Resettable Downhole Torque Limiter with Hydraulic Locking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing downhole torque limiting systems in well servicing require removal from the well to reset, which is costly and undesirable, as they use shear pins that fail upon exceeding torque limits, preventing efficient torque management in drillstrings with varying diameters.
Innovation Solution
A resettable downhole torque limiter with an axial passageway that connects driver and driven members, preset to disengage when a specified torque is exceeded, allowing relative rotation and resetting without removal from the well, utilizing a mechanism with Belleville springs and hydraulic locking to manage torque transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If shear pins or fail-safe elements are used to limit torque in downhole systems, then torque transmission is limited to protect smaller diameter pipe sections, but the device must be removed from the well to reset after failure
Solution Approach 1:
The torque limiting device automatically resets after slipping by using spring-loaded drive members that return to their engaged position after disengagement, eliminating the need for manual intervention or well removal. The system serves itself by automatically recovering from the slipped state through the elastic recovery of the drive members.
Solution Approach 2:
The drive members transition between static engaged and dynamic slipped states based on torque conditions. When torque exceeds the limit, the drive members dynamically slip and rotate relative to each other, then automatically return to the engaged state when torque decreases, providing adaptive torque management without fixed failure modes.
2Strength
If shear pins are used to limit torque, then smaller diameter pipe sections are protected from excessive torque, but the system requires expensive surface intervention to replace failed components
Solution Approach 1:
The device automatically resets and continues operation after torque limiting events without requiring retrieval or replacement, eliminating the high costs associated with bringing the device to surface for component replacement. The self-resetting mechanism makes the system economically viable for continuous downhole operation.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using expensive shear pins that must be replaced, the invention employs reusable spring-loaded drive members that can undergo multiple slip-and-reset cycles, providing a more economical long-term solution for torque management.
3Ease of operation
If a torque limiter allows relative rotation between pipe sections, then torque is limited to protect smaller sections, but the device must be brought to surface to reset the mechanism
Solution Approach 1:
The torque limiter automatically resets after allowing relative rotation during a slip event. The spring-loaded drive members self-return to their engaged position after disengagement, eliminating the need for complex manual reset procedures or device retrieval.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides automatic feedback through the spring mechanism that detects when torque has decreased to safe levels and automatically re-engages the drive members, creating a closed-loop torque management system that responds dynamically to loading conditions without external control.
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
Enables efficient torque management by allowing drillstring sections to rotate freely when torque limits are exceeded, resetting automatically when rotation slows, ensuring continued operation without the need for surface intervention, thus reducing costs and improving operational efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a first set of Belleville springs positioned within the driver and engaged with a first set of drive members
Implementation Method 2
utilizing a mechanism with Belleville springs and hydraulic locking to manage torque transmission
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a torque limiter having driver mandrel and driven axially aligned mandrels, a piston movable into and out of an engaged position wherein the driver and driven mandrels are coupled together to transmit torque there between. Hydraulically locking the movable piston in an engaged position. Disengaging the hydraulic lock when during rotation when a specified torque magnitude is exceeded to allow relative rotation between the mandrels. Resetting the torque limiter by hydraulically locking the piston in the engaging position when relative rotation ceases or is reduced.