Vibrating Tool Casing String Friction Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
In deep wells and horizontal well operations, the frictional forces between the casing string and the borehole wall, exacerbated by deviations and hydraulic loading, make it difficult to advance the casing string, and the cementing process is hindered by static friction and uneven cement distribution.
Innovation Solution
Employing a vibrating tool with a variable flow resistance device that generates cyclic hydraulic loading through a vortex-controlled mechanism, integrated into the casing string to reduce drag and enhance cement distribution by pulsating the casing string.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a casing string is advanced in deep wells and horizontal well operations, then the wellbore is cased and protected, but high frictional forces between the casing string and borehole wall prevent advancement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a vibrating tool with a variable flow resistance device that generates cyclic hydraulic loading through a vortex-controlled mechanism, integrated into the casing string to reduce drag and enhance cement distribution by pulsating the casing string. The vibration breaks static friction and reduces drag forces between the casing string and borehole wall, enabling advancement in challenging well geometries.
2Reliability
If cement is pumped into the annulus during cementing operations, then the casing is secured and sealed, but static friction and uneven distribution hinder effective cementing
Solution Approach 1:
The vibrating tool pulsates the casing string during cementing operations, breaking static friction and enhancing cement distribution around the casing. The cyclic hydraulic loading created by the variable flow resistance device ensures uniform cement placement in the annulus, improving cementing quality and reliability.
3Productivity
If a variable flow resistance device is integrated into the casing string, then drag is reduced and cement distribution is enhanced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes hydraulic principles through a variable flow resistance device that generates cyclic hydraulic loading via a vortex-controlled mechanism. This hydraulic approach enables vibration and pulsation of the casing string to reduce drag and enhance cement distribution, achieving improved productivity through fluid dynamics rather than complex mechanical moving parts.
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
Facilitates the advancement of the casing string by breaking static friction and improves cement distribution around the casing, allowing for efficient wellbore casing and cementing operations, especially in challenging well geometries.
Implementation Method 1
a vibrating tool with a variable flow resistance device that generates cyclic hydraulic loading through a vortex-controlled mechanism
Implementation Method 2
the frictional forces between the casing string and the borehole wall, exacerbated by deviations and hydraulic loading, make it difficult to advance the casing string
Implementation Method 3
a vibrating tool with a variable flow resistance device that generates cyclic hydraulic loading
Data Source
AI summary
A casing string is augmented with one or more variable flow resistance devices or “vibrating tools” to facilitate advancement of the casing and distribution of the cement in the annulus once the casing is properly positioned. The method includes vibrating the casing string while advancing the casing down the wellbore or while the cement is pumped into the annulus, or both. After the cementing operation is completed, the devices may be drilled out to open the casing string for further operations. The casing string assembly may include a vibrating tool at the end in place of a conventional float shoe or float collar. Multiple vibrating tools can be employed in the casing string, and they may be combined with conventional float shoes and collars. Additionally, vibrating tools in the form of plugs can be pumped down and landed inside the casing string.