Modular Spacer Tool With Interchangeable Gauge Rings
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current downhole tool strings require multiple, costly, and time-consuming increased-OD tools for varying borehole conditions, leading to inefficiencies in deployment, maintenance, and inventory management, as existing solutions lack flexibility and modularity for changing diameters and wear prevention.
Innovation Solution
A spacer tool system featuring a mandrel and interchangeable gauge rings that can be easily slid onto and removed from the mandrel without threads, allowing for adjustable outer diameters and modular configurations to accommodate different borehole conditions, reducing the need for multiple tools and simplifying maintenance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple increased-OD tools are used to accommodate different borehole conditions, then adaptability to varying borehole conditions is improved, but device complexity and inventory management complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The increased-OD tool is divided into a mandrel and a separate gauge ring that can be detached from each other. The mandrel remains in the tool string while the gauge ring can be removed and replaced with different sized rings to accommodate different borehole conditions, eliminating the need for multiple complete tools.
Solution Approach 2:
The gauge ring is made replaceable rather than fixed, allowing the outer diameter of the tool to be dynamically adjusted by swapping gauge rings based on the specific borehole conditions encountered during operation.
2Device complexity
If one-piece increased-OD tools are used, then structural simplicity is improved, but maintenance time and productivity decrease due to complete tool replacement requirements
Solution Approach 1:
By separating the gauge ring from the mandrel, only the worn gauge ring needs to be replaced rather than the entire tool, significantly reducing maintenance time and improving productivity while maintaining structural simplicity of the mandrel.
Solution Approach 2:
The worn gauge ring is discarded and replaced with a new or different sized gauge ring, while the mandrel is recovered and reused, eliminating the need to replace the entire tool and reducing maintenance costs and time.
3Strength
If threaded connections are used for gauge ring attachment, then connection strength is improved, but assembly time and ease of operation worsen due to threading complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The connection mechanism is simplified by using a shouldered interface instead of threaded engagement, allowing the gauge ring to be slipped onto the mandrel and secured by shouldering, which is much faster and easier than threading while still providing adequate connection strength.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems, apparatus and methods useful for increasing the outer diameter of a tool string at a desired location in the tool string involve a spacer tool having a mandrel releasably engageable with at least one other tool of the tool string and a gauge ring distinct from and releasably, non-threadably engageable with the mandrel. The gauge ring extends radially outwardly from the mandrel to provide the spacer tool with a maximum outer diameter that is greater than the maximum outer diameter of at least one other tool in the tool string.