passing between the core and the pipe
Data Source
Figure 1a~1b
Figure 2a~2b
Figure 3a~3b
AI summary
An extensible tubing (1) and a method of facilitating transfer of fluid between a fluid sup-plying device and a fluid receiving device, the extensible tubing (1) configured for connection to the fluid supplying device and for receiving a fluid therefrom, wherein the extensi-ble tubing (1) comprises: a housing (102) having a first end portion (104) and a second end portion (106); a core (120) arranged inside the housing (102) and secured thereto; a pipe (110) arranged be-tween the housing (102) and the core (120), the pipe (110) being axially movable be-tween a retracted position wherein a seal (112) prevents fluid from passing between the core (120) and the pipe (110), and an extended position wherein the seal (112) does not prevent fluid from passing between the core (120) and the pipe (110); and a piston (114) and a biasing means (116) for urging the pipe (110) towards its retracted position.