Jointed Pipe Injector Trigger Mechanism for Snubbing Operations
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for injecting segmented pipe or tubing into horizontal wells face challenges such as high friction, buckling risks, and manual operation safety issues, particularly in extended reach horizontal wells, due to limitations in coiled tubing injector technology and snubbing jack technology.
Innovation Solution
A passively rotating jointed tubular string continuous snubbing injector system that applies a linear force while allowing rotation of the tubular string, minimizing unsupported length and using a trigger mechanism with coupling sensors to manage gripper block interactions with varying diameter profiles, thereby reducing friction and buckling risks and automating the injection process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If continuous coiled tubing injector technology is used, then the pipe can be continuously pushed into the well, but the friction in the horizontal section exceeds the buckling force limit of the continuous tubing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the continuous tubing into segmented jointed tubular sections that can be individually managed. Each segment can be rotated independently to reduce friction, and the jointed structure allows for better control of buckling forces compared to continuous coiled tubing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic rotation capability to the tubular string during the injection process. By rotating the tubular sections while pushing them into the well, the system dynamically reduces friction between the pipe and wellbore walls, overcoming the static friction limitation of conventional continuous tubing systems.
2Productivity
If coiled tubing is used, then continuous injection is possible, but the tubing cannot be rotated to reduce friction while moving axially
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables dynamic rotation of the tubular string during axial movement. The rotation mechanism allows the pipe to spin while being pushed into the well, creating a rotating flow pattern that reduces friction between the pipe surface and wellbore walls, directly addressing the friction limitation of static coiled tubing systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The rotation of the tubular string creates a dynamic mechanical action that disturbs the boundary layer and reduces friction. The rotating movement generates a sort of mechanical vibration effect that prevents the pipe from settling into a static friction state, allowing smoother axial movement through the horizontal well section.
3Ease of operation
If snubbing jack technology is used, then segmented pipe can be pushed into the wellbore, but the repetitive movements create high possibility of human error resulting in operational safety risk
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates sensors and control systems that enable the snubbing jack to operate autonomously. The system self-regulates the pushing force, monitors the injection process, and adjusts operations based on real-time conditions, eliminating the need for repetitive manual operations and reducing human error risks.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback control through sensors that monitor the injection process parameters such as force, position, and tubular string movement. This feedback information is used to automatically adjust the snubbing jack operations, ensuring safe and controlled injection while eliminating the repetitive manual operations that create safety risks.
4Ease of operation
If snubbing jack is used, then multiple strokes of various lengths can be applied, but the distance between stationary slip and travelling slip creates unsupported column length that increases buckling risk
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses dynamic rotation of the tubular string during the pushing process to stabilize the unsupported column. The rotation creates dynamic forces that prevent buckling, allowing the snubbing jack to operate with longer unsupported lengths without compromising structural integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary rotation of the tubular string before and during the pushing operation. This preliminary action prepares the string by establishing rotational momentum and dynamic stabilization, preventing buckling from occurring in the first place during the subsequent pushing operation.
Data Source
AI summary
A trigger mechanism is provided for a passive rotating jointed tubing injector having gripper blocks for moving connected, segmented oilfield tubulars axially into or out of horizontal, extended-reach oil and natural gas wells that may contain pressurized fluid or gas to complete for production, work over and service the wells, utilizing an operation commonly known as snubbing. The trigger mechanism can open the gripper blocks when a tapered upset section of increasing diameter on the tubulars is encountered that would not otherwise fully open and operate the gripper blocks.