Tubular Running Tool Slip Set Control Without Set-Down Force
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional mechanically activated tubular drilling, reaming, and running tools rely on torsional resistance at the tubular interface, which can cause damage due to high set-down forces and frictional resistance, leading to potential catastrophic failures.
Innovation Solution
The inventions utilize fluid pressure to provide a torque reaction through a clutch and gear system or axial pistons, shifting the reaction force from the tool-tubular interface to the top drive-tubular running tool interface, eliminating the need for set-down force and frictional measures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional mechanically activated tools use frictional resistance at the tubular interface to generate torsional resistance, then the tool can operate mechanically, but high set-down forces are required that can cause damage to tubular connections
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the conventional friction-based mechanical system with a fluid pressure system. Instead of relying on friction between the bumper plate and tubular face, the invention uses hydraulic or pneumatic pressure applied to slips to generate the necessary holding force, thereby eliminating the need for high set-down forces that damage tubular connections
Solution Approach 2:
The invention directly applies pneumatic or hydraulic principles by using fluid pressure to actuate the slips. Fluid pressure is applied to the slips to engage them with the tubular, providing the required holding force without mechanical friction, thus resolving the contradiction between achieving reliable torsional resistance and avoiding damage to tubular connections
2Force
If the bumper plate engages the female half of a threaded connection to provide torsional resistance, then the tool can be operated, but a considerable small surface area requires great set-down force that can cause catastrophic failure
Solution Approach 1:
The invention substitutes the mechanical friction-based engagement system with a fluid pressure-based system. Instead of using the small surface area of the female threaded connection face to generate friction, the patent uses fluid pressure applied to the slips to generate the necessary holding force, eliminating the need for high set-down forces on the limited surface area
3Reliability
If high set-down force is applied to generate adequate torsional resistance through friction, then the tool can operate, but severe damage to the tubular connection occurs leading to catastrophic failure
Solution Approach 1:
The invention uses pneumatic or hydraulic pressure to actuate the slips, providing a controlled and reliable method to engage the tubular without requiring excessive set-down forces. This fluid pressure system maintains tool operational reliability while preserving the strength and integrity of the tubular connection by avoiding catastrophic failure
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 reduces the risk of damage to tubular connections by eliminating the reliance on frictional resistance, ensuring reliable operation with minimal set-down weight, and allowing for safer and more controlled tubular engagement and disengagement.
Implementation Method 1
fluid pressure to provide an alternative means to facilitate the torque reaction required to set or release slips
Implementation Method 2
The gear arrangement delivers a multiplication effect to the torque output of the clutch
Implementation Method 3
The hold back torque generated through the clutch driven system when coupled to a power screw female (threaded nut), can convert the rotational motion of the top drive to axial motion of the slips
Implementation Method 4
axial pistons attached to the moveable half of a hirth coupling, or other friction member, e.g., brake pad material or similar material used to create frictional forces between two surfaces sufficient to transfer torque
Data Source
AI summary
Various devices/methods to move a set of slips and control gripping force on a tubular are disclosed. The slips may be part of a mechanically-actuated casing running tool. The slips may be moved into and out of engagement with a tubular member by rotating a portion of the tool. The rotation may be applied from top drive unit. Set down force or other frictional measures on a pipe collar are not required. A series of interconnected gears through a clutch may be used to cause the slips to engage/a tubular member. A force may be applied to stop rotation of a threaded member, such as a power screw female or threaded nut, to facilitate threading action to set or release the slips. The control of torque applied on the top drive unit and the subsequent dis-engagement of the clutch enables active control of gripping force on the tubular member.