Signal-Actuated Disconnect Tool for Wellbore Drilling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current signal-operated tools for milling, drilling, and fishing operations in wellbore construction lack efficient mechanisms for controlled operation and communication, leading to challenges in precision and reliability, especially in directional drilling and cemented wellbore environments.
Innovation Solution
The development of signal-operated tools and methods, including mud motors, setting tools, data subs, jars, fishing tools, and disconnect tools, which utilize fluid-driven mechanisms and RFID technology for remote operation and communication, allowing for precise control and operation in response to surface instructions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If signal-operated tools are used in wellbore construction, then remote control capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The disconnect tool incorporates multiple functions including rotational locking, axial locking, and signal reception capabilities within a single integrated device. The tool can operate in both directional drilling and cementing operations, reducing the need for multiple separate tools and thereby managing complexity while enhancing automation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary signal transmission system using mud pulses or electromagnetic signals to communicate between the surface and downhole tools. This intermediary mechanism enables remote operation without requiring direct physical connection, thus improving automation while managing the complexity through standardized communication protocols
2Reliability
If rotational locking components are used for disconnection, then operational reliability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical disconnection operations with signal-actuated mechanical systems. The disconnect tool uses received signals to automatically activate locking mechanisms and initiate disconnection sequences, eliminating the need for complex manual manipulation while maintaining reliable locked connections during operation
Solution Approach 2:
The disconnect tool incorporates self-service capabilities where the tool automatically executes disconnection procedures upon receiving the appropriate signal. The system monitors its own state, activates the necessary mechanical components, and completes the disconnection without requiring additional manual intervention, thereby improving ease of operation while maintaining reliability
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
These tools enable precise control over drilling and milling operations, enhance the ability to set anchors and retrieve stuck tools, and improve the efficiency of wellbore construction by allowing for remote operation and real-time data transmission, thereby improving the reliability and precision of directional drilling and cementing processes.
Implementation Method 1
The actuator is signal operable to: receive an instruction signal from the surface, and actuate the lock in response to receiving the instruction signal.
Implementation Method 2
a piston operable in response to fluid pressure to move the dog
Implementation Method 3
a spring engaged with the dog and operable to bias the dog into engagement with the latch
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A
Figure 2B
AI summary
Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to signal operated tools for milling, drilling, and/or fishing operations. In one embodiment, a mud motor for use in a wellbore includes: a stator; a rotor, the stator and rotor operable to rotate the rotor in response to fluid pumped between the rotor and the stator; and a lock. The lock is operable to: rotationally couple the rotor to the stator in a locked position, receive an instruction signal from the surface, release the rotor in an unlocked position, and actuate from the locked position to the unlocked position in response to receiving the instruction signal.