Friction Reduction Assembly for Drilling String Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing drilling technologies face challenges in efficiently drilling horizontal or lateral wellbores due to rotating and sliding frictional forces, which limit the length of lateral sections and require additional tools that can cause inefficiencies and potential damage.
Innovation Solution
The use of a selectively actuatable drilling string assembly with multiple friction reduction tools and activation tools, which can be selectively activated to reduce friction at specific locations along the lateral wellbore, allowing for improved weight transfer and reduced risk of damage to casing and cement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If an impulse or vibration tool is introduced into the drilling string to impart vibratory motion, then friction between the wellbore and drilling string is reduced, but additional challenges and potential damage to wellbore components are created
Solution Approach 1:
The drilling string is divided into multiple segments with selectively actuatable friction reduction tools at different locations. Each tool can be independently activated or deactivated, allowing the operator to apply vibratory motion only to specific segments of the drilling string as needed, rather than activating all tools simultaneously. This segmentation enables precise control over where and when friction reduction is applied.
Solution Approach 2:
The friction reduction tools are designed to be selectively actuatable, transitioning between active and inactive states based on real-time drilling conditions. The system dynamically adjusts which tools are operational along the drilling string, allowing the operator to activate tools only when and where friction becomes problematic, and deactivate them when not needed or when approaching sensitive wellbore sections.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If multiple friction reduction tools are added to the drilling string, then frictional resistance is reduced along the lateral wellbore, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Each friction reduction tool is designed as a multi-functional component that can serve both as an active friction reduction device when needed and as a passive structural element when inactive. The tools share common design features and activation mechanisms, allowing them to be deployed in sequences or combinations without requiring entirely different systems for each location.
Solution Approach 2:
The friction reduction tools are arranged along the drilling string in a nested configuration where tools can be activated in sequences from shallower to deeper locations. The system allows for hierarchical activation where outer tools may be activated first, followed by inner tools as needed, creating a nested activation pattern that manages complexity through ordered operation.
3Productivity
If friction reduction tools are activated continuously, then weight transfer efficiency is improved, but risk of damage to casing and cement increases
Solution Approach 1:
The friction reduction tools operate in periodic cycles rather than continuously, alternating between active vibratory motion phases and inactive phases. During active phases, the tools impart vibratory motion to reduce friction and improve weight transfer. During inactive phases, the tools remain dormant to prevent potential damage to casing and cement. This periodic operation allows the system to achieve productivity benefits while limiting exposure to harmful vibratory forces.
Solution Approach 2:
The system proactively deactivates friction reduction tools before they can cause damage to wellbore components. By monitoring drilling conditions and wellbore integrity, the control system anticipates potential damage scenarios and preemptively shuts down active tools, preventing harmful effects before they occur rather than reacting after damage has been inflicted.
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
This approach enables more efficient drilling of lateral wellbores by reducing frictional resistance, allowing for longer lateral sections to be drilled without the need for frequent tool changes, and minimizing the risk of damage to wellbore components.
Implementation Method 1
an impulse or vibration tool can be introduced into the drilling string to impart a vibratory motion to the string and potentially the BHA
Data Source
AI summary
A friction reduction tool and assembly are selectively activatable to produce fluid pressure pulses in downhole operations. The assembly includes a variable choke assembly having a rotary component and a stationary component, each with passages that enter into and out of alignment when the rotary component rotates with respect to the stationary component when driven by a rotor. The rotary component, stationary component, and rotor each have a central bore defining a central passage permitting fluid flow from above the assembly to below the assembly.