Releasable Running Tool for Seal Rotating System Deployment
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Solution Overview
Problem
In oil and gas well applications, particularly in offshore operations, the traditional method of using a rotating control device requires the retrieval of a running tool before initiating a drilling operation, which is time-consuming and costly.
Innovation Solution
A methodology and system that allow the running tool to remain with the drill string after deploying the seal rotating system, eliminating the need for its retrieval before drilling, by using a releasable mounting system that enables the running tool to be moved downhole as part of the drill string.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the running tool is retrieved before drilling operation, then the seal rotating system can be deployed properly, but the drilling operation time is significantly increased
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the running tool with the drill string by designing a connection mechanism that allows the running tool to remain attached to the drill string after deploying the seal rotating system. This eliminates the separate retrieval step and enables continuous drilling operations, directly resolving the time loss contradiction.
Solution Approach 2:
The running tool is designed with a preliminary release mechanism that automatically detaches from the seal rotating system after deployment. This preliminary action ensures proper deployment while enabling the running tool to stay with the drill string, avoiding subsequent retrieval operations and time loss.
2Productivity
If the running tool remains with the drill string, then drilling operation time is reduced, but the risk of interference with seal rotating system operation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The running tool is segmented into distinct functional zones: an upper portion that remains with the drill string and a lower portion that interfaces with the seal rotating system. This segmentation allows the upper portion to stay attached for continuous operations while the lower portion can be released or retracted to prevent interference with seal rotating system operation.
Solution Approach 2:
A release mechanism acts as an intermediary between the running tool and the seal rotating system. This intermediary component enables automatic detachment or retraction of the running tool's lower portion, ensuring that the running tool can remain with the drill string for productivity while preventing interference with the seal rotating system's reliable operation.
Data Source
AI summary
A technique facilitates deployment and use of a seal rotating system without retrieving the running tool prior to a drilling operation. The running tool remains with the drill string after deployment of the seal rotating system which saves substantial time by avoiding retrieval of the running tool prior to conducting the drilling operation. According to an embodiment, a seal rotating system is mounted to the running tool and the running tool is connected into a drill string. The running tool is used to position the seal rotating system in a rotating control device housing which may be positioned along, for example, a riser. The running tool is then released from the seal rotating system and is moved downhole as part of the drill string to enable performance of a borehole drilling operation without removing the running tool.