Modular Coupling Device for Drill String Extension
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Solution Overview
Problem
In deep well drilling, the existing coupling systems between drill strings and rotational drive control means face challenges when drilling depths exceed a few meters, requiring frequent uncoupling and recoupling of rods and tubes, which is cumbersome and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A coupling device with a cylindrical tube portion and sleeve design, featuring a polygonal outer cross-section and complementary through-hole, allows for easy sliding and temporary locking, enabling the rods and tubes to be rotated in opposite directions without full disassembly, facilitating the addition of new rod-tube couples without dismantling the entire train.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If traditional coupling systems are used for deep well drilling, then the drill strings can be assembled in sections, but frequent uncoupling and recoupling of rods and tubes is required which is cumbersome and inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The drill string is divided into modular sections (rods and tubes) that can be assembled in segments. The coupling device enables easy connection and disconnection of these segments, allowing the drill string to be extended to great depths while maintaining operational efficiency through standardized modular components.
Solution Approach 2:
A specialized coupling device acts as an intermediary mechanism between the drive means and the drill strings. This coupling device includes a movable coupling element that can be quickly engaged or disengaged from the rod, allowing operators to extend the drill string without removing the entire assembly from the well, thus maintaining productivity while achieving greater depths.
2Productivity
If tubes are rotated inside rods during drilling, then drilling can proceed efficiently, but uncoupling requires removal of tubes to access rods which is complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling device incorporates a movable coupling element that can dynamically transition between engaged and disengaged states. This dynamic mechanism allows the coupling to be quickly released by moving the coupling element along the rod axis, enabling easy access to the rods without requiring removal of the tubes, thus simplifying operations while maintaining the ability to rotate tubes inside rods during drilling.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling mechanism is extracted as a separate, independently controllable component from the drill string itself. By positioning the coupling device at the surface or at accessible locations along the string, operators can manipulate the coupling element to release rods without having to dismantle the entire tube-rod assembly, reducing operational complexity while preserving drilling efficiency.
3Ease of operation
If the entire train is dismantled to access rods for well extension, then complete access is achieved, but the operation becomes excessively complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling device serves as an intermediary access point that allows operators to reach and manipulate the rods without dismantling the entire drill string assembly. The movable coupling element can be independently operated to release the rod connection, providing direct access to the rod for extension or replacement while the tubes remain in place, significantly reducing the time and complexity of well extension operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The drill string system is segmented into independently manageable sections with the coupling device providing a controlled interface between them. This segmentation allows operators to work on one section (the rod connection at the coupling point) without affecting the rest of the assembly, enabling rapid well extension by adding or replacing individual rod sections while maintaining the tubes and already-drilled portions of the well.
Data Source
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AI summary
The device has a cylindrical pipe portion (10) placed between a set of two ends (11, 12), and a tubular end-fitting (40) placed between another set of two ends (41, 42), where an inner cross section of the tubular end-fitting is equal to that of rods of a drill string (Tti). One end (41) of the latter set of two ends is provided with an end part (43) whose outer cross section is complementary to cross section of a traversing bore (33) so as to be plugged-in in the traversing bore. A connection unit connects another end (42) of the latter set of two ends to an end of a pipe string (Ttu).