Anchoring Block With Flow Channels For MWD Torque Resistance
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing downhole tools in the oil and gas industry face challenges in securely anchoring Measurement-While-Drilling (MWD) and Logging-While-Drilling (LWD) tools within drill strings, particularly in maintaining a stable angular position and resisting relative torque during drilling operations.
Innovation Solution
An anchoring assembly comprising a first and second tubular member coupled with an anchoring block, featuring a central bore, contact crown, and contact ring, along with a biasing member and lock pin, which securely locks the tools and maintains their angular position by resisting relative torque through axial force and torque resistance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional axial lock systems or radial lock systems are used to secure MWD/LWD tools in drill collars, then the tools can be held in place, but the angular position stability and torque resistance are insufficient during drilling operations
Solution Approach 1:
The anchoring system is divided into multiple functional segments: an anchoring block with flow channels, a contact crown with engagement surfaces, a contact ring for tubular engagement, and a biasing member. This segmentation allows each component to specialize in specific functions (fluid passage, torque resistance, axial positioning), collectively achieving superior angular stability and torque resistance that a single integrated system cannot provide
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from conventional single-dimension axial locking to multi-dimensional anchoring by adding radial engagement surfaces on the contact crown that interface with the drill collar wall. This radial dimension provides torque resistance and angular position stability while the axial dimension maintains tool positioning, creating a three-dimensional anchoring solution
2Reliability
If a specialized anchoring system with multiple components is implemented, then torque resistance and angular position stability improve, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple functions are merged into the anchoring block: it serves as both a structural support element and a fluid conduit system with integrated flow channels. The contact crown combines torque transmission surfaces with axial positioning features, reducing the need for separate components and simplifying the overall assembly
Solution Approach 2:
The anchoring block is designed as a multi-functional component that simultaneously provides structural support, fluid passage for drilling operations, and integration points for both the contact crown and contact ring. This multi-functionality reduces the total component count and simplifies the anchoring system while maintaining enhanced torque resistance
3Quantity of substance
If flow channels are formed between the contact crown and body, then fluid flow is maintained, but the structural integrity and torque resistance capability are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The flow channels are strategically positioned in non-critical areas of the anchoring block structure, concentrating material density and structural strength in regions that experience highest stress loads. This localized quality distribution maintains structural integrity while providing adequate fluid passage capacity for drilling operations
Data Source
AI summary
An anchoring assembly in a downhole tool, the assembly including a first tubular member, a second tubular member coupled to the first tubular member, and an anchoring block disposed between the first tubular member and the second tubular member. The anchoring block includes a body having a central axis defined therethrough and a central bore formed therethrough, a contact crown, in which at least one annular flow channel is formed between the contact crown and the body, and a contact ring configured to engage at least a portion of the first tubular member.