Floating Drift Verification for Tubular String Inner Diameter

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for verifying the inner diameter of tubulars in a wellbore are time-consuming and risky, with a high potential for dropped objects and undersize ID issues not detected until the entire tubular string is in the wellbore, leading to costly removal.

Innovation Solution

A floating drift apparatus that floats in wellbore fluid, allowing continuous verification of tubular inner diameter as the tubular string is assembled, using buoyancy to traverse connections and joints, with detection means to identify undersize IDs.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a drift device is dropped down through a tubular to verify inner diameter, then the ID verification is completed, but the method is time-consuming and carries high risk of dropped object events

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveID verification reliabilityVSAvoidverification time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transforms the static drift verification process into a dynamic continuous verification system. The drift indicator continuously moves through the tubular string as it is being assembled, providing real-time ID verification rather than discrete spot checks. This dynamic approach eliminates the need to stop assembly for verification and reduces the time each joint spends in the verification process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The drift indicator is placed in position before the tubular string is fully assembled and run into the wellbore. Verification occurs preliminarily during the assembly process itself, allowing undersize joints to be identified and corrected before the entire string is deployed, preventing costly remediation operations later.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Measurement precision

If traditional drift verification is performed before making up tubular string, then ID issues are detected, but undersize ID problems at threaded connections are not detected until the entire tubular string is in the wellbore

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveID measurement accuracyVSAvoidconnection ID verification

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The drift indicator provides continuous verification throughout the entire tubular string assembly process, including through threaded connections. As the indicator moves continuously through each joint and connection, it maintains constant monitoring of the ID, ensuring that connection areas are verified just as thoroughly as the tubular bodies themselves.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Solution Approach 2:

The drift indicator provides immediate feedback on ID adequacy as each joint is assembled. When the indicator encounters an undersize section, it provides real-time indication that allows operators to stop and correct the problem immediately, rather than discovering the issue after the entire string is in the wellbore.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Productivity

If tubulars are assembled quickly to improve productivity, then assembly speed increases, but the risk of creating undersize ID sections at threaded connections increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveassembly speedVSAvoidthreaded connection ID quality

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The drift indicator serves as a self-verifying mechanism that automatically checks each joint and connection as it is assembled. The system monitors its own progress and provides self-diagnosis of ID adequacy without requiring separate verification steps, allowing fast assembly to continue while maintaining quality control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces slow, discrete mechanical drift verification with a continuous monitoring system that moves with the assembly process. This substitution allows verification to occur without interrupting the assembly workflow, maintaining both speed and precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 efficient and safe verification of tubular inner diameter during assembly, quickly locating and correcting undersize sections, reducing the risk of costly wellbore complications.

Implementation Method 1

a floating drift apparatus that floats in wellbore fluid, allowing continuous verification of tubular inner diameter as the tubular string is assembled, using buoyancy to traverse connections and joints

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectBuoyancy: Archimedes' Principle (Buoyancy)

Data Source

PatentUS12607115B2Apparatus for verifying the inner diameter of tubulars forming a tubular string

Publication Date: 2026.04.21 BOMERSBACH DAN TODD

AI summary

A floating drift apparatus for verifying the inner diameter of tubulars as the tubulars are made up into a tubular string being run into a wellbore. A float section provides buoyancy to float the apparatus in fluid within the bore of a tubular, and a drift section has a drift element with a diameter substantially equal to the tubular inner diameter being verified, which may be the drift diameter. When running a tubular string, the apparatus is inserted into the bore of the tubular string, floating in the fluid. As joints of tubular are made up and run into the wellbore, the tubulars move downhole around the apparatus. Preferably, the floating drift apparatus can be visually detected. If an undersize ID is encountered, the floating drift apparatus will be pushed downhole and no longer visible; the operator can remove the undersize ID tubular from the string.