Telemetry Running Tool Prevents Thread Loosening
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing running tools in the oil and gas industry face issues with reliability due to left-hand torque designs loosening right-hand threaded connections and pressure-operated tools failing to achieve necessary pressure for operation, particularly with ball-and-seat mechanisms that may not seal effectively.
Innovation Solution
A telemetry-operated running tool with a tubular body featuring a latch system that includes longitudinal and torsional fasteners, a lock mechanism, and an electronics package that responds to command signals for precise engagement and release of tubular strings, enhancing operational reliability and control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a left-hand torque design is used to operate the running tool, then the running tool can be opened by rotating to the left, but any right-hand threaded connections can be loosened unintentionally
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical torque-based operation system with a telemetry-based electronic control system. The running tool is operated through electronic commands transmitted via the drill string telemetry system, eliminating the need for rotational torque application and thus preventing unintended loosening of right-hand threaded connections while maintaining ease of operation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary electronic control system between the operator and the running tool mechanism. Telemetry signals serve as the intermediary to activate the opening mechanism, decoupling the operation from direct mechanical torque application and thereby protecting threaded connections from accidental loosening
2Ease of operation
If pressure operation is used to operate the running tool, then the tool can be opened by pressure, but the ball may not land onto the seat or seal well enough to obtain necessary pressure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the pressure-based mechanical operation system with a telemetry-based electronic control system. Electronic signals transmitted through the drill string activate the running tool mechanism, eliminating the need for pressure sealing and ball-and-seat mechanisms, thus ensuring reliable operation without pressure sealing issues
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces telemetry signals as an intermediary to transmit operational commands to the running tool. This intermediary system bypasses the need for pressure transmission through ball-and-seat mechanisms, ensuring reliable command delivery without the sealing problems associated with pressure-based operation
Data Source
AI summary
A method of hanging an inner tubular string from an outer tubular string cemented in a wellbore includes running the inner tubular string and a deployment assembly into the wellbore using a deployment string, wherein a running tool of the deployment assembly longitudinally and torsionally fastens the liner string to the deployment string; plugging a bore of the deployment assembly; hanging the inner tubular string from the outer tubular string by pressurizing the plugged bore; and after hanging the inner tubular string, sending a command signal to the running tool, thereby unlocking or releasing the running tool.