Fluid Oscillator Pulsating Flow for Coiled Tubing Advancement
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Solution Overview
Problem
In subterranean well operations, it is challenging to advance a tubular string, especially when it comprises coiled tubing, due to flexibility issues, and effectively remove particulate material from the wellbore, particularly in inclined wells where conventional methods fail to efficiently drill and clean.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing a fluid oscillator integrated into the tubular string to produce pulsating and rotational fluid flow, which applies a vibratory reaction force to the string, enhancing its advancement into the well and improving drilling and cleaning efficiency by creating a helical flow that lifts particulate matter.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional drilling methods are used with coiled tubing, then the flexibility of the tubing is maintained, but the tubing cannot be effectively pushed into the well
Solution Approach 1:
The fluid oscillator generates pulsating fluid flow that creates vibratory motion in the tubular string, reducing friction and enabling advancement into the wellbore without compromising the flexibility of coiled tubing
Solution Approach 2:
A fluid oscillator is integrated into the tubular string to discharge pulsating fluid in a direction toward the surface end, creating a reaction force that biases the tubular string into the well
2Productivity
If conventional drilling methods are used in inclined wells, then drilling can proceed, but particulate material cannot be efficiently removed from the wellbore
Solution Approach 1:
The pulsating fluid flow creates vibratory motion that enhances the lifting and removal of particulate material from the wellbore, particularly effective in inclined well configurations
Solution Approach 2:
The fluid oscillator produces periodic pulsating flow that creates alternating forces to lift and transport particulate material out of the wellbore, improving cleaning effectiveness
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
The pulsating and rotational fluid flow enhances the cutting action of the drill bit, biases the tubular string for better advancement, and effectively removes particulate matter by creating a mechanical cleaning effect, facilitating the drilling and cleaning processes even in inclined wellbores.
Implementation Method 1
discharging a fluid from the tubular string, thereby applying a reaction force to the tubular string, which reaction force biases the tubular string at least partially into the well
Implementation Method 2
discharging a fluid from the tubular string, thereby applying a vibratory reaction force to the tubular string
Implementation Method 3
The pulsating and rotational fluid flow enhances the cutting action of the drill bit, biases the tubular string for better advancement, and effectively removes particulate matter by creating a mechanical cleaning effect
Data Source
AI summary
A system for use with a subterranean well can include a fluid oscillator which discharges pulsating fluid from a tubular string in a direction at least partially toward an end of the tubular string proximate a surface of the earth. A method can include discharging a fluid from the tubular string, thereby applying a reaction force to the tubular string, which reaction force biases the tubular string at least partially into the well. Another method can include discharging a pulsating fluid from a fluid oscillator in a direction at least partially toward an end of the tubular string, and drilling into an earth formation with a drill bit connected at an opposite end of the tubular string in the well.