Hydraulic Connector for Continuous Circulation Drilling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current continuous circulation drilling systems require manual operation, posing safety risks due to high pressure lines and fluid flow, and are prone to hose rupture and fluid release during drill pipe rotation, which can lead to accidents and disruptions in drilling operations.
Innovation Solution
A hydraulic connector apparatus with a tubular body and valve assembly that allows for remote operation, providing a secure and continuous fluid supply through a main passage and side passage, with sealing elements to prevent fluid leakage and a split housing design to manage internal pressure, ensuring fluid integrity and safety during drill pipe connections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual hose connections are used for fluid supply, then the system is simpler to manufacture, but safety risks increase due to high pressure lines and fluid flow during drill pipe rotation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical hose connections with an automated hydraulic connector system. The connector uses hydraulic actuators to automatically open/close valves and establish fluid connections, eliminating the need for manual intervention with high-pressure lines during drill pipe rotation, thereby improving safety while managing complexity through automation.
Solution Approach 2:
The hydraulic connector acts as an intermediary device between the drill string and the drilling fluid supply system. It provides a controlled interface that automatically manages high-pressure fluid flow, preventing direct exposure of personnel to hazardous conditions while maintaining reliable fluid supply for continuous circulation drilling.
2Reliability
If hose connections are used during drill pipe rotation, then fluid supply is maintained, but hose rupture and fluid release risks increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces vulnerable flexible hose connections with a rigid, controlled hydraulic connector system that integrates valve mechanisms. This system automatically controls fluid flow paths and contains high-pressure drilling fluid within sealed chambers, eliminating the risk of hose rupture and uncontrolled fluid release during drill pipe rotation while maintaining continuous fluid supply.
Solution Approach 2:
The hydraulic connector incorporates preliminary safety measures by designing sealed fluid pathways and pressure-containing structures before any potential failure can occur. The system proactively prevents fluid release hazards through engineered containment rather than relying on hose integrity during rotation.
3Ease of operation
If manual operation is used, then device complexity is reduced, but operational safety and efficiency decrease due to exposure to high pressure lines
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical operation with an automated hydraulic control system. The connector incorporates hydraulic actuators and control valves that can be operated remotely, eliminating the need for personnel to manually handle high-pressure lines. The added complexity is justified by the significant improvement in operational safety and ease of use.
Solution Approach 2:
The hydraulic connector system performs self-service functions through automated valve actuation and fluid flow control. The system can automatically establish and terminate fluid connections without manual intervention, improving operational efficiency and safety while the initial complexity is managed through integrated control mechanisms.
4Productivity
If continuous circulation is maintained during connections, then drilling efficiency is improved, but pressure management complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables continuous circulation of drilling fluid during drill pipe connections by maintaining open fluid pathways through the hydraulic connector. The connector design allows drilling fluid to flow continuously through the drill string without interruption, preventing ECD changes and maintaining drilling efficiency, while integrated pressure control mechanisms manage the complexity of maintaining continuous flow.
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 hydraulic connector enables safe and continuous drilling fluid circulation during connections, reducing the risk of accidents and maintaining pressure integrity by eliminating the need for manual hose connections and preventing fluid release due to drill pipe rotation, thus enhancing operational safety and efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
the connector housing engages with the groove, the groove thus restricting longitudinal movement of the connector relative to the tubular body
Implementation Method 2
A hydraulic connector apparatus with a tubular body and valve assembly that allows for remote operation, providing a secure and continuous fluid supply through a main passage and side passage
Implementation Method 3
with sealing elements to prevent fluid leakage and a split housing design to manage internal pressure, ensuring fluid integrity and safety
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for continuous circulation drilling comprising a tubular body having a main passage extending along a longitudinal axis of the tubular body from a first end of the tubular body to a second end of the tubular body, a side passage and a control passage, the side passage and control passage both extending through the tubular body into the main passage, the tubular body containing a valve assembly which is operable to close the main passage when the side passage is open and to close the side passage when the main passage is open, the assembly further comprising a hydraulic connector which is operable to clamp around the tubular body, the connector comprising a housing with an interior surface which is provided with first and second grooves which, when the connector is clamped around the tubular body, each form a channel which extends in continuous loop around the exterior of the tubular body, there being at least one passage extending through the housing from an exterior surface of the housing into each of the channels, wherein the tubular body is further provided with two grooves which extend around an exterior surface of the body so that, when the connector is clamped around the tubular body, the connector housing engages with the grooves, the grooves thus restricting longitudinal movement of the connector relative to the tubular body, and the side passage and control passage each connect the main passage with one of the channels formed by the connector.