Mechanical Mud Bucket Sealing and Latching Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing apparatuses for collecting drilling fluid from work strings on drilling rigs fail to form a proper seal and have inadequate closing and latching mechanisms, leading to spills and environmental hazards.

Innovation Solution

A mechanical mud bucket with pivotally associated shell members, a seal mechanism, a mechanical locking component, and a pressure control system that maintains atmospheric pressure, allowing for efficient collection and containment of drilling fluid during the lifting of work strings.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If prior art bucket devices are used to collect drilling fluid, then fluid collection is attempted, but proper seal is not formed leading to spills

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesealing effectivenessVSAvoidfluid spillage

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a flexible sealing element that conformally engages with the work string surface. This flexible membrane adapts to the cylindrical geometry of the work string, creating an effective seal that prevents drilling fluid from escaping during the tripping operation. The flexibility allows the seal to maintain contact despite minor surface irregularities or movements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The sealing system utilizes composite construction combining rigid structural components with flexible sealing materials. The bucket assembly integrates a rigid housing for structural support with flexible sealing elements for fluid tightness, creating a composite structure that provides both mechanical strength and sealing effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Reliability

If prior art bucket devices are used, then fluid collection is attempted, but closing and latching mechanisms are inadequate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveclosing mechanism reliabilityVSAvoidopening and closing operation

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The latching mechanism is designed to automatically engage and lock when the bucket closes around the work string. The mechanical latch self-actuates through the closing motion itself, eliminating the need for separate manual latching operations. This self-service feature ensures reliable closure while simplifying the operator's task to merely initiating the closing motion.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces complex multi-component mechanical latching systems with a simplified cam-based or spring-loaded latch mechanism. This substitution reduces the number of moving parts while maintaining reliable locking functionality, improving both reliability and ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Reliability

If work string is lifted from well bore containing drilling fluid, then fluid must be contained, but pressure differential may cause sealing issues

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontainment reliabilityVSAvoidpressure differential

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSStress or pressure

Solution Approach 1:

The patent incorporates a pressure equalization system that counteracts the pressure differential created during work string extraction. A pressure relief valve or balanced piston mechanism compensates for the pressure difference between the interior of the work string and the surrounding environment, preventing the pressure differential from compromising the seal integrity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #8Anti-weight (Counterweight)

Solution Approach 2:

The sealing system is designed with pre-compression features that prepare the flexible sealing element for pressure differential forces before they occur. The seal is pre-loaded in a compressed state that allows it to resist the outward pressure forces that develop during fluid containment, maintaining sealing effectiveness throughout the extraction process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The mechanical mud bucket effectively seals the drilling fluid, preventing spills and ensuring safe handling and reuse, while allowing for reliable operation and environmental protection.

Implementation Method 1

The pressure control may maintain atmospheric pressure within the inner space with the first and second shell members in the closed position

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAtmospheric pressure:

Data Source

PatentUS8763684B2Mechanical mud bucket and method

Publication Date: 2014.07.01 WIRELINE CONTROL SYST LLC

AI summary

A mechanical mud bucket for collecting drilling fluid from tubular members of a drill string or work string. A first shell member includes a fluid outlet. A second shell member is pivotally attached to the first shell member. A seal mechanism and a mechanical locking component are attached to the first and second shell members. In an engaged position, the mechanical locking component locks the first and second shell members in a closed position such that the seal mechanism seals an inner space of the mechanical mud bucket and an annular space between one or more tubular members and the first and second shell members. A pressure control may be attached to the first or second shell members for maintaining atmospheric pressure within the inner space of the mechanical mud bucket when draining drilling fluid.