Well Tool Anti-Rotation Device for Line Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for installing lines in well tools often result in damage due to applied torque during threaded connections, and there is a need to prevent relative rotation between line ends during connection making-up.
Innovation Solution
An anti-rotation device is used to prevent relative rotation between the ends of the line while making up threaded connections, and this device transmits torque through the well tool to facilitate the installation of the tubing string, especially through doglegs or tight spots in the well.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If threaded connections are made-up between end connectors of a well tool, then the well tool can be assembled and connected, but torque is applied to the line(s) in the well tool, thereby damaging the line(s)
Solution Approach 1:
A rotation prevention device is introduced as an intermediary between the threaded connections and the line. This device prevents rotation of the line during make-up of threaded connections, thereby eliminating torque transmission to the line while still allowing assembly to proceed. The device acts as a mediator that decouples the rotational motion of the connectors from the line.
Solution Approach 2:
The rotation prevention device is installed in advance before making up the threaded connections. By establishing the rotation prevention mechanism beforehand, the line is protected from torque damage during the entire assembly process. This preliminary action ensures that when threaded connections are made-up, the line cannot rotate even if torque is applied to the connectors.
2Reliability
If the well tool includes an anti-rotation device to prevent line rotation during connection, then line damage is prevented, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The anti-rotation device is designed to serve multiple functions: it prevents line rotation during make-up operations, transmits torque from the tubing string through the tool during installation, and maintains alignment of the line. By combining these functions into a single device, the increase in complexity is minimized while achieving reliable line protection and torque transmission capabilities.
3Productivity
If torque is transmitted through the well tool during installation, then the tubing string can be forced through doglegs or tight spots, but this may cause rotation and damage to the line
Solution Approach 1:
The anti-rotation device serves as a mediator that allows torque transmission from the tubing string while preventing this torque from rotating the line. The device transmits the necessary torque to force the tubing string through doglegs or tight spots, but simultaneously constrains the line to prevent rotation, thus enabling installation capability while protecting the line from damage.
Data Source
AI summary
Installation of lines in well tools. A well tool for use in conjunction with a subterranean well includes connectors at opposite ends of the well tool, a line extending between the connectors; at least one threaded connection at a position between the connectors; and an anti-rotation device which permits make-up of the threaded connection without relative rotation between ends of the line. A method of installing a line in a well tool includes the steps of: making-up a threaded connection at a position between end connectors of the well tool; and preventing relative rotation between ends of the line during the threaded connection making-up step, the line extending between the connectors.