Interchangeable Drilling Tool Sections for Borehole Adaptability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current downhole formation evaluation tools are limited by fixed configurations, restricted operational ranges, and limited probe options, making them less adaptable and efficient in harsh drilling environments, which complicates formation testing and sampling.
Innovation Solution
A drilling system with interchangeable sections and a transition block that allows for flexible coupling of different probe modules, enabling operation in various borehole sizes and conditions without the need for multiple collars, reducing mud washout and improving tool reliability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed collar configuration is used to house the formation tester, then the tool structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the range of borehole sizes within which the tool may be successfully operated is narrow
Solution Approach 1:
The drill collar is divided into multiple interchangeable sections (first section, second section, third section) that can be assembled in different configurations. Each section has standardized coupling mechanisms that allow them to be connected in various combinations to create collars of different lengths and diameters, enabling the formation tester to operate in a wide range of borehole sizes while maintaining a relatively simple individual section design
Solution Approach 2:
The interchangeable collar sections are designed with universal coupling features that allow the same basic section design to serve multiple functions. The sections can be combined in different numbers and arrangements to create collars suitable for different borehole diameters and depths, making a single design serve multiple operational scenarios rather than requiring specialized collars for each application
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple variants of collars are kept in inventory to address different pressure testing and sampling conditions, then the tool can adapt to various conditions, but the device complexity and inventory requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The collar system is segmented into standardized sections that can be mixed and matched. Rather than maintaining inventory of complete pre-assembled collars for each condition, the system maintains inventory of individual interchangeable sections that can be assembled into the appropriate configuration for each specific pressure testing or sampling condition, reducing overall inventory requirements
Solution Approach 2:
The collar configuration is made dynamic and adjustable rather than fixed. The interchangeable sections allow the collar assembly to be reconfigured in the field to match different operational conditions, eliminating the need to maintain static inventory of multiple specialized collar variants for different pressure testing and sampling scenarios
3Measurement precision
If wireline tools are used to measure formation properties, then formation pressure and permeability measurements can be obtained, but the drill string must be removed from the well requiring time-consuming trips
Solution Approach 1:
The formation testing capability is merged with the drilling operation by integrating the formation tester into the drill string assembly. The drill collar sections house the formation tester components, allowing formation pressure and permeability measurements to be taken while the drill string remains in the well, eliminating the need to remove the drill string for wireline tool deployment
Solution Approach 2:
The drill collar is given multiple functions: it serves both as a structural component of the drill string and as a housing for the formation tester. This multi-functionality allows the same assembly to perform both drilling and formation evaluation tasks simultaneously, eliminating the need for separate wireline tool trips while maintaining measurement capabilities
4Device complexity
If a single collar houses all formation tester components, then the tool structure is simplified, but the probe types and configurations are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The formation tester components are distributed across multiple interchangeable collar sections rather than being confined to a single collar. This segmentation allows different probe types and configurations to be housed in different sections, which can then be assembled in appropriate combinations. Each section can be optimized for specific probe types while maintaining overall structural simplicity through standardized coupling mechanisms
Data Source
AI summary
A drilling system includes a first section of a drilling tool having a collar configured to hold internal components of the first section. The drilling system also includes a second section of the drilling tool configured to be coupled with the first section in a specific orientation relative to the first section. The second section is interchangeable with at least one different section.