Torque Release Tubing Rotator With Split Mandrel
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional tubing rotators in well operations trap torque in production tubing, leading to dangerous and unpredictable backspin during servicing, posing safety risks and equipment damage.
Innovation Solution
A tubing rotator system with a split drive mandrel and one-way locking mechanism, allowing controlled torque release through a bi-directional coupling and a swivel mechanism in the tubing hanger, enabling safe backspin and reducing equipment damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of stationary object
If conventional tubing rotators are used to rotate production tubing, then wear distribution on the tubing is improved, but torque buildup causes dangerous backspin during servicing
Solution Approach 1:
The drive mandrel is divided into two separate portions: an outer driven portion that rotates with the tubing and an inner mandrel portion that remains stationary or rotates independently. This segmentation allows the outer portion to accumulate and release torque through rotation while the inner portion provides structural support and connection to the drive system, preventing dangerous backspin of the entire assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
A one-way locking mechanism acts as an intermediary between the outer driven portion and the inner mandrel portion. This mechanism allows torque to be transmitted from the outer portion to the inner portion during normal rotation, but prevents reverse torque transmission during backspin, effectively mediating the torque flow to eliminate the dangerous backspin effect while preserving the wear-distribution benefit.
2Ease of operation
If torque is trapped in production tubing during rotation, then rotational control is maintained, but safety risks increase during wellhead servicing
Solution Approach 1:
The one-way locking mechanism converts the potentially harmful trapped torque into a beneficial feature by allowing controlled torque release. During normal operation, torque is maintained for rotational control, but during servicing operations, the mechanism automatically releases trapped torque in a controlled manner, transforming the safety hazard into a safety feature that prevents dangerous backspin while maintaining operational control.
3Power
If a mechanical linkage connects drive system to drive mandrel, then torque transfer is achieved, but torque release mechanism is lacking
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism transitions from a static locked state during normal rotation to a dynamic released state during torque release. The mechanism adapts its behavior based on the operational phase: it maintains rigid torque transfer during rotation, then allows controlled slippage or disengagement during servicing, providing both effective power transmission and safe torque release capabilities through a single integrated system.
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 system effectively manages and controls torque release, enhancing safety and reducing the risk of injury or equipment damage during well servicing operations.
Implementation Method 1
a one-way locking mechanism coupling the outer driven portion and the inner mandrel portion. In some embodiments, the one-way locking mechanism engages to rotationally lock the inner mandrel portion with the outer driven portion when the outer driven portion is rotated in a first direction; and when disengaged, the one-way locking mechanism allows the inner mandrel portion to rotate with respect to the outer driven portion in a second rotation direction opposite to the first rotation direction
Implementation Method 2
the one-way friction clutch comprises: an outer guide defined by an inner surface of the outer mandrel portion; an inner guide defined by an outer surface of the inner mandrel portion; and a plurality of engagement elements received in between the inner and outer guides. In some embodiments, one of the inner guide and the outer guide defines a plurality of tapered recesses, and each of the engagement elements is positioned in a respective one of the tapered recesses, and wherein each said tapered recess is shaped such that movement of the outer guide in the first rotation direction causes the engagement elements to frictionally engage the inner and outer guides
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosure provides a torque release tubing rotator comprising a rotator body and a split drive mandrel rotatably coupled to the rotator body. The split drive mandrel receives and engages at least a portion of a tubing hanger. The split drive mandrel comprises an outer driven portion, an inner mandrel portion, and a one-way locking mechanism coupling the outer driven portion and the inner mandrel portion. The disclosure also provides a torque release tubing hanger for a tubing rotator comprising an outer housing, a tubing mandrel suspended from the outer housing, and a locking swivel rotatably coupled to the outer housing. The locking swivel is movable between a locked configuration and an unlocked configuration. A bi-directional coupling is also provided. The disclosure also provides a torque release tubing rotator system comprising the tubing rotator and tubing hanger.