Venturi-Activated Downhole Torque Limiter With Automatic Re-Engagement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional downhole torque limiting systems in hydrocarbon well drilling are inefficient as they require removal and replacement of shear pins or insertion of weights to reset, which is costly and undesirable.
Innovation Solution
A downhole torque limiter system featuring a tubular housing with a pipe transitioning from a larger to a smaller diameter, a tubular valve plate, and a clutch mechanism, activated by fluid flow through a venturi profile, allowing torque limitation and automatic re-engagement without the need for removal or weight insertion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If traditional shear pins are used to limit torque, then torque limitation is achieved, but the system requires removal and replacement of pins to reset, increasing loss of time and operational complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The torque limiter automatically resets by allowing the pipe sections to re-engage after torque is reduced, eliminating the need for manual intervention. The system self-services by using the reduction in torque itself to trigger the re-engagement mechanism through the venturi effect
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical shear pin system with a fluid-dynamic system using the venturi effect and pressure differential to control the clutch mechanism, enabling automatic reset without mechanical replacement of components
2Force
If shear pins are used for torque limitation, then torque control is achieved, but device complexity increases due to replacement requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically manages its own reset function through the venturi-activated clutch mechanism, eliminating the need for complex manual replacement procedures or additional reset devices
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses fluid flow through the venturi profile to create pressure differential that controls the clutch mechanism, replacing complex mechanical reset systems with a simpler fluid-dynamic control system
3Force
If pipe sections are allowed to rotate freely to limit torque, then torque protection is achieved, but loss of time occurs during re-engagement
Solution Approach 1:
The clutch mechanism remains pre-positioned and ready for re-engagement, with the venturi profile already in place to immediately generate the necessary pressure differential when flow resumes, minimizing re-engagement time
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the torque condition itself as feedback - when torque decreases, the pressure differential changes automatically trigger re-engagement, creating a closed-loop system that responds directly to the torque condition
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
Enables effective torque limitation and automatic re-engagement of pipe sections, reducing damage to smaller diameter drillpipes and eliminating the need for costly resets, while maintaining operational efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
A venturi profile is formed within the pipe and activates a valve assembly which controls a clutch mechanism.
Implementation Method 2
the valve assembly configured to be activated by a pressure drop created by fluid flowing through the venturi profile
Data Source
AI summary
A downhole torque limiter. The downhole torque limiter may include a tubular housing; a pipe positioned within the tubular housing, the pipe transitioning from a larger inside diameter (IDL) to a smaller inside diameter (IDS), thereby forming a venturi profile having a first pressure zone (Z1) and a second pressure zone (Z2); a tubular valve plate radially positioned between the tubular housing and the pipe and rotationally fixed with the pipe; a lower sub rotationally fixed relative to the tubular housing and rotationally coupled to the tubular valve plate via a clutch mechanism; and a valve assembly positioned within a longitudinal opening extending along at least a portion of a sidewall of the tubular valve plate, the valve assembly configured to be activated by a pressure drop created by fluid flowing through the venturi profile.