Grinding Arrangement for Drill String Tool Joints
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Solution Overview
Problem
Sharp edges on drill strings, caused by the jaws of pliers and machines connecting pipe couplings, lead to wear and damage of elastomeric seals during drilling operations, particularly in high-pressure and high-temperature wells, reducing seal effectiveness and lifespan.
Innovation Solution
A grinding system comprising a grinding unit that surrounds the drill string, equipped with grinding elements such as polyurethane or rubber blocks, which can be locked into a receiving unit and rotated or axially moved to remove sharp edges, with an optional fluid injection system for cooling and residue removal, allowing for independent movement of the drill string through the well.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If elastomeric seals are used to seal around the drill string during pressure controlled drilling, then the seal effectiveness is improved, but the seals are susceptible to wear and damage from sharp edges on the drill string
Solution Approach 1:
The grinding unit grinds the drill string surface before the seal contacts it, removing sharp edges in advance. This preliminary action prevents the harmful effects of sharp edges on the seal, allowing the elastomeric material to function effectively without premature wear or damage.
Solution Approach 2:
The grinding unit acts as an intermediary between the drill string and the seal. It modifies the drill string surface by removing sharp edges, creating a conditioned surface that is compatible with the elastomeric seal material, thereby protecting the seal from direct damage.
2Manufacturing precision
If grinding elements are made from polyurethane or rubber blocks, then the grinding effectiveness is improved, but the structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The grinding elements are made from polyurethane or rubber blocks instead of traditional rigid materials. This parameter change in material composition allows the grinding elements to effectively remove sharp edges while being compatible with the elastomeric seal material, achieving good grinding effectiveness without excessive structural complexity.
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 grinding system effectively reduces the risk of seal damage and extends seal lifespan by smoothing the drill string surface, enabling safer and more reliable pressure-controlled drilling operations across various well types.
Implementation Method 1
a grinding unit (36) equipped with at least one grinding element (38), where the grinding element is arranged to remove material from the drill string (50)
Implementation Method 2
A common challenge for all seals is that they are exposed to wear and damage from sharp edges on the drill string
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
AI summary
A grinding arrangement is described to remove sharp edges on a pipe coupling (51) of a drill string (50), as a consequence of marks from the jaws of pliers and machines used to connect the pipe couplings (51) on a drill deck. A receiving unit (30) is arranged to receive a grinding unit (36) which is equipped with at least one grinding element (38), as the grinding unit (36) is arranged to be driven into the receiving unit (30) with the help of the drill string (50) or a suitable running tool and to be locked securely into the receiving unit (30). Furthermore, the receiving unit is arranged in a riser, landing string or in other connections between the drill deck and a wellhead and over a sealing arrangement for dynamic sealing around the drill string (50) during pressure controlled drilling.