Hydraulically Actuated Torque Transfer Arrangement for Downhole Tubulars
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Solution Overview
Problem
In the hydrocarbon recovery industry, there is a lack of effective methods and apparatus to address the diverse situations encountered in the downhole environment for connecting and releasing tubular well tools and components from a work string.
Innovation Solution
A torque transfer arrangement comprising a relatively immobile construct, a relatively mobile construct, and torque body assemblies that respond to hydraulic pressure to contact and transmit torque to a tubular member, utilizing a mandrel piston, torque button carrier, and hydraulically sealed chambers to facilitate engagement and disengagement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional connection methods are used for tubular well tools, then the basic connection function is achieved, but the system lacks adaptability to diverse downhole situations and reliable torque transfer capability
Solution Approach 1:
The torque button assemblies are designed to be movable rather than fixed, allowing them to radially expand and contact the tubular member's inner surface only when hydraulic pressure is applied. This dynamic configuration enables the system to adapt between disconnected and engaged states, providing versatility while ensuring reliable torque transfer only when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
Hydraulic pressure is used to actuate the torque button assemblies, causing them to radially expand and contact the tubular member. This hydraulic actuation mechanism provides reliable and controllable torque transfer while maintaining adaptability through pressure-controlled engagement and disengagement.
2Reliability
If torque transfer arrangement is engaged to transmit torque, then reliable torque transfer is achieved, but the complexity of the device increases
Solution Approach 1:
The torque transfer arrangement is divided into multiple discrete torque button assemblies distributed around the carrier. Each assembly independently contacts the tubular member, distributing the torque transfer function across multiple segments. This segmentation provides reliable torque transfer while keeping each individual component relatively simple.
Solution Approach 2:
The torque button assemblies serve multiple functions: they act as torque transfer elements, sealing surfaces, and engagement indicators. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, thereby reducing overall device complexity while maintaining reliable torque transfer.
3Strength
If torque button assemblies are used for torque transfer, then reliable torque transfer and stress distribution are achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple torque button assemblies are distributed around the carrier to contact different portions of the tubular member's inner surface. This segmentation distributes the applied stress evenly around the circumference, preventing stress concentration while maintaining a relatively simple overall device structure.
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 reliable torque transfer and disengagement of tubular components from the work string, allowing for efficient operation and retrieval in the downhole environment by equally distributing stress and adjusting torque capacity based on hydraulic pressure.
Implementation Method 1
radially responsive to applied hydraulic pressure to contact a surface of a separate structure and transmit torque
Data Source
AI summary
A torque transfer arrangement includes a relatively immobile construct; a relatively mobile construct. The relatively mobile construct is radially adjacent the relatively immobile construct. One or more torque body assemblies are mounted to the relatively mobile construct. The assemblies are radially responsive to applied hydraulic pressure to contact a surface of a separate structure and transmit torque from the arrangement to the separate structure. A method is included.