Integral Swivel for Selective Torque Transmission in Cementing Tools
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current cementing tools in the oil and gas industry face inefficiencies in torque transmission and fluid circulation during well drilling operations, limiting the effectiveness of cement slurry placement and zonal isolation.
Innovation Solution
An integral swivel tool with a swivel assembly that operates in three configurations: locking torque transmission, unlocking it to allow fluid circulation, and blocking ports for full-bore flow path creation, enabling selective torque transmission and improved fluid displacement efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If the swivel assembly is locked to transmit torque from upper to lower casing string, then torque transmission is improved, but fluid circulation is blocked
Solution Approach 1:
The swivel assembly is segmented into an upper body, lower body, and swivel mechanism with distinct functional zones. The circulation ports are positioned to allow fluid passage when the swivel mechanism is in the unlocked position, while the locking mechanism provides torque transmission path when engaged. This segmentation allows independent optimization of torque transmission and fluid circulation pathways.
Solution Approach 2:
The swivel assembly transitions between two dynamic states: a locked state where torque is transmitted from upper to lower casing string, and an unlocked state where circulation ports open to allow fluid flow. The swivel mechanism dynamically adjusts the connection between upper and lower bodies, enabling selective activation of torque transmission or fluid circulation based on operational requirements.
2Quantity of substance
If the circulation ports are opened for fluid flow, then fluid circulation is improved, but torque transmission is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The swivel assembly transitions between two dynamic states: a locked state where torque is transmitted from upper to lower casing string, and an unlocked state where circulation ports open to allow fluid flow. The swivel mechanism dynamically adjusts the connection between upper and lower bodies, enabling selective activation of torque transmission or fluid circulation based on operational requirements.
3Quantity of substance
If the integral swivel tool is drilled out to full-bore flow path, then fluid flow capacity is improved, but pressure integrity is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The circulation ports are pre-positioned within the swivel assembly body to provide adequate fluid circulation during cementing operations. This preliminary fluid pathway design eliminates the need for post-installation drilling, as the ports are strategically located to ensure sufficient flow capacity while maintaining the structural integrity and pressure containment of the tool body.
4Device complexity
If multiple functions are integrated into single tool, then device complexity is reduced, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges multiple functions into the integral swivel tool: torque transmission capability, fluid circulation capability, and drillability. The swivel assembly integrates the upper body connection, lower body connection, and circulation port system into a single manufactured component or tightly integrated assembly, reducing the need for multiple separate tools while maintaining manufacturing feasibility through standardized coupling mechanisms.
Data Source
AI summary
A tool and method for selectively allowing a transmission of torque to a casing string at a position below installation of the tool along the casing string. The tool includes an upper body to engage with an upper portion of a casing string, a lower body to engage with a lower portion of a casing string, and a swivel assembly connecting the upper body to the lower body, the swivel assembly is to operate in multiple configurations such that the upper body and the lower body are selectively locked together to allow or prevent torque transmission through the tool from the upper portion of the casing string to the lower portion of the casing string.