Hydraulic Drill-String Connector for Rapid Connection
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Solution Overview
Problem
The conventional threaded connections between a top drive and a drill-string are time-consuming to make and break, significantly slowing down the process of removing a drill-string from a well, which impacts productivity.
Innovation Solution
A connector with a body portion and an extendable seal portion, featuring a piston-rod and cap assembly that uses fluid pressure to establish a fluid-tight seal with the drill-string, allowing for quick connection and disconnection by controlling the flow of drilling mud.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional threaded connections are used between top drive and drill-string, then reliable fluid-tight connection is achieved, but connection and disconnection process is time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the conventional threaded mechanical connection system with a hydraulic actuation system. A hydraulic piston and seal assembly is used to create a fluid-tight connection between the top drive and drill-string, eliminating the need for time-consuming threading operations while maintaining reliable sealing through hydraulic pressure control
Solution Approach 2:
The invention employs hydraulic principles by using drilling mud pressure to actuate a piston that extends a seal portion into the drill-string. The hydraulic system enables quick connection through pressure-driven seal engagement and quick disconnection through pressure release, significantly reducing connection time while ensuring reliable fluid-tight sealing
2Ease of operation
If threaded connections are made and broken repeatedly during tripping-out, then drill-string sections can be removed, but operational efficiency is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic connection system where the seal portion can be quickly extended and retracted through hydraulic pressure control. This allows the connection to be made and broken rapidly without the time-consuming threaded connection process, enabling frequent drill-string section removals during tripping-out operations while maintaining high productivity
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the operational parameters by using hydraulic pressure instead of mechanical threading. The seal portion is extended by increasing hydraulic pressure and retracted by releasing pressure, enabling rapid connection and disconnection cycles that significantly improve tripping-out speed and operational efficiency
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 faster establishment and breaking of connections between the top drive and drill-string, reducing the time required for tripping-out and enhancing operational efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a valve being arranged such that it is opened by the pressure of fluid from the fluid supply when the seal portion is engaged with the pipe
Implementation Method 2
a valve being arranged such that it is opened by the pressure of fluid from the fluid supply when the seal portion is engaged with the pipe
Data Source
AI summary
A connector (10) which provides a fluid tight connection between a fluid supply and a drill-string (4), the connector (10) comprising a piston-rod (20) and a cylinder (15), the piston-rod (20) having a seal at or towards its free end which is adapted to sealingly engage the drill-string (4) when the piston-rod (20) is at least partially extended from the cylinder (15).