Modular Cementing Tool With Non-Threaded Connections
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current cementing tools for subterranean wells require significant time and torque for connection and disconnection, limiting efficiency and flexibility in operations, as they are typically provided as complete units with threaded connections that need to be rotated and assembled prior to use.
Innovation Solution
A modular cementing tool assembly utilizing non-threaded, low-torque connections, such as ball lock assemblies, allows for easy assembly and disassembly without the need for special torquing equipment, enabling rapid connection and disconnection of components and facilitating tool configuration changes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If threaded male and female couplings are used to connect pipe components, then the connection strength and structural integrity are improved, but the connection time and torque requirements increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The cementing tool is divided into modular components that can be connected and disconnected independently. The tool assembly includes a power section, a cementing section with interchangeable nozzle assemblies, and a ball section, allowing rapid replacement of components without assembling the entire tool from scratch.
Solution Approach 2:
Traditional threaded mechanical connections are replaced with a rapid connect/disconnect coupling system. The coupling includes a coupling body with internal threading and a coupling member with external threading that can be quickly attached and detached without requiring rotation or torquing equipment.
2Reliability
If the cementing tool is provided as a complete indivisible unit, then the structural integrity and reliability are improved, but the ability to repair and reconfigure the tool is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The cementing tool is segmented into modular sections including a power section, cementing section, and ball section. The cementing section further contains interchangeable nozzle assemblies that can be independently replaced. This modular architecture maintains overall tool reliability while enabling easy repair and reconfiguration of specific components.
Solution Approach 2:
The tool configuration is made dynamic and adaptable through interchangeable nozzle assemblies. Different nozzle assemblies can be attached to the cementing section depending on the specific cementing requirements, allowing the tool to adapt to various operational conditions while maintaining structural integrity.
3Stability of the object's composition
If threaded connections requiring rotation are used, then the connection stability is improved, but the operational complexity and equipment requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The traditional threaded connection system requiring rotation and torquing equipment is replaced with a direct push-to-connect coupling mechanism. The coupling body and coupling member engage through a simple linear motion, eliminating the need for rotational assembly operations and specialized torquing equipment while maintaining connection stability through internal threading and sealing mechanisms.
4Reliability
If the entire cementing tool is removed and reassembled for repairs or configuration changes, then the tool reliability is maintained, but the operational time and productivity are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The cementing tool is segmented into modular components that can be independently replaced. Specifically, the nozzle assemblies within the cementing section can be quickly swapped without removing the entire tool from the wellbore, maintaining reliability while significantly improving productivity by eliminating lengthy disassembly and reassembly operations.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple nozzle assemblies can be prepared in advance and stored ready for installation. When a configuration change or repair is needed, the appropriate pre-prepared nozzle assembly can be quickly attached to the cementing section, reducing downtime and maintaining productivity.
Data Source
AI summary
An improved cementing tool is presented which allows for relatively easy removal and insertion of the tool through the use of non-threaded low-torque connections. The cementing tool uses a combination of threaded connections and non-threaded, low-torque connections configured to create a stack of components including plug launchers, ball launchers and plug launch indicator/counters. Use of non-threaded low-torque connections allows for breaking down the tool by hand, requiring no special torquing equipment.