Integrated Casing Fill-Up and Flowback Tool for Rigging Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
The process of drilling subterranean wells for oil and gas recovery faces challenges in efficiently running casing strings due to sticking issues and the need for frequent rigging changes, which are time-consuming and hazardous, especially in deepwater operations where threaded connections between the top drive and downhole tubulars are slow and labor-intensive.
Innovation Solution
A combination casing fill-up and drill pipe flowback tool that integrates the functions of both tools, allowing for faster changeovers and safer operations by using a fluid connector tool with a piston-rod assembly and seal assemblies to facilitate fluid circulation and flowback, reducing the need for complete rig-down and rig-up procedures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate casing fill-up tool and drill pipe flowback tool are used, then each tool can be optimized for its specific function, but the rigging changeover time increases and operational safety decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the casing fill-up tool and drill pipe flowback tool into a single integrated tool assembly. The fluid connector tool includes both a casing seal assembly for fill-up operations and a drill pipe seal assembly for flowback operations, allowing both functions to be performed without removing the tool from the wellhead, thereby reducing changeover time and improving safety.
Solution Approach 2:
The fluid connector tool is designed with multi-functionality, serving both as a casing fill-up tool and a drill pipe flowback tool. The tool includes interchangeable seal assemblies that can be configured for different operations, enabling one tool to perform multiple functions that previously required separate specialized tools.
2Ease of manufacture
If complete rig-down and rig-up procedures are performed for tool changes, then the correct tool can be installed, but the operation becomes labor-intensive and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
By merging the functions of two separate tools into one integrated fluid connector tool, the patent eliminates the need for complete rig-down and rig-up procedures when switching between casing fill-up and drill pipe flowback operations. The tool remains installed in the wellhead, and only the seal assembly needs to be changed, significantly improving productivity.
3Reliability
If threaded connections between top drive and downhole tubulars are used, then the connection can be made, but the process is slow and labor-intensive especially in deepwater operations
Solution Approach 1:
The fluid connector tool acts as an intermediary device between the top drive and the downhole tubulars. Instead of directly threading connections between the top drive and tubulars, the fluid connector tool provides a standardized interface that simplifies the connection process, making it faster and less labor-intensive while maintaining reliability.
Data Source
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AI summary
A system and method for installing a tubular in a wellbore, of which the method includes coupling a fluid connector tool to a lifting assembly, coupling a casing fill-up and circulation seal assembly to the fluid connector tool, and coupling two segments of casing together to form a casing string. At least one of the segments of casing is fluidically coupled to the casing fill-up and circulation seal assembly. The method also includes running the casing string into a wellbore, pumping a first fluid from the lifting assembly, through the fluid connector tool and the casing fill-up and circulation seal assembly, and into the casing string as the casing string is run into the wellbore, de-coupling the casing fill-up and circulation seal assembly from the fluid connector tool, and coupling a drill-pipe seal assembly to the fluid connector tool.