Downhole Shock Generator for Stuck Pipe Mitigation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Stuck pipe events during hydrocarbon development operations in subterranean wells are challenging due to differential sticking, leading to increased costs, environmental risks, and inefficiencies in drilling and completion operations, as existing solutions like jars and downhole disconnect tools are prone to failure and do not always successfully free the pipe.
Innovation Solution
A downhole assembly comprising a torque disconnecting member and a shock generating member, where the torque disconnecting member is unlocked to allow the shock generating member to produce lateral shocks against the wellbore wall, facilitating the release of a stuck tubular string by applying periodic shocks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If jars or jar accelerators are used to free stuck pipes by providing axial jarring movements, then the pipe may be freed from differential sticking, but the jars are prone to failure due to internal seal wear from multiple cycles of cocking or firing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the shock-generating function from the sealing system by using a shock generator that creates lateral movements through wellbore contact rather than relying on internal seals to transmit axial shock loads. This separates the remediation function from the components prone to seal wear.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical jar system with internal seals that transmit axial forces with a shock generator system that uses rotational motion and lateral contact with the wellbore to generate shock loads. This substitution eliminates the seal wear problem inherent in traditional jar mechanisms.
2Loss of time
If downhole disconnect tools are used to disconnect the downhole section of the tubular string, then torque and tension load can no longer be transmitted to components downhole, but the stuck downhole section is permanently left in the wellbore requiring subsequent fishing operations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a multi-functional device that can both free stuck pipes through shock generation and potentially retrieve the tubular string by engaging the wellbore wall for lateral movement. This universal approach may eliminate the need for separate fishing operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from axial force application (traditional jar method) to lateral force application by contacting the wellbore wall. This dimensional change enables both shock generation for freeing the pipe and potential engagement for retrieving the tubular string.
3Force
If hydrostatic pressure is reduced in the annulus to free a differentially stuck pipe, then the pipe can be pushed out of the formation, but hydrocarbon influx into the wellbore may occur creating a kick hazard
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses mechanical vibration and shock generation through lateral contact with the wellbore to free the stuck pipe. This mechanical approach provides the necessary force without altering hydrostatic pressure, thereby avoiding the kick hazard associated with pressure reduction methods.
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 system effectively reduces the time and cost associated with stuck pipe remediation by generating sufficient lateral forces to dislodge the tubular string, minimizing environmental risks and ensuring efficient drilling operations.
Implementation Method 1
The imbalanced member has a cross-sectional center of gravity off-centered relative to a longitudinal axis of the imbalanced member. While rotating, the imbalanced member may generate a shock that transmits to the engaged fish.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~3
Figure 4A~4B
AI summary
Systems and methods for moving a tubular string within a subterranean well include a downhole assembly. The downhole assembly includes a torque disconnecting member and a shock generating member. During normal drilling activities, both components are inactive. When a stuck pipe event occurs, first the torque disconnecting member is activated while the shock generating member is still inactive. Once the torque disconnecting member is activated, then the shock generating member is activated. A laterally-protruding shock pad of the activated shock generating member produces shocks against the proximate side of a wellbore wall while the shock generating member is rotating. Systems and methods for moving a tubular string within a subterranean well include a fishing assembly. The fishing assembly includes a fishing member, a swivel member, and an imbalanced member. The imbalanced member has a cross-sectional center of gravity off-centered relative to the longitudinal axis to produce shocks against the proximate side of the wellbore wall while the imbalanced member is rotating.