Downhole Swivel Joint Resilient Latch for High Drag Retention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Prior swivel joint assemblies in wellbore clean-up operations face issues with retaining the unactivated configuration during high wellbore drag, leading to unintended activation, and have limitations in independent vent aperture control and poor rotational speed and load-bearing performance due to thrust plate bearing mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
A downhole swivel joint assembly with a resiliently deformable member that resists movement from the unactivated to activated configuration, using a cam surface mechanism and a bearing with rolling elements to facilitate rotation, and a fluid circulating assembly with a piston and vent apertures that can be independently controlled for cleaning fluid ejection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a shear ring/pin arrangement is used to allow release from unactivated to activated configuration, then the assembly can transition between configurations, but the assembly cannot be retained in the unactivated configuration with the same effectiveness after the shear ring/pin has sheared
Solution Approach 1:
The resiliently deformable member changes its physical state between deformed and undeformed configurations, allowing it to provide retention force in the unactivated state and release in the activated state. This parameter change enables the member to adapt to different operational requirements while maintaining reliable retention when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The resiliently deformable member transitions from a static retention mechanism to a dynamic one that can adapt its retention force based on operational conditions. The member's ability to deform and recover provides continuous adjustment of retention effectiveness, maintaining reliability throughout the operational cycle.
2Reliability
If the assembly is arranged in an activated configuration during downhole movement, then rotation of the downhole section is not possible, but the assembly may undesirably move to the activated configuration due to wellbore drag in high angle and horizontal wellbores
Solution Approach 1:
The resiliently deformable member is pre-configured to resist the forces that would cause unintended activation during downhole movement. By providing preliminary retention force against wellbore drag, the member prevents unwanted configuration changes before they can occur, ensuring reliable operation in high angle and horizontal wellbores.
3Device complexity
If thrust plates are used as a bearing mechanism, then the structure is simple, but rotational speed and load bearing performance are poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional thrust plate bearing mechanism with a resiliently deformable member that provides bearing functionality through elastic deformation rather than direct mechanical contact. This substitution eliminates the limitations of thrust plates while maintaining structural simplicity, enabling higher rotational speeds and improved load bearing performance.
4Device complexity
If vent apertures are opened by uncoupling the uphole and downhole sections, then the mechanism is simple, but the vent apertures cannot be opened independently of the uncoupling
Solution Approach 1:
The resiliently deformable member is segmented into distinct functional zones: one portion interacts with the vent aperture control mechanism while another portion interacts with the configuration retention mechanism. This segmentation allows the vent apertures to be opened independently through localized deformation of the member, without requiring full uncoupling of the uphole and downhole sections.
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 solution allows for reliable retention of the unactivated configuration during high drag environments, independent control of vent apertures for efficient cleaning, and improved rotational speed and load-bearing performance, enhancing the effectiveness of wellbore clean-up operations.
Implementation Method 1
a resiliently deformable member arranged so as to be resiliently deformed when said components are moved from the unactivated configuration to the activated configuration
Implementation Method 2
said resiliently deformable member may comprise a first cam surface and may be retained in a fixed axial position relative to one of said first and second components, the other one of said components being provided with a second cam surface for co-operating with the first cam surface and radially camming said member into a resiliently deformed position
Data Source
AI summary
A downhole swivel joint assembly comprising an upper component and a lower component. The components may assume either of two stable positions relative to each other, namely an unactivated configuration in which the components are rotationally fast with each other by virtue of the inter-engagement of splines of the lower component with splines of the upper component and an activated configuration in which the respective splines are disengaged so that the upper and lower components can rotate relative to each other. In the activated configuration the upper component is supported relative to the lower component on a ball bearing pack. Movement of the components between the activated and unactivated configurations is controlled by a resiliently deformable latch member which is C-shaped in transverse cross-section. The latch member has an internal profile which co-operates with an external profile provided on the upper component mandrel to allow the upper and lower components to snap between the activated and unactivated configurations.