Universal Drillpipe Deployment Tool for RCD Bearings

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional RCD bearing deployment tools require special adapters for different drillpipe sizes and threads, are load-bearing, and often need re-certification, making them costly and inefficient for reuse.

Innovation Solution

A universal running and pulling tool with a simple mechanism that uses a latch assembly and adapters to secure to drillpipe tool joints, independent of drill string load and thread size, allowing for quick adaptation to various drillpipe sizes without shear pins or single-shot features.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If conventional RCD bearing deployment tools are designed to interface with different drillpipe sizes and threads, then the tool can be used with various drillpipe configurations, but the tool requires special adapters and re-certification for each drillpipe size, increasing device complexity and cost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecompatibility with different drillpipe sizesVSAvoidnumber of adapters and certification requirements

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The deployment tool is designed with a universal interface system that can accommodate multiple drillpipe sizes and thread types through a single standardized connection mechanism. The tool incorporates adjustable or interchangeable connection elements that allow it to interface with different drillpipe configurations without requiring separate specialized adapters for each size, thereby achieving multi-functionality while maintaining simple device architecture

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The deployment tool is divided into modular components, with the connection interface being a separable module that can be quickly changed or adjusted. This segmentation allows the main tool body to remain simple and certified once, while only the interchangeable connection segments need to accommodate different drillpipe sizes, reducing the overall device complexity and certification burden

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Strength

If the deployment tool is designed as a load-bearing element for the whole drill string weight, then it can support drilling operations, but it requires special testing and re-certification at intervals, increasing loss of time and cost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveload-bearing capacityVSAvoidtesting and re-certification intervals

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The load-bearing function is extracted from the deployment tool and transferred to the drillpipe itself. The deployment tool is designed as a non-load-bearing intervention device that attaches to the drillpipe but does not support the drill string weight. This extraction eliminates the need for repeated strength testing and re-certification of the deployment tool, as the load-bearing drillpipe components are already certified

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The drillpipe serves as an intermediary that bears the load between the drilling system and the deployment tool. The deployment tool connects to the drillpipe but relies on the drillpipe's structural integrity to support loads, allowing the tool itself to be designed with simpler, non-load-bearing components that do not require extensive certification

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Device complexity

If the deployment tool uses shear pins or single-shot features for securing, then the mechanism is simple, but the tool cannot be reused without re-dressing, increasing loss of substance and cost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemechanism simplicityVSAvoidreusability without re-dressing

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The securing mechanism uses dynamic, reversible connections such as threaded fasteners, clamps, or latch mechanisms that can be opened and closed multiple times. These dynamic connections replace static single-shot features like shear pins, allowing the deployment tool to be secured to the drillpipe, used for deployment, then easily released and reused without damage or re-dressing

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The design enables recovery of the deployment tool after use by employing reusable securing mechanisms. Instead of disposable single-shot features that must be discarded or re-dressed, the tool uses recoverable connections that maintain their integrity through multiple use cycles, allowing the tool to be retrieved, inspected, and reused without significant maintenance or replacement costs

Inventive Principle:

Principle #34Discarding and recovering

Data Source

PatentUS11473374B2Deployment tool and deployment tool assembly

Publication Date: 2022.10.18 NTDRILL HOLDINGS LLC

AI summary

A deployment tool that can be used on land, jack-up and floating drilling rigs. The tools is installed around a drillpipe tool joint making it independent of the drill string load path as well as independent of the drill pipe thread and drill pipe size. It is designed for the largest commonly used drillpipe size, so has a single outer dimeter configuration that can be adapted from the largest drillpipe to the smallest in use with simple mechanical adapters. Thus, one main tool and a set of adapters is all that is required. The tool may be used in the deployment of RCDs, for example in the landing of an RCD bearing assembly on an RCD housing, or in the deployment of tubing hangers, lining hangers, casing hangers or other or any other temporary completion tool.