Piston-Style Drilling Mud Screen System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current drilling mud screen systems are inefficient and hazardous due to the need for frequent replacement and installation, particularly with double-shoulder high-strength connections, leading to accidents, mud leaks, and excessive consumption of screens.
Innovation Solution
A piston-style drilling mud screen system with a drilling mud screen puller/installer tool that includes a body with offset inlets and outlets, a filter with hardened coating, and a lock system for easy installation and removal, reducing the need for frequent on-site replacements and improving safety.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If drilling mud screen is installed on the drill floor with single-shoulder API connections, then the drilling mud screen can be installed, but the practice is dangerous and can result in accidents to the crew below
Solution Approach 1:
The drilling mud screen is extracted from the drill floor installation location and integrated into the top drive sub-connection assembly, removing the hazardous practice of installing screens on the drill floor and eliminating the associated safety risks to crew members
Solution Approach 2:
The drilling mud screen installation is merged with the top drive sub-connection assembly, combining two previously separate operations into one integrated system where the screen is permanently positioned within the connection assembly
2Reliability
If drilling mud screen is installed at the bottom of the drill string, then the drilling mud screen position is secure, but the screen must be brought to the surface to be replaced which is inefficient and results in lost drilling time
Solution Approach 1:
The drilling mud screen system transitions from a static bottom-of-string position to a dynamic top-drive position, allowing the screen to be quickly accessed, removed, and replaced at the surface without requiring tripping the drill string, thereby reducing downtime while maintaining secure positioning during operation
Solution Approach 2:
The drilling mud screen is pre-positioned in the top drive sub-connection assembly, allowing for quick replacement by simply detaching the top drive assembly without needing to bring the entire drill string to the surface, thus preparing the system for rapid maintenance operations
3Strength
If double-shoulder high-strength connection types are used to eliminate space for drilling mud screen, then connection strength is improved, but the nose dimensions are inadequate and connections are damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The drilling mud screen is relocated from the horizontal connection interface (nose-to-box interface) to the vertical top drive sub-connection assembly, adding a new dimensional space for screen placement that does not interfere with the precision requirements of the double-shoulder connection while still providing effective mud screening
Solution Approach 2:
The top drive sub-connection assembly serves as an intermediary structure that houses the drilling mud screen, allowing the double-shoulder high-strength connection to function at its full precision and strength capability while the screen performs its filtering function in a separate, non-interfering location
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 system enhances safety by reducing accidents and mud leaks, while minimizing screen consumption through efficient installation and removal processes, and optimizing mud flow rates.
Implementation Method 1
a filter with hardened coating
Data Source
AI summary
A piston-style drilling mud screen system, comprising: a first assembly having a first drilling mud inlet and outlet, a first body having a second drilling mud inlet and outlet, wherein the first drilling mud outlet of the first assembly is fluidly connected to the second drilling mud inlet of the first body, a second body having a third drilling mud inlet and outlet, wherein the second drilling mud outlet of the first body is fluidly connected to the third drilling mud inlet of the second body, a drilling mud screen, disposed within the first body and the second body between the first drilling mud inlet and the second drilling mud outlet, a union system, comprising: a third body having a first inlet and outlet, a fourth body having a second inlet and outlet; and a fifth body, wherein a second end of the first body is disposed through a first end of the fifth body, wherein the first end of the second body is disposed through a second end of the fifth body, a second assembly having a fourth drilling mud inlet and outlet, wherein the third drilling mud outlet of the second body is fluidly connected to the fourth drilling mud inlet of the second assembly is disclosed. Methods of installing and using the drilling mud screen system are also disclosed.