External Wellbore Cleanup Tool Mounting for Drill String Integrity

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing wellbore cleanup tools compromise drill string integrity due to mismatched connections, requiring crossovers and pup joints, which increase rig time, costs, and safety risks, while inventory management is costly and inefficient.

Innovation Solution

Wellbore cleanup tools are externally mounted to drill pipe without tool bodies, using robust external rings and locking devices to secure them, ensuring drill string integrity and reducing the need for crossovers and pup joints.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If wellbore cleanup tools are mounted using traditional drill pipe connections, then the tools can be securely attached, but the drill string integrity is compromised and crossovers/pup joints are required

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedrill string integrityVSAvoidconnection complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention extracts the connection interface from the traditional drill pipe threaded connections and replaces it with a simplified external mounting system using rings and clamps that attach to the drill pipe body without requiring tool joints or crossovers

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The mounting system is segmented into separate components: external rings that fit over the drill pipe, locking clamps that secure the rings, and the cleanup tools themselves. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and simplifies the overall attachment process

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Ease of operation

If crossovers and pup joints are used to mount cleanup tools, then the tools can be attached to the drill string, but rig time increases and operational efficiency decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetool attachment easeVSAvoidrig time

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The external rings are pre-installed on the drill pipe sections before entering the wellbore, so that during operations the cleanup tools can be quickly attached without requiring time-consuming connection operations or specialized handling equipment

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Adaptability or versatility

If traditional tool bodies with internal connections are used, then the tools can be assembled, but inventory management becomes costly and inefficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetool configuration flexibilityVSAvoidinventory requirements

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The external rings and locking clamp system serves as a universal mounting interface that can accommodate various types of cleanup tools (scrapers, brushes, magnets, etc.) without requiring different connection hardware, thereby reducing inventory requirements while maintaining versatility

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS12421828B2Drill string mountable wellbore cleanup apparatus and method

Publication Date: 2025.09.23 ODFJELL WELL SERVICES NORWAY AS

AI summary

A drill pipe mountable wellbore cleaning tool apparatus is of an improved configuration that enables attachment to a drill pipe joint having first and second connector end portions and a cylindrically shaped portion in between the connector end portions. The drill pipe joint with attached debris cleaning tool or tools is made part of a drill string. The apparatus includes a support sleeve that is mounted to the drill pipe joint in between the connector end portions. The support sleeve abuts but does not invade the integrity of the cylindrical portion. Centralizers are attached to the opposing ends of the support sleeve, with each centralizer overlapping a portion of the support sleeve. The support sleeve carries one or more debris cleaning tools in between the centralizers. These tools enable debris to be removed from a wellbore.