Swivel Mechanism for Decoupling Work String Rotation
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Solution Overview
Problem
The accumulation of drilled earth and wellbore debris in the annulus between the work string and the wellbore prevents the lower end of the work string from rotating, causing damage to connections and tools, and hinders cement distribution during cementing operations, as the packing element secures the work string in place, preventing rotation.
Innovation Solution
A swivel mechanism with an upper body and a lower body connected by shearable members, allowing rotation of the upper section relative to the lower section by shearing the shearable members, enabling independent rotation of the upper section of the work string relative to the lower section, even when the packing element is engaged.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the work string is secured in the wellbore by the packing element to prevent cement from flowing into the reservoir, then sealing isolation is improved, but rotation of the work string is prevented causing damage to connections and tools
Solution Approach 1:
The work string is divided into an upper section and a lower section that can rotate independently relative to each other. The upper section can rotate while the lower section remains stationary, allowing rotation during cementing without damaging the packed-off lower section or connections between sections.
Solution Approach 2:
A decoupling mechanism is introduced between the upper and lower sections of the work string. This intermediary allows relative rotation between the two sections while maintaining their structural connection, enabling the upper section to rotate independently without affecting the lower section secured by the packing element.
2Manufacturing precision
If the work string is rotated to uniformly distribute cement along the annulus, then cement distribution is improved, but the packing element is torn or damaged due to rotation while in sealed engagement
Solution Approach 1:
The work string is segmented into rotatable upper and stationary lower sections. During cementing, only the upper section rotates to distribute cement uniformly, while the lower section with the packing element remains stationary, preventing damage to the packing element while achieving uniform cement distribution.
3Productivity
If the lower end of the work string is prevented from rotating due to debris accumulation, then debris removal is improved, but the work string twists causing damage to connections and tools
Solution Approach 1:
The work string is divided into upper and lower sections that can rotate independently. The lower section remains stationary to allow debris accumulation and removal, while the upper section can rotate to prevent twisting, resolving the conflict between debris removal and preventing twisting damage.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from a rigid connected structure to a dynamically decoupled structure where the upper and lower sections can rotate independently. This dynamic separation allows the lower section to remain stationary for debris removal while the upper section rotates freely, preventing twisting damage.
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 the upper section of the work string to rotate relative to the lower section, preventing damage and ensuring uniform cement distribution along the annulus during cementing operations, while maintaining the sealing engagement with the wellbore.
Implementation Method 1
Rotation of the upper body is transmitted to the ring member by the shearable members
Data Source
AI summary
A swivel configured to rotationally decouple an upper section of a work string from a lower section of the work string. The swivel includes an upper body coupled to a lower body by a ring member and a plurality of shearable members. The lower body has a plurality of teeth members that engage a plurality of teeth members of the ring member. Rotation of the upper body is transmitted to the lower body by the ring member. The upper body is rotatable relative to the lower body when the shearable members are sheared.