Multifunction Wellbore Tool: Dynamic Sleeve for Drilling Contradictions
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current earth drilling tools are specialized for single purposes, such as stabilizing, reaming, or keyseat wiping, and require multiple tools to complete wellbore conditioning, leading to inefficiencies and increased complexity in operations.
Innovation Solution
A multifunction wellbore conditioning tool that integrates cutting, reaming, keyseat wiping, friction reduction, and stabilizing functions within a single assembly, utilizing a central driveshaft and a cylindrical working sleeve with adjustable engagement mechanisms to perform various tasks without the need for tool changes, including mechanical and friction engagement systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple specialized tools (stabilizer, roller reamer, keyseat wiper, fixed blade cutters, friction reducers) are used to complete wellbore conditioning, then each specific function is performed effectively, but device complexity and operational efficiency deteriorate due to requiring multiple tools and tool changes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple specialized wellbore conditioning tools (stabilizer, roller reamer, keyseat wiper, fixed blade cutters, friction reducers) into a single integrated bottom hole assembly. The working sleeve can assume different functional configurations to perform cutting, reaming, keyseat wiping, friction reduction, and stabilizing operations without requiring separate tools or tool changes.
Solution Approach 2:
The working sleeve is designed as a universal device that can perform multiple wellbore conditioning functions. By adjusting the engagement between the working sleeve and driveshaft, and by selecting different cutting element configurations, the same basic tool structure can adapt to perform cutting, reaming, keyseat wiping, friction reduction, and stabilizing operations.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple specialized tools are installed in the bottom hole assembly, then comprehensive wellbore conditioning capability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to the need to add, remove, or replace different implements
Solution Approach 1:
The working sleeve can dynamically change its functional state by adjusting its engagement with the driveshaft. The sleeve can rotate freely when friction reduction is needed, engage with the driveshaft for cutting and reaming operations, and maintain different axial positions to perform various functions. This dynamic adaptability eliminates the need to physically replace tools during operations.
3Object-generated harmful factors
If the working sleeve remains rotationally stationary relative to the rotating driveshaft, then friction reduction function is improved, but cutting and reaming capabilities worsen due to lack of rotational engagement
Solution Approach 1:
The engagement between the working sleeve and driveshaft is made dynamic rather than fixed. The sleeve can selectively engage or disengage from the driveshaft rotation depending on the operational phase. During friction reduction operations, the sleeve rotates freely relative to the driveshaft to minimize torque resistance. During cutting and reaming, the sleeve engages with the driveshaft to receive rotational motion and transmit it to the cutting elements.
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
Enables efficient and precise wellbore conditioning by reducing the need for multiple tools, improving drilling efficiency, reducing torque resistance, and enhancing the ability to handle varying borehole diameters and obstructions with a single device.
Implementation Method 1
The shaft may shift axially relative to the working sleeve transmitting the axial load to the spring sets via the thrust transmitting system
Implementation Method 2
engage the working sleeve by engaging the friction coupling sleeves or the housing and sleeve engagement ends at certain predetermined force amount and rotate therewith
Data Source
AI summary
The multifunction wellbore conditioning tool (100, 200, 300) is installed in the bottom hole assembly of a drill string and performs the functions of a cutting tool, keyseat wiper, roller reamer, keyseat wiper, and stabilizer during drilling operations, precluding the need for multiple different tools in the drill string. The tool (100, 200, 300) has a working sleeve (114, 214, 314) captured concentrically on the driveshaft (102, 202, 302) between opposed spring sets (134, 136; 234, 236; 334, 336). The sleeve (114, 214, 314) remains rotationally stationary about the rotating driveshaft (102, 202, 302) when in its central or neutral position on the driveshaft (102, 202, 302). When the sleeve (114, 214, 314) shifts axially on the driveshaft (102, 202, 302) it engages a clutch mechanism that allows it to rotate with the driveshaft (102, 202, 302) so that the rotating working sleeve (114, 214, 314) conditions the borehole.