Wellbore Running Tool Hydraulic Actuation Planetary Gear Torque Reduction
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional tools for inserting and setting assemblies in well bores require high torque and multiple rotation steps, leading to increased complexity, safety issues, and prolonged downtime due to the need for multiple trips and large, heavy equipment.
Innovation Solution
A running tool with a hydraulic cylinder and planetary gear system that reduces torque requirements by using a rotatable mandrel to transmit torque to an outer sleeve for assembly insertion and setting, allowing for a single rotation step and minimizing the need for high torque applications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional tools are used to insert and set assemblies in well bores, then the assembly can be locked in place, but high torque (60,000 lb feet) and multiple rotation steps are required, leading to increased device complexity and safety issues
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the conventional direct mechanical rotation system with a hydraulic actuation system. A hydraulic cylinder provides axial force to actuate locking elements, eliminating the need for high-torque manual or mechanical rotation. This substitution reduces device complexity while maintaining reliable locking through hydraulic force application.
Solution Approach 2:
The tool is divided into distinct functional components: a hydraulic cylinder for actuation, a planetary gear system for torque multiplication, and separate locking elements. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently, reducing overall system complexity while achieving the required locking reliability.
2Reliability
If conventional tools require multiple rotation steps to lock the assembly, then the assembly can be securely set, but the installation time increases and well downtime is prolonged
Solution Approach 1:
The hydraulic cylinder is pre-positioned and can be actuated immediately upon tool deployment. The locking elements are ready for engagement, and the planetary gear system is pre-configured for torque multiplication. This preliminary preparation eliminates the need for multiple sequential rotation steps, enabling single-step assembly setting and reducing well downtime.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a hydraulic cylinder to provide controlled axial force for actuating the locking elements. This hydraulic actuation system enables rapid, reliable, and controlled setting of the assembly in a single operation, significantly improving installation speed compared to conventional multi-step mechanical rotation methods.
3Reliability
If high torque is applied to lock the assembly in place, then the locking is secure, but the tool size and weight increase, causing safety issues in achieving controlled high torque
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the need for high-torque mechanical rotation with a hydraulic actuation system that applies axial force through a cylinder. This substitution eliminates the requirement for large, heavy torque-generating components, reducing tool weight while maintaining secure locking through hydraulic force application to the locking elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The hydraulic fluid acts as an intermediary, transmitting force from the power source to the locking elements through the cylinder. This intermediary mechanism allows force application without requiring direct high-torque mechanical transmission, enabling secure locking with a lighter tool design.
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 tool effectively reduces the number of rotations and torque needed for assembly insertion, enhancing safety and reducing installation time by using a hydraulic cylinder and planetary gear system to transmit torque efficiently, thus improving operational efficiency and safety.
Implementation Method 1
The torque transmitting means may be a planetary gear system which is preferably mounted on the mandrel at the distal torque transmitting end. The planetary gear typically consists of a sun gear and a plurality of planetary gears and the sun gear is preferably mounted on the mandrel at the distal end.
Implementation Method 2
a running tool with a hydraulic cylinder and planetary gear system that reduces torque requirements by using a rotatable mandrel to transmit torque to an outer sleeve
Implementation Method 3
a main body having a hydraulic cylinder for actuating one or more locking elements on the main body for, in use, reaction with the bore
Data Source
AI summary
A running tool (10) for inserting and setting an assembly into a bore in a well, the tool comprising a main body (11) having a hydraulic cylinder (12) for actuating one or more locking elements (60, 61) on the main body for, in use, reaction with the bore, an outer sleeve (40) rotatably mounted on the main body, a rotatable mandrel (13) to which, in use, torque is applied and means (42, 43, 44) for transmitting the torque from the mandrel to the outer sleeve.