Rotating Casing String Tool With Torque Isolation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Rotating casing strings in extended reach horizontal sections of wellbores often requires torsion application, which can lead to increased torque retention in connections and risk of breaking connections between tubulars during disconnection.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that includes a tool connected to a hanger and a plurality of tubulars, allowing rotation without transferring torque to the connection between the tool and hanger, using a combination of tensile load and torsion application to rotate the tubular string while preventing torque transfer, and a compressive load to release trapped torsion and disconnect the tool without breaking tubular connections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If torsion is applied to rotate the casing string, then the casing string can be installed to the desired depth in extended reach horizontal sections, but the torque retained in connections between components increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the torque transmission path into separate segments: the drive shaft transmits torque independently from the hanger and tubular string. The flexible coupling connects these segments while allowing relative movement, preventing torque from being transferred to the hanger-tubular connection points.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible coupling acts as an intermediary element between the drive shaft and the hanger. It transmits torsion to rotate the tubular string while simultaneously isolating the hanger-tubular connections from torque transfer through its flexible mechanical connection.
2Ease of operation
If torsion is applied to rotate the casing string, then rotation is achieved, but the risk of breaking connections between tubulars during disconnection increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the torque path so that rotational torque is contained within the drive shaft and flexible coupling assembly, separate from the hanger-tubular connection points. This prevents accumulated torque from being present in tubular connections at the time of disconnection.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible coupling serves as a mediator that absorbs and isolates torsional stresses. It allows the drive shaft to rotate the tubular string while preventing these rotational stresses from being transferred to and accumulated in the hanger-tubular connections, thereby protecting them during subsequent disconnection operations.
3Ease of operation
If the tool is disconnected from the hanger after torsion application, then the tool can be removed, but connections between tubulars may break due to retained torque
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible coupling acts as a protective intermediary that prevents torque from being stored in the hanger-tubular connections during the drilling and rotation operations. When the tool is disconnected, no retained torque exists in these connections to cause breaking, as the flexible coupling had continuously isolated them from torque transfer throughout the operation.
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 rotation of the tubular string within the wellbore without increasing torque in connections, reducing the risk of breaking connections between tubulars during disconnection, and maintaining the integrity of the tubular string for its intended purposes.
Implementation Method 1
torsion is applied to the tool, in order to apply torsion to the hanger and thus to the tubular string, without transferring torque to the connection between the tool and the hanger
Implementation Method 2
the method includes applying a compressive load across the tool to release any trapped torsion between any of the respective connections between any two of the tubulars in the tubular string
Data Source
AI summary
In one aspect, a system includes a tool, a hanger connected to the tool, and a plurality of tubulars connected to the hanger and adapted to be positioned within a wellbore. The tool, hanger, and tubulars are rotatable in response to at least the application of torsion to the tool, and without transferring torque to the connection between the tool and the hanger. In another aspect, a method includes positioning a tubular string within a wellbore, connecting a hanger to the tubular string, and applying torsion to the tubular string to rotate the tubular string. To apply torsion to rotate, a tool is connected to the hanger, and torsion is applied to the tool without transferring torque to the connection between the tool and the hanger. In another aspect, there is provided an apparatus for rotating a tubular string in a preexisting structure, such as a wellbore.