Modular Reamer Eccentric Sleeve Configuration for Wellbore Drift

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

The drilling process for horizontal, directional, and vertical wells faces issues such as micro-ledging, increased torque and drag, and inefficient wellbore enlargement due to repeated direction corrections, leading to spiraled or tortuous paths and difficulties in pipe passage, which conventional reaming techniques fail to address effectively.

Innovation Solution

A modular downhole tool with diametrically opposed eccentric reamer sleeves that can be positioned at various rotational angles, allowing for targeted enlargement of the wellbore drift diameter by cutting away material closer to the center, thereby improving reaming efficiency and flexibility.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Area of stationary object

If conventional reaming techniques are used to enlarge the wellbore drift diameter, then the drift diameter is increased, but the process adds considerable expense and time, and frequently does not improve the wellbore quality

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewellbore drift diameterVSAvoidtime for additional reaming runs

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The reamer is divided into modular components including interchangeable sleeves with cutters that can be independently replaced. This segmentation allows the reamer to be configured for specific reaming needs and enables quick field repairs by swapping individual sleeves rather than replacing the entire tool, thereby reducing downtime and operational costs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The reamer incorporates adjustable and interchangeable components that allow dynamic reconfiguration of the tool assembly. The modular design with replaceable sleeves and cutters enables the tool to adapt to different wellbore conditions and reaming requirements, optimizing performance while reducing the need for multiple specialized tools.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Area of stationary object

If conventional reaming techniques are used to enlarge the wellbore drift diameter, then the drift diameter is increased, but the process adds considerable expense and operational complexity

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewellbore drift diameterVSAvoidreaming operation complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The modular reamer design provides multi-functionality through interchangeable sleeves and cutters that can be configured for different reaming applications. A single base assembly can accommodate various sleeve configurations, eliminating the need for multiple specialized reaming tools and simplifying the overall operation while maintaining versatility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The reamer allows parameter changes through interchangeable components with different cutter configurations, diameters, and orientations. This enables adjustment of reaming parameters such as cut depth, cutter arrangement, and sleeve positioning to optimize performance for specific wellbore conditions without requiring complex specialized tools.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If eccentric reamers are used to provide reaming capabilities, then some wellbore improvement is achieved, but the tools lack flexibility of design and diameter and require stocking multiple fixtures in the field

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewellbore improvement qualityVSAvoiddesign flexibility and diameter variation

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Shape

If repeated direction corrections are made during drilling, then the desired wellbore path is achieved, but micro-ledging and doglegs are induced causing increased torque and drag

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewellbore path orientationVSAvoidtorque and drag

Core Design Contradiction:

ShapeVSForce

Solution Approach 1:

The reamer is deployed during or immediately after drilling to preliminarily condition the wellbore by removing micro-ledges and doglegs before subsequent drilling or production operations. This preliminary action prevents the accumulation of friction and drag that would occur with repeated direction corrections, maintaining a smoother wellbore path.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The reamer converts the harmful effects of micro-ledging and doglegs created by direction corrections into beneficial results by cutting away the irregular wellbore surfaces. The reaming process transforms the tortuous path created by repeated corrections into a smoother, more uniform wellbore that reduces torque and drag for subsequent operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

Data Source

PatentUS11939818B2Modular reamer

Publication Date: 2024.03.26 T J TECH 2020 INC

AI summary

A modular reamer for use in a wellbore comprises an uphole end member, a center member, and a downhole member, with reamer sleeves that removably slides over a sleeve mounting portion of the center member or one of the end members, and are held between the end members and the center members when assembled into a downhole tool. The reamer sleeves may be positioned at any desired rotational angle relative to each other and are prevented from rotational movement relative to the center member by spines or keys formed on the mating surfaces of the reamer sleeves and corresponding members of the modular eccentric reamer.