Torque-Dependent Oscillation for Drill String Connection
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for connecting pipe sections in drill strings face issues such as misalignment, wear due to excessive torque, and potential damage from high torque applications, especially when using non-threaded connections, which can lead to inefficient assembly and potential damage during horizontal directional drilling operations.
Innovation Solution
A method involving torque-dependent oscillation is introduced, where the inner pipe section rotates in one direction until a predetermined torque threshold is reached, then reverses direction to prevent excessive torque, ensuring proper alignment and reducing wear by automatically stopping rotation once a torque-transmitting connection is established.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the inner pipe section is rotated to establish a torque-transmitting connection, then the connection reliability is improved, but excessive torque may cause wear and potential damage
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors torque magnitude during rotation and uses this feedback to automatically reverse rotation direction when a predetermined torque threshold is exceeded, preventing excessive torque accumulation while ensuring reliable connection establishment
Solution Approach 2:
The inner pipe section executes periodic oscillation between forward and reverse rotation directions, allowing the connection to establish through controlled torque application followed by protective reverse rotation that prevents permanent damage
2Manufacturing precision
If the pipe section is advanced and rotated to ensure proper alignment, then the manufacturing precision is improved, but the assembly time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The oscillation mechanism automatically performs alignment adjustments through its inherent back-and-forth rotation, eliminating the need for separate manual alignment operations and reducing overall assembly time while maintaining precision
3Strength
If torque is applied to establish connection, then the connection strength is improved, but wear on the pipe sections increases
Solution Approach 1:
The oscillation process applies torque in controlled intervals followed by reverse rotation, allowing connection strength to be built up while periodically eliminating excessive torque that would cause wear on the pipe section surfaces
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 approach enhances the reliability of pipe section connections by preventing excessive torque application, reducing wear, and ensuring accurate alignment, thereby improving the efficiency and safety of the pipe connection process in drill strings during directional drilling.
Implementation Method 1
rotating the inner pipe section in a first direction until the inner pipe section applies a first torque to the inner pipe string
Implementation Method 2
a carriage that is adapted to advance and rotate the pipe section
Data Source
AI summary
A method for building a dual-member drill string comprising an inner drill string and an outer drill string. Inner pipe sections are connected using non-threaded connections, while outer pipe sections are connected using threaded connections. A new inner pipe section is rotated in a first direction until the inner pipe section applies torque to the existing inner pipe string. If the magnitude of the torque applied to the inner pipe string exceeds a pre-determined threshold value, the inner pipe section is automatically rotated in an opposite second direction. The inner pipe section rotates between opposite directions, once torque is sensed in each direction, until the inner pipe section is coupled to the inner pipe string.