Pressure Equalization Device for Downhole Thread Connections
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Solution Overview
Problem
Downhole threaded connections in the drilling industry face pressure issues from hydrostatic mud and trapped lubricants, which can damage components and limit reworkability due to integrated passageways that restrict material strength and require recutting, hindering efficient pressure mitigation.
Innovation Solution
A pressure equalization device with openings, made of a higher strength material than the tubular members, is placed between them to equalize pressure, allowing for separate material selection and avoiding interference with recutting processes, and can house electronic components for data transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If integrated passageways are formed in the threaded pin or box, then pressure mitigation is achieved, but material strength is reduced and recutting is required
Solution Approach 1:
The pressure equalization device is separated from the threaded pin and box components, forming an independent segment. This allows the threaded components to maintain their full material strength without integrated passageways, while the separate device provides the pressure equalization function through its own openings.
Solution Approach 2:
A separate pressure equalization device acts as an intermediary component between the threaded pin and box. This mediator provides the pressure equalization function without requiring modifications to the high-strength threaded components, thus preserving their structural integrity.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If integrated passageways are formed in the threaded pin, then pressure equalization is achieved, but recutting processes are hindered
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the pressure equalization function into a separate device, the threaded pin and box remain solid and can be recut without constraints. The separate pressure equalization device does not interfere with recutting operations on the threaded components.
Solution Approach 2:
The pressure equalization function is extracted from the threaded components themselves and placed in a separate device. This extraction eliminates the constraint that integrated passageways impose on recutting operations, allowing full manufacturing flexibility on the threaded components.
3Reliability
If higher strength material is used for the pressure equalization device, then durability is enhanced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Different materials are used for different functional requirements: high-strength, corrosion-resistant material for the pressure equalization device where durability is critical, and appropriate materials for the threaded components where connection strength is critical. This localized material optimization enhances overall reliability without unnecessary complexity.
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 solution effectively mitigates pressure in downhole connections by using a stronger, corrosion-resistant material for the pressure equalization device, enhancing durability and reworkability while enabling efficient data transmission through integrated electronic components.
Implementation Method 1
the pressure equalization device including one or more openings configured to equalize pressure in an interior of a thread connection of the first and the second tubular members with pressure in a bore or an annulus
Data Source
AI summary
A threaded tubular section includes a first tubular member made of a first material, the first tubular member including a threaded pin section. The section also includes a second tubular member made of a second material, the second tubular member including a threaded box section to mate with the threaded pin section. A pressure equalization device made of a third material is disposed between the first tubular member and the second tubular member, the pressure equalization device including one or more openings to equalize pressure in an interior of a thread connection of the first and the second tubular members with pressure in a bore or an annulus of the first and the second tubular members.