Multifunction Sub for Drilling Hole Cleaning and Fluid Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current subterranean well drilling operations face delays and increased costs due to the need for separate tools to perform corrective procedures, such as cleaning cuttings and managing fluid losses, which are not efficiently addressed by existing technologies.
Innovation Solution
A multifunction tool integrated into a tubular string that can perform various corrective procedures, including cleaning, fluid injection, and emergency circulation, equipped with a nozzle system and programmable logic controller for automated operation, allowing for turbulent flow generation and adaptive response to bore characteristics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate tools are used to perform corrective procedures, then each specific function can be performed effectively, but operational delays and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separate corrective procedure tools into a single integrated multifunction sub. This sub includes a valve system with multiple valves (first valve for hole cleaning, second valve for lost circulation, third valve for treatment fluid injection) that can perform various corrective procedures sequentially or simultaneously within one device, eliminating the need to retrieve and replace multiple separate tools.
Solution Approach 2:
The multifunction sub is designed as a universal device that can perform multiple functions: hole cleaning through nozzles, lost circulation management through the second valve, treatment fluid injection through the third valve, and emergency circulation. This multi-functional design allows a single tool to replace several specialized tools, reducing operational delays while maintaining effectiveness of each procedure.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate tools are introduced to perform corrective procedures, then comprehensive coverage of operational needs is achieved, but device complexity and operational costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple separate tools into a single multifunction sub containing a valve system with multiple controllable valves and associated nozzles. This integration reduces the number of separate devices from multiple individual tools to one unified device, simplifying the overall system while maintaining comprehensive operational coverage through the coordinated operation of its multiple functional components.
Solution Approach 2:
The multifunction sub serves as a universal platform that adapts to various operational needs through its multiple valves and nozzles. The first valve and associated nozzles handle hole cleaning, the second valve manages lost circulation, and the third valve enables treatment fluid injection, allowing one device to replace several specialized tools and reduce overall system complexity.
3Ease of operation
If manual operation of corrective tools is used, then operational flexibility is maintained, but productivity and response time decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The multifunction sub incorporates sensors that detect bore characteristics and automatically provide feedback to the control system. This feedback mechanism enables the valve system to automatically adjust and operate the nozzles and fluid injection based on real-time conditions, maintaining operational flexibility through programmable responses while significantly improving productivity by eliminating manual intervention and reducing response time.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve system is designed to automatically operate based on programmed logic and sensor feedback, enabling the device to self-regulate its functions. The system can autonomously perform hole cleaning, lost circulation management, and treatment fluid injection without requiring constant manual operation, thereby maintaining flexibility through programmable decision-making while enhancing productivity through automated execution.
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 multifunction tool enhances wellbore integrity, reduces operational risks, and improves drilling efficiency by enabling simultaneous performance of multiple functions, such as hole cleaning, lost circulation management, and emergency fluid delivery, thereby reducing downtime and costs.
Implementation Method 1
The nozzle is oriented in a direction offset from a central axis of the sub body so that the fluid flow path is operable to direct a wellbore fluid from within the central bore in a direction uphole
Implementation Method 2
The valve system can include a sliding sleeve that is moveable by a hydraulic pressure unit
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for drilling optimization of a subterranean well include securing a multifunction sub in line with a tubular string. A nozzle provides a fluid flow path from the central bore through a sidewall of the sub body, the nozzle oriented in a direction so that the fluid flow path directs a wellbore fluid from within the central bore in a direction uphole. A valve system can move between a closed position where the fluid flow path of the nozzle is closed, and at least one open position where the wellbore fluid can pass through the fluid flow path. A control system is operable to receive information and provide a signal to move the valve system. The tubular string is moved into a bore of the subterranean well and information is delivered to the control system to regulate the flow of wellbore fluid through the nozzle.