Float Collar Ball Deflector for Sheath Bore Flow Protection

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing float collars lack an effective mechanism to prevent balls from obstructing the sheath bore, which can hinder the flow of fluids and cement during wellbore cementing operations.

Innovation Solution

A ball deflector is integrated into the float collar, comprising a upper grate and a lower anchor engaged with the sheath, made from materials drillable by a PDC drill bit, to prevent balls from entering the sheath bore.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If a float collar is used in wellbore cementing operations, then fluid flow is enabled, but balls can obstruct the sheath bore and hinder flow

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefluid flowVSAvoidflow obstruction risk

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

A ball deflector is introduced as an intermediary component between the float valve and the sheath bore. The deflector includes a upper grate and a lower anchor that engages with the sheath, creating a barrier that prevents balls from entering and obstructing the sheath bore while allowing fluid to flow freely through the system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If a ball deflector is added to prevent ball obstruction, then flow reliability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveflow obstruction preventionVSAvoidfloat collar structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The ball deflector is segmented into two main components: a upper grate that provides the ball-blocking barrier and a lower anchor that provides attachment to the sheath. This segmentation allows for easier installation and maintenance while achieving the reliability improvement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The ball deflector components are nested within the existing float collar structure. The lower anchor engages with the sheath internally, and the upper grate is positioned within the sheath bore, allowing the deflector to be integrated into the existing float collar without requiring complete structural redesign.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

3Adaptability or versatility

If the ball deflector is made from drillable materials, then operational flexibility is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovedrillabilityVSAvoidmaterial selection

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The ball deflector components are manufactured from materials with specific mechanical properties that allow them to be drilled by PDC drill bits. This involves selecting materials with appropriate hardness, abrasion resistance, and drillability parameters, such as certain polymers or composite materials, to enable subsequent drilling operations while maintaining structural integrity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP4502337A1Ball deflector for float collar

Publication Date: 2025.02.05 DOWNHOLE PRODS UK

Figure 1
Figure 2A~2C
Figure 3A~3B

AI summary

A float collar for use in a wellbore includes: a float valve; a tubular housing having a coupling formed at a longitudinal end thereof for assembly as part of a downhole tubular; a sheath bonding the float valve to an inner surface of the housing within a flow bore thereof, the sheath having a bore formed therein; and a ball deflector seated against a top of the sheath and having: an upper grate and a lower anchor engaged with an inner surface of the sheath adjacent the bore. The float valve, the sheath, and the ball deflector are made from materials drillable by a polycrystalline diamond compact (PDC) drill bit.