Wired Drill Pipe Motion Compensation for Heave Stress

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Solution Overview

Problem

Heave motion of floating drilling platforms causes stress and instability in drill strings and tools, leading to damage and decreased hydrocarbon production, as existing technologies struggle to effectively compensate for this motion during subsea drilling operations.

Innovation Solution

A system utilizing wired drill pipe for transmitting measurements and control signals to activate a motion compensation component, such as a slip joint, which compensates for heave by controlling axial movement and rotation of the drill string, thereby maintaining tool position and reducing stress.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If the drill string is rigidly suspended from the floating platform, then the structural stability is maintained, but the heave motion causes stress and damage to the drill string and tools

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural stabilityVSAvoidheave-induced stress and damage

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The drill string is divided into multiple segments with slip joints between them, allowing each segment to independently accommodate heave motion while maintaining overall structural integrity. The slip joints act as flexible connections that decouple the rigid segments, enabling them to move relative to each other in response to platform heave.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The slip joints in the drill string are designed to dynamically adjust their state based on heave conditions. Under normal conditions, the joints maintain rigid connection for stability. When heave motion occurs, the joints allow controlled axial movement to absorb stress, and can be locked in place when needed to maintain position.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Object-affected harmful factors

If the drill string is allowed to move freely with heave motion, then the stress and damage are reduced, but the tool position stability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveheave-induced stress and damageVSAvoidtool position stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The slip joints incorporate locking mechanisms that can engage or disengage based on operational requirements. When position stability is needed, the joints lock to maintain tool position. When stress relief is needed, the joints disengage to allow motion, providing dynamic adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses sensors to detect heave motion and tool position, providing feedback to control the slip joint locking mechanism. This feedback control ensures that the drill string accommodates heave when necessary while maintaining position stability when required.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Stability of the object's composition

If the drill string is frequently raised and lowered to compensate for heave, then the tool position is maintained, but the drill string and tools are damaged

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetool positionVSAvoiddrill string and tool integrity

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of raising and lowering the entire drill string, the segmented design with slip joints allows only the necessary portions to move independently. The slip joints distribute the motion compensation across multiple segments, reducing the overall stress on the drill string and tools.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The slip joints are pre-configured with stress-absorbing mechanisms that cushion the impact of heave motion before it can cause damage. The joints are designed to absorb tensile and compressive stresses through controlled deformation and locking, preventing damage before it occurs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

4Device complexity

If no motion compensation is used, then the system complexity is low, but the hydrocarbon production decreases due to operational interruptions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemotion compensation systemVSAvoidhydrocarbon production

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The motion compensation function is segmented into multiple slip joints distributed along the drill string, rather than requiring a single complex compensation system. This distributed approach simplifies the overall system while enabling continuous operation during heave motion.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The slip joints are designed to automatically compensate for heave motion through their inherent mechanical properties, without requiring external control systems or complex mechanisms. The joints self-adjust to accommodate platform motion, reducing system complexity while maintaining productivity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS9187957B2Method for motion compensation using wired drill pipe

Publication Date: 2015.11.17 SCHLUMBERGER TECH CORP

AI summary

A method for motion compensation includes obtaining measurements related to heave at a surface of a rig, transmitting the measurements to a processor, and automatically transmitting a control signal from the processor to a motion compensation component in response to the measurements. The motion compensation component is a slip joint and is attached to a drill string located in the wellbore. The method may also include activating the motion compensation component to compensate for motion in response to the signal and preventing axial or rotational movement of a portion of the drill string below the motion compensation component.