Wireless Drill String Disconnect Sub

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional drill string disconnection tools are inadequate for horizontal, extended-reach, and multi-lateral wells due to friction and gravity issues, requiring excessive force and being difficult to use in long horizontal bores, and are often 'one-use' tools that cannot be recombined.

Innovation Solution

A disconnector drill string with an uphole and downhole section coupled by a wireless-controlled disconnection sub, allowing for selective coupling and uncoupling, enabling easy reconfiguration and extension of the drill string, and supporting various well bore activities like fishing and tool swapping.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If conventional disconnection tools are used in horizontal wells, then disconnection function is provided, but excessive force is required and operation is difficult due to friction and gravity

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of disconnection operationVSAvoidforce required for disconnection

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSForce

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces conventional mechanical disconnection mechanisms with a wireless-controlled electromagnetic release system. The disconnection sub receives wireless commands to activate electromagnetic forces that selectively release connection elements, eliminating the need for high mechanical force and complex manual operation in horizontal well environments.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a wireless control system as an intermediary between the surface control and the downhole disconnection mechanism. This intermediary enables remote activation of the electromagnetic release without requiring direct mechanical intervention or high force transmission through the drill string, thereby reducing the force required for disconnection operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If conventional one-use disconnectors are used, then disconnection is achieved, but tools cannot be recombined and recovery is not possible

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvereusability of disconnection toolVSAvoidloss of drill string components

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a dynamic, reversible connection mechanism where the electromagnetic release can be activated and deactivated multiple times. The connection elements can be selectively engaged and disengaged based on wireless commands, allowing the same disconnection sub to be reused for multiple connection/disconnection cycles without being consumed or lost.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent enables recovery of drill string components by allowing the disconnection sub to be reused after releasing the drill string sections. The wireless-controlled mechanism permits controlled reconnection of previously disconnected sections, preventing permanent loss of expensive drill string components and enabling their recovery and reuse.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #34Discarding and recovering

3Ease of operation

If wireline or coiled tubing methods are used to disconnect drill string, then disconnection is achieved, but tools are difficult to use in long horizontal bores due to gravity and friction

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of tool deploymentVSAvoidlength of horizontal bore

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLength of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces wireline or coiled tubing mechanical deployment methods with a self-contained wireless-controlled electromagnetic release system that can be set and activated downhole without requiring long wireline or coiled tubing operations. This eliminates the difficulty of deploying tools through long horizontal bores while maintaining effective disconnection capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS9068415B2Wireless drill string disconnect

Publication Date: 2015.06.30 SAUDI ARABIAN OIL CO

AI summary

A disconnector drill string has an uphole section and a downhole section coupled together by a disconnection sub, an operative length and an internal fluid conduit that extends along its operative length. The disconnection sub is operable to receive wirelessly a pre-designated command signal, to selectively couple the uphole section and the downhole section together, and to selectively uncouple the uphole section and the downhole section from one another. A method for using the disconnector drill string in a well bore includes the steps of introducing the disconnector drill string into the well bore, transmitting wirelessly the pre-designated command signal to the disconnection sub such that the disconnection sub selectively operates to uncouple the uphole section of the disconnector drill string from the downhole section of the disconnector drill string, and removing the uphole section of the disconnector drill string from the well bore.