Casing Drilling MWD Tool Retrieval System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for casing while drilling (CWD) in oil and gas operations face challenges in positioning and retrieving Measurement While Drilling (MWD) tools within larger diameter casing without pulling the casing from the well, as standard MWD tools are not designed for use in larger diameters and cannot be removed without removing the drill bit.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a float shoe for positioning the MWD tool near the drill bit, a stabilizer to centrally place the MWD tool within the casing, and a spear for attaching to retrieval equipment, allowing for the remote retrieval of the MWD tool without removing the casing or drill bit.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If standard MWD tools are used in casing while drilling operations with larger diameter casing, then the tool cannot be positioned properly or retrieved without pulling the casing from the well
Solution Approach 1:
A retrieval tool with a spear mechanism is introduced as an intermediary device. The spear is lowered into the well, engages with the MWD tool's stabilizer, and provides a mechanical connection that enables retrieval without pulling the casing. This intermediary tool bridges the gap between the MWD tool and surface retrieval equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The retrieval system is divided into separate functional components: a retrieval tool assembly, a spear engagement mechanism, and a stabilizer interface. This segmentation allows the MWD tool to remain integrated with the casing while the retrieval system operates independently to extract only the MWD tool.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the MWD tool is designed for standard drill string diameter, then it cannot be used in larger diameter casing without custom modifications
Solution Approach 1:
The stabilizer acts as an intermediary component that adapts the standard MWD tool for use in larger diameter casing. The stabilizer provides central positioning and engagement surfaces within the larger casing ID, allowing standard tools to function in non-standard environments without modifying the MWD tool itself.
Solution Approach 2:
The stabilizer serves multiple functions: it positions the MWD tool centrally in the larger casing, provides a engagement surface for the retrieval spear, and maintains tool stability during drilling operations. This multi-functional component enables universal use of standard MWD tools across different casing sizes.
3Productivity
If the drill bit is permanently left in the well during casing drilling, then the MWD tool cannot be removed without also removing the drill bit
Solution Approach 1:
The retrieval spear serves as a temporary intermediary connection between the MWD tool and surface equipment. It engages with the stabilizer on the MWD tool, provides a mechanical lift path, and is then discarded after retrieval, allowing the drill bit to remain permanently in the well while the MWD tool is successfully removed.
Solution Approach 2:
The retrieval spear is designed as a disposable component that is discarded after use. The spear is lowered into the well, engages the MWD tool, retrieves it to the surface, and is then discarded, while the valuable MWD tool is recovered and reused. This allows separation of the MWD tool from the permanent drill bit installation.
Data Source
AI summary
A casing drilling with a removable MWD tool comprising a float shoe for removably positioning the bottom of a MWD tool at and or near the drill bit inside the casing, a stabilizer attached to the top of the MWD tool for centrally positioning the MWD tool inside the casing, and a spear positioned on the stabilizer for attaching to retrieval equipment known in the art and also contemplated that after the well is drilled with casing pipe and ready for the production process, a retrieval operation may be lowered into the well to retrieve the MWD tool by attaching to the spear.