Two-Part Drilling And Running Tool for Whipstock Deployment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current designs for deploying whipstock assemblies in wells face issues with unreliable shear values and low mechanical ratings, particularly in deep or highly deviated wells, leading to vulnerable shear bolts and inefficient deployment.
Innovation Solution
A two-part drilling and running tool comprising a smaller assembly that connects to and seals with a whipstock assembly, allowing activation through pressure or flow, and a larger bit assembly, which forms a combined bit assembly for milling, ensuring reliable deployment and increased mechanical ratings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single-part drilling and running tool is used to deploy whipstock assemblies, then the deployment process is simpler, but the mechanical ratings are low and shear bolts are vulnerable in deep or highly deviated wells
Solution Approach 1:
The drilling and running tool is divided into two separate parts: a smaller assembly that connects to the whipstock and a larger bit assembly. This segmentation allows each part to be optimized for its specific function, with the larger assembly providing the necessary mechanical strength and shear capacity for deep well operations while the smaller assembly maintains deployment simplicity.
2Strength
If a two-part drilling and running tool is used to increase mechanical ratings, then the tool can handle deeper wells, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The smaller assembly is designed to nest within or connect to the larger bit assembly during deployment. The smaller assembly with the whipstock connection interfaces with the larger assembly through standardized mechanical interfaces, allowing the two parts to work together as an integrated system while maintaining individual optimization for their respective functions.
3Ease of manufacture
If shear bolts are used to connect assemblies, then the connection is simple, but the shear values are unreliable and premature shearing occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The connection mechanism utilizes composite construction with multiple materials and structural elements working together. The connection assembly includes shear bolts combined with additional mechanical features such as tapered interfaces, locking mechanisms, and distributed load paths that work together to provide both simplicity of installation and reliable, predictable shear characteristics under various loading conditions.
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a two part drilling and running tool, a well system, and a method for forming a well system. The two part drilling and running tool, in one aspect, includes a conveyance, and a smaller assembly coupled to an end of the conveyance. The two part drilling and running tool, in accordance with this aspect, further includes a larger bit assembly slidably coupled to the conveyance, the smaller assembly and larger bit assembly configured to slidingly engage one another downhole to form a combined bit assembly.