Swivel Sub Biasing Member for Control Line Angular Alignment

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Solution Overview

Problem

The challenge is to run a control line from the surface to downhole tools in a wellbore without straining or damaging the line, as the tubular and downhole tools may rotate or twist from their surface orientations during deployment, making it difficult to achieve the correct angular orientation for coupling.

Innovation Solution

The system employs a swivel sub apparatus with a spool mandrel that is rotatably coupled to a connector sub, allowing the control line to be displaced and rotated without straining. A biasing member limits the rotation to prevent over-rotation and damage to the control line, ensuring it can be aligned correctly with the downhole tool.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the control line is run to the downhole tool during deployment, then the downhole tool can be operated with control signals from the surface, but the tubular and downhole tool may rotate or twist from their surface orientations, making it difficult to achieve the correct angular orientation for coupling

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontrol line couplingVSAvoidangular orientation

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a swivel sub apparatus with a spool mandrel that is rotatably coupled to a connector sub, allowing the control line to be displaced and rotated without straining. This dynamic mechanism enables the spool mandrel to rotate relative to the connector sub, accommodating changes in angular orientation during deployment while maintaining control line integrity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The biasing member limits the rotation of the spool mandrel to prevent over-rotation and damage to the control line. By controlling the rotational parameter within a safe range, the system ensures the control line can be aligned correctly with the downhole tool without exceeding strain limits that would cause damage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Productivity

If the tubular is run-in-hole without rotation restriction, then deployment is simpler and faster, but over rotation may strain and damage the control line, interrupting production operations

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedeployment speedVSAvoidcontrol line integrity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The swivel sub apparatus allows controlled rotation through the rotatable spool mandrel, enabling the deployment process to proceed without rigid rotation restrictions while maintaining control line safety through the biasing member's rotational limits.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The biasing member is pre-installed on the spool mandrel to provide beforehand protection against over-rotation. This preventive mechanism cushions against excessive rotational forces before they can damage the control line, ensuring reliability without compromising deployment speed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

3Ease of operation

If adjustments are made to the tubular running the control line to achieve correct orientation, then the control line can be properly coupled to the downhole tool, but this process is time consuming and costly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontrol line alignmentVSAvoidadjustment time

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The rotatable spool mandrel automatically accommodates angular orientation changes during deployment, eliminating the need for time-consuming adjustments to the tubular. The dynamic rotation capability allows the control line to self-align with the downhole tool as deployment progresses.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The swivel sub apparatus with rotatable spool mandrel enables self-alignment of the control line during deployment. The system automatically adjusts to the correct angular orientation through controlled rotation, without requiring external intervention or time-consuming adjustment operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

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

This solution allows the control line to be run in the correct angular orientation with respect to the downhole tool without straining or damaging the line, improving overall production efficiency and reducing the time and cost associated with adjustments.

Implementation Method 1

rotation of the spool mandrel with respect to the connector sub is limited between a first angular position and a second angular position by at least one biasing member

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS12338692B2Swivel sub with biasing member

Publication Date: 2025.06.24 HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES INC

AI summary

An apparatus may include a connector sub rigidly securable to a conveyance for running the connector sub along a wellbore and a spool mandrel coupled to a downhole end of the connector sub. The spool mandrel is rotatable with respect to the connector sub. Further, the apparatus may include a control line extending between the connector sub and the spool mandrel. The control line is displaceable to permit rotation of the spool mandrel with respect to the connector sub. Additionally, the apparatus may include at least one biasing member for biasing the spool mandrel to a neutral position with respect to the connector sub.