MWD Tool Removal System Using Stand-Off Bracket and Winch
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for removing MWD tools from pipes are complex, time-consuming, and sometimes dangerous, due to their housing within drill collars, which makes it difficult to obtain and utilize real-time data for efficient drilling operations.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a stand-off bracket, a winch assembly, and a coupling is used to facilitate the removal of MWD tools from drill collars, where the winch assembly includes a J-hook to couple with the MWD tool, and the coupling has a frustoconical protrusion for engagement with the collar, allowing for the MWD tool to be pulled out using a self-contained pulling system without requiring large equipment like forklifts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the MWD tool is housed within the drill collar, then the MWD tool is protected and integrated into the drilling system, but the removal of the MWD tool becomes complex, time-consuming, and dangerous
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the removal process into distinct functional components: the coupling attaches to the collar, the stand-off bracket provides structural support and positioning, and the winch assembly performs the extraction. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function, making the overall removal process simpler and safer
Solution Approach 2:
The stand-off bracket acts as an intermediary element between the coupling and the winch assembly. It provides a rigid connection point that allows the winch to pull the MWD tool out of the collar without requiring direct attachment to the collar itself, thereby simplifying the removal operation
2Ease of operation
If traditional removal methods are used, then the MWD tool can be removed from the collar, but the process requires significant effort, large equipment like forklifts, and is time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The system is self-contained and can be manually operated without requiring external heavy equipment. The winch assembly, when manually operated, provides sufficient mechanical advantage to extract the MWD tool from the collar, eliminating the need for forklifts and significantly reducing removal time
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from a static heavy equipment requirement to a dynamic manual operation. The winch assembly can be quickly deployed and operated by hand, allowing the removal process to be completed rapidly without waiting for large equipment to be positioned and operated
3Stability of the object's composition
If the MWD tool is securely housed in the collar, then the tool remains stable during drilling, but the tool cannot be easily accessed for data retrieval
Solution Approach 1:
The system is specifically designed to extract the MWD tool from its housing in the collar. The coupling attaches to the collar, the stand-off bracket positions the winch assembly, and the winch pulls the tool out, enabling rapid access to the MWD tool for data retrieval and inspection without compromising its stable housing during drilling operations
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
This system enables efficient and safe removal of MWD tools, allowing for real-time data access and reducing the complexity and time required for the process, thereby improving drilling operations by allowing the MWD tool to be pulled out until at least one centralizer is visible or completely removed from the collar.
Implementation Method 1
The collar interface may comprise a frustoconical protrusion from the coupling. The frustoconical protrusion may be externally threaded and configured to engage a thread in the collar.
Implementation Method 2
A system comprising a stand-off bracket, a winch assembly, and a coupling is used to facilitate the removal of MWD tools from drill collars, where the winch assembly includes a J-hook to couple with the MWD tool, and the coupling has a frustoconical protrusion for engagement with the collar, allowing for the MWD tool to be pulled out using a self-contained pulling system
Data Source
AI summary
A system for assisting in the removal of an MWD tool from a pipe is disclosed. The system comprises: a stand-off bracket, a winch assembly configured to be mounted to the stand-off bracket, and a coupling. The winch assembly comprises a winch, a power supply for supplying power to the winch, and a controller for operating the winch. The coupling comprises a collar interface, configured to be mounted to a collar that contains a measurement while drilling (MWD) tool, and a stand-off bracket interface, configured to receive an end of the stand-off bracket distal from the winch. A method for operating the system is also disclosed.