EP3545162B1 - Multi-start thread connection for downhole tools - Google Patents
Multi-start thread connection for downhole tools Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- EP3545162B1 EP3545162B1 EP17874651.7A EP17874651A EP3545162B1 EP 3545162 B1 EP3545162 B1 EP 3545162B1 EP 17874651 A EP17874651 A EP 17874651A EP 3545162 B1 EP3545162 B1 EP 3545162B1
- Authority
- EP
- European Patent Office
- Prior art keywords
- further characterized
- component
- wellbore apparatus
- line
- hydraulic
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Active
Links
- 238000005553 drilling Methods 0.000 claims description 15
- 230000008878 coupling Effects 0.000 claims description 13
- 238000010168 coupling process Methods 0.000 claims description 13
- 238000005859 coupling reaction Methods 0.000 claims description 13
- 239000012530 fluid Substances 0.000 claims description 11
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 claims description 6
- 230000003287 optical effect Effects 0.000 claims description 5
- 230000015572 biosynthetic process Effects 0.000 claims description 3
- 238000004891 communication Methods 0.000 claims description 3
- 230000005662 electromechanics Effects 0.000 claims description 2
- 238000011156 evaluation Methods 0.000 claims description 2
- 230000006698 induction Effects 0.000 claims 1
- 238000006073 displacement reaction Methods 0.000 description 5
- 238000012546 transfer Methods 0.000 description 5
- 238000005452 bending Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000005540 biological transmission Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000004020 conductor Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000013461 design Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000005611 electricity Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000000835 fiber Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229930195733 hydrocarbon Natural products 0.000 description 1
- 150000002430 hydrocarbons Chemical class 0.000 description 1
- 230000001939 inductive effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000013011 mating Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000002184 metal Substances 0.000 description 1
- -1 oil and gas Chemical class 0.000 description 1
- 238000010248 power generation Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000036316 preload Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000000750 progressive effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000000153 supplemental effect Effects 0.000 description 1
Images
Classifications
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E21—EARTH OR ROCK DRILLING; MINING
- E21B—EARTH OR ROCK DRILLING; OBTAINING OIL, GAS, WATER, SOLUBLE OR MELTABLE MATERIALS OR A SLURRY OF MINERALS FROM WELLS
- E21B17/00—Drilling rods or pipes; Flexible drill strings; Kellies; Drill collars; Sucker rods; Cables; Casings; Tubings
- E21B17/02—Couplings; joints
- E21B17/028—Electrical or electro-magnetic connections
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E21—EARTH OR ROCK DRILLING; MINING
- E21B—EARTH OR ROCK DRILLING; OBTAINING OIL, GAS, WATER, SOLUBLE OR MELTABLE MATERIALS OR A SLURRY OF MINERALS FROM WELLS
- E21B17/00—Drilling rods or pipes; Flexible drill strings; Kellies; Drill collars; Sucker rods; Cables; Casings; Tubings
- E21B17/02—Couplings; joints
- E21B17/03—Couplings; joints between drilling rod or pipe and drill motor or surface drive, e.g. between drilling rod and hammer
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E21—EARTH OR ROCK DRILLING; MINING
- E21B—EARTH OR ROCK DRILLING; OBTAINING OIL, GAS, WATER, SOLUBLE OR MELTABLE MATERIALS OR A SLURRY OF MINERALS FROM WELLS
- E21B17/00—Drilling rods or pipes; Flexible drill strings; Kellies; Drill collars; Sucker rods; Cables; Casings; Tubings
- E21B17/02—Couplings; joints
- E21B17/04—Couplings; joints between rod or the like and bit or between rod and rod or the like
- E21B17/042—Threaded
Definitions
- This disclosure relates generally to oilfield downhole tools and more particularly to methods and devices for transferring rotary power to a consumer.
- BHA Bottom Hole Assembly
- the BHA is attached to the bottom of a drill string, which is usually either a jointed rigid pipe or a relatively flexible spoolable tubing commonly referred to in the art as "coiled tubing.”
- a drill string which is usually either a jointed rigid pipe or a relatively flexible spoolable tubing commonly referred to in the art as "coiled tubing.”
- jointed pipe is utilized, the drill bit is rotated by rotating the jointed pipe from the surface and/or by a mud motor contained in the BHA. In the case of coiled tubing, the drill bit is rotated by the mud motor.
- BHA's may often incorporate equipment that require the transfer of rotary power from a generator to a consumer; e.g ., from a drilling motor to a drill bit.
- the transfer of such rotary power often occurs across two or more torque transmitting elements such as shafts.
- the present disclosure addresses the need for threaded couplings that provide a connection to efficiently transfer energy, signals, and / or fluids while also providing enhanced torque transmitting capabilities during the transfer of rotary power between two or more torque transmitting elements.
- GB 2327247 discloses a threaded coupling for transferring toque.
- EP 2738347 discloses connections between downhole tubulars.
- the present disclosure also provides a method for forming a connection in a wellbore apparatus as claimed in claim 11.
- the present disclosure relates to devices and methods for enhanced threaded connections between a driving rotating member and a driven rotating member. Threaded connections for torque transmission from one component to another can become damaged if over-torqued. To increase the torque capacity, the present disclosure uses a multi-start thread to reduce the induced shoulder load between two threaded components for a given torque. Additionally, the "make-up" and “break up” may be faster for such threaded connections.
- the present disclosure is susceptible to embodiments of different forms. The drawings show and the written specification describes specific embodiments of the present disclosure with the understanding that the present disclosure is to be considered an exemplification of the principles of the disclosure, and is not intended to limit the disclosure to that illustrated and described herein.
- FIG. 1 there is shown an embodiment of a drilling system 10 utilizing a bottomhole assembly (BHA) 60 configured for drilling wellbores. While a land system is shown, the teachings of the present disclosure may also be utilized in offshore or subsea applications.
- BHA bottomhole assembly
- FIG.1 a laminated earth formation 11 is intersected by a wellbore 12.
- the BHA 60 is conveyed via a drill string 22 into the wellbore 12.
- the drill string 22 may be jointed drill pipe or coiled tubing, which may include embedded conductors for power and / or data for providing signal and / or power communication between the surface and downhole equipment.
- the BHA 60 may include a drill bit 62 for forming the wellbore 12.
- the BHA 60 may include one or more rotary power sources such as a drilling motor 120.
- a pressurized drilling fluid is pumped down to the BHA 60 from the surface via the drill string 22 .
- This flowing drilling fluid may be utilized to energize the drilling motor 120, which generates rotary power that rotates the drill bit 62.
- the flowing drilling mud can also energize turbines or other similar devices that extract energy from the flowing drilling fluid.
- the extracted energy may be utilized to generate electricity and / or pressure hydraulic fluids. It should be understood that generating rotary power (i.e., generating useful torque) and electrical power generation and pressuring of fluids are merely illustrative of a variety of functions that may be performed by a consumer of rotary power.
- the drilling motor 120 is a positive displacement motor that includes a rotor 122 disposed in a stator 124 forming progressive cavities 123 there between. Fluid supplied under pressure to the motor 120 passes through the cavities 123 and rotates the rotor 122.
- the rotor 122 in turn is connected to the drill bit 62 ( Fig. 1 ) via a drive train 125 that is formed of two or more interconnected torque transmitting members.
- the drive train 125 includes a flex shaft 126 connected to a drive shaft 128 at a pin and box connection 130.
- the drive train 125 may have a greater or a fewer number of these torque transmitting members.
- the drive train 125 can transmit torque from the motor 120 to the drill bit 62 ( Fig. 1 ) using one or more threaded connections. These threaded connections may be used between the rotor 122, the universal joint (e.g. flex shaft) 126, and the drive shaft 128. In certain embodiments, the drive train 125 may also include a rotor adapter and bonnet (not shown) and a segmented drive shaft having upper and lower sections. Threaded connections may also be used transmit torque along these components as well.
- the threaded connection may include a pin end 150 and a box end 152 (shown in hidden lines).
- the pin end 150 has external threads and the box end 152 has internal threads (not shown).
- the pin end 150 and the box end 152 have abutting shoulders 154, 156, respectively.
- an axial loading occurs at the shoulders 154, 156.
- the ratio between a shoulder load and a make-up torque (MUT) depends on thread geometry. If the transmitted torque is higher than MUT, then the connection becomes over-torqued resulting in shoulder or pin damage.
- the threaded connections of the drive train 125 may use a multi-start thread to reduce the induced shoulder load for a given torque. Reducing the shoulder load may increase the torque capacity of the connection and may therefore avoid the necessity of a double shouldering of a connection.
- An additional advantage is the faster make and break of long thread cylindrical connections like at the bonnet of a motor.
- a traditional thread which is a single start thread, has one helically wound thread.
- a multi start screw has two or more intertwined threads.
- the Fig. 3A thread embodiment has two intertwined threads, 158 and 159. The intertwined threads may be helically wound threads. In these screw configurations, the effective pitch is equal to the pitch of a standard thread multiplied by the number of starts.
- drill bit is only one illustrative consumer of rotary power.
- Other consumers include, but are not limited to, under-reamers, reamers, pipe cutting tools, etc.
- the number of thread starts may vary depending on application. Thus, the ratio between a make-up torque and a break out torque may also vary significantly.
- Fig. 3B shows an end view of a two-start thread that has intertwined threads, 158, 159.
- Fig. 4 show the end view of a three start threads having three intertwined threads, 160, 162, 164. While only up to three thread starts are shown, the number of thread starts may be even higher. The ultimate number of thread starts is reached for an infinite pitch resulting in a pure spline connection. For a relatively high number of thread starts (e.g., five or more depending on pitch and diameter), a potential loss of self locking capability may be addressed with supplemental locking features. Nevertheless, these relatively high thread starts may still be able to transmit bending loads and apply a pre-load (clamping force) on components.
- Embodiments of the present disclosure also utilize the multi-start threads in configurations where it is desirable to align two components at a connection. For instance, alignment may be needed to operatively connect components; e.g., enable the transfer or exchange of electrical, optical, acoustic data signals, analog signals, digital signals, power, and / or fluid between components. More generally, the use of multi-start threads can enable an "operative connection” or “operative coupling” that allows energy, power, force, and/or pressure in any form to be conveyed between components that require precise alignment in order to function.
- Fig. 5 shows a first tool section 200 and in dashed lines a second tool section 202.
- a multi-start thread 204 connects the tool sections 200, 202.
- the first tool section 200 has a first element 206 associated with a line segment 208 and the second tool section has a second element 210 associated with a line segment 212.
- the line segments 208, 212 may be parts of one or more components. In order to operatively connect such components, the first element 206 and the second element 210 may need to have a predetermined relative alignment with a relatively low tolerance.
- the orientation may be based on axial alignment, circumferential alignment, radial alignment, angular alignment, longitudinal alignment, or any other suitable reference frame.
- the movement of screwing will create a circumferential as well as a longitudinal displacement.
- the circumferential as well as the longitudinal displacement is much lower than the displacement in a conventional thread with comparable connection strength. Consequently, the multi-start thread permit applying a specific torque with which the two elements 206, 210 can be oriented to each other at higher accuracy with respect to circumferential and longitudinal displacement.
- the elements 206, 210 are shown as being in physical contact in order to be operatively connected.
- the elements may be contacting surfaces, seals, rings, or other structures configured to forming a mating contact.
- the elements 206 may also be openings formed in surfaces that mate with one another.
- Fig. 6 shows another embodiment wherein the elements 206, 210 are positioned in a coupler 214 and do not require physical contact in order to be operatively connected but still deliver a better performance when aligning them with a higher accuracy.
- the elements 206, 210 may use couplers utilizing inductive coupling, electromagnetic resonance coupling, capacitive coupling, galvanic coupling, optocouplers, acoustic couplers, and / or transmit / receive signals.
- the performance of couplers may depend significantly on the circumferential and/or longitudinal alignment of opposing coupler components. Consequently, the coupler performance depends to a much lesser extent on the amount of applied torque with which the first and second components are screwed together.
- Fig. 7 schematically illustrates a well tool 220 that may utilize one or more connections according to the present disclosure.
- the well tool 220 may be a drill pipe, coiled tubing, a section of a BHA, a liner, a casing, or any other tool described above.
- the well tool 220 has the first tool section 200 and the second tool section 202, which are connected by the multi-start thread 204 at a joint 222.
- a line 224 may cross the joint 222.
- the line 224 may be configured to convey one or more of an optical signal, an electrical signal, an acoustic signal, a fluid, and / or other energy streams.
- the line 224 may be formed of any type of conduit, passage, tube, or a signal carrier, including, but not limited to, a metal wire, fiber optical lines, a hydraulic line, etc.
- the line 224 may be located centric or eccentric within the well tool 220. While the line is shown to be small compared to the well tool 220 in two dimensions, it may also be shaped to be much larger compared to what is shown in the figures.
- any number of components may be associated with the line 224, including, but not limited to, one or more sensors, an electromechanic actuator, a hydraulic actuator, an electric pump, a hydraulic pump, a hydraulic consumer, a valve, a piston, an electrical power generator, an electrical power consumer, an electronic component, a microprocessor, a communication device, a sensor, a formation evaluation tool, a BHA orientation sensor, steering devices, drilling motors, etc. including but not limited to surface equipment. Also, while one line 224 is shown, two or more lines may be used.
- the line 224 can cross the thread 204.
- multi-start threads allows the openings in the two connecting threads where the lines run through to be much smaller than when conventional threads are used. In the same way, using multi-start threads allow an alignment with much higher accuracy of opposing coupler components in the connecting threads.
- the threaded connection is much less sensitive against overtorque, whereas in conventional threads, the lines would be sheared, contacts would be disconnected, couplers would be misaligned when applying overtorque.
- the openings of the line 224 can be formed in the surface(s) on which threads are physically formed.
Landscapes
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
- Geology (AREA)
- Mining & Mineral Resources (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- Environmental & Geological Engineering (AREA)
- Fluid Mechanics (AREA)
- General Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
- Geochemistry & Mineralogy (AREA)
- Earth Drilling (AREA)
- Connection Of Motors, Electrical Generators, Mechanical Devices, And The Like (AREA)
Description
- This disclosure relates generally to oilfield downhole tools and more particularly to methods and devices for transferring rotary power to a consumer.
- To obtain hydrocarbons such as oil and gas, boreholes or wellbores are drilled by rotating a drill bit attached to the bottom of a BHA (also referred to herein as a "Bottom Hole Assembly" or ("BHA"). The BHA is attached to the bottom of a drill string, which is usually either a jointed rigid pipe or a relatively flexible spoolable tubing commonly referred to in the art as "coiled tubing." When jointed pipe is utilized, the drill bit is rotated by rotating the jointed pipe from the surface and/or by a mud motor contained in the BHA. In the case of coiled tubing, the drill bit is rotated by the mud motor. BHA's, as well as other wellbore devices, may often incorporate equipment that require the transfer of rotary power from a generator to a consumer; e.g., from a drilling motor to a drill bit. The transfer of such rotary power often occurs across two or more torque transmitting elements such as shafts.
- In some aspects, the present disclosure addresses the need for threaded couplings that provide a connection to efficiently transfer energy, signals, and / or fluids while also providing enhanced torque transmitting capabilities during the transfer of rotary power between two or more torque transmitting elements.
GB 2327247 EP 2738347 discloses connections between downhole tubulars. - In one aspect, there is provided a wellbore apparatus as claimed in claim 1.
- In another aspect, the present disclosure also provides a method for forming a connection in a wellbore apparatus as claimed in
claim 11. - Illustrative examples of some features of the disclosure thus have been summarized rather broadly in order that the detailed description thereof that follows may be better understood, and in order that the contributions to the art may be appreciated. There are, of course, additional features of the disclosure that will be described hereinafter and which will form the subject of the claims appended hereto.
- For detailed understanding of the present disclosure, references should be made to the following detailed description of the preferred embodiment, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like elements have been given like numerals and wherein:
-
FIG. 1 illustrates a drilling system made in accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure; -
FIG. 2 illustrates a drilling motor assembly using one or more threaded couplings made in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure; -
FIG. 3A illustrates a two-start thread configuration in accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure; -
FIG. 3B illustrates an end view of a two-start thread configuration in accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure; -
FIG. 4 schematically illustrates an end view of a three-start thread configuration in accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure; -
FIG. 5 schematically illustrates a threaded coupling with a line made in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure; -
FIG. 6 schematically illustrates a threaded coupling with a non-contact connection made in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure; and -
FIG. 7 schematically illustrates an section of a drill string that uses a thread configuration with a line in accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure. - The present disclosure relates to devices and methods for enhanced threaded connections between a driving rotating member and a driven rotating member. Threaded connections for torque transmission from one component to another can become damaged if over-torqued. To increase the torque capacity, the present disclosure uses a multi-start thread to reduce the induced shoulder load between two threaded components for a given torque. Additionally, the "make-up" and "break up" may be faster for such threaded connections. The present disclosure is susceptible to embodiments of different forms. The drawings show and the written specification describes specific embodiments of the present disclosure with the understanding that the present disclosure is to be considered an exemplification of the principles of the disclosure, and is not intended to limit the disclosure to that illustrated and described herein.
- In
Fig. 1 , there is shown an embodiment of adrilling system 10 utilizing a bottomhole assembly (BHA) 60 configured for drilling wellbores. While a land system is shown, the teachings of the present disclosure may also be utilized in offshore or subsea applications. InFIG.1 , a laminatedearth formation 11 is intersected by awellbore 12. The BHA 60 is conveyed via adrill string 22 into thewellbore 12. Thedrill string 22 may be jointed drill pipe or coiled tubing, which may include embedded conductors for power and / or data for providing signal and / or power communication between the surface and downhole equipment. The BHA 60 may include adrill bit 62 for forming thewellbore 12. In some embodiments, the BHA 60 may include one or more rotary power sources such as adrilling motor 120. - In a common mode of operation, a pressurized drilling fluid is pumped down to the
BHA 60 from the surface via thedrill string 22. This flowing drilling fluid may be utilized to energize thedrilling motor 120, which generates rotary power that rotates thedrill bit 62. The flowing drilling mud can also energize turbines or other similar devices that extract energy from the flowing drilling fluid. The extracted energy may be utilized to generate electricity and / or pressure hydraulic fluids. It should be understood that generating rotary power (i.e., generating useful torque) and electrical power generation and pressuring of fluids are merely illustrative of a variety of functions that may be performed by a consumer of rotary power. - Referring now to
Fig. 2 , there is shown in greater detail one embodiment of adrilling motor 120 that may be used with the BHA 60 (Fig. 1 ). Thedrilling motor 120 is a positive displacement motor that includes arotor 122 disposed in astator 124 formingprogressive cavities 123 there between. Fluid supplied under pressure to themotor 120 passes through thecavities 123 and rotates therotor 122. Therotor 122 in turn is connected to the drill bit 62 (Fig. 1 ) via adrive train 125 that is formed of two or more interconnected torque transmitting members. In one embodiment, thedrive train 125 includes aflex shaft 126 connected to a drive shaft 128 at a pin andbox connection 130. Thedrive train 125 may have a greater or a fewer number of these torque transmitting members. - The
drive train 125 can transmit torque from themotor 120 to the drill bit 62 (Fig. 1 ) using one or more threaded connections. These threaded connections may be used between therotor 122, the universal joint (e.g. flex shaft) 126, and the drive shaft 128. In certain embodiments, thedrive train 125 may also include a rotor adapter and bonnet (not shown) and a segmented drive shaft having upper and lower sections. Threaded connections may also be used transmit torque along these components as well. - Referring to
Fig. 3A , the threaded connection may include apin end 150 and a box end 152 (shown in hidden lines). In a conventional manner, thepin end 150 has external threads and thebox end 152 has internal threads (not shown). Thepin end 150 and thebox end 152 have abuttingshoulders pin end 150 andbox end 152 are connected (i.e., made up), an axial loading occurs at theshoulders - In embodiments, the threaded connections of the drive train 125 (
Fig. 2 ) may use a multi-start thread to reduce the induced shoulder load for a given torque. Reducing the shoulder load may increase the torque capacity of the connection and may therefore avoid the necessity of a double shouldering of a connection. An additional advantage is the faster make and break of long thread cylindrical connections like at the bonnet of a motor. A traditional thread, which is a single start thread, has one helically wound thread. A multi start screw has two or more intertwined threads. TheFig. 3A thread embodiment has two intertwined threads, 158 and 159. The intertwined threads may be helically wound threads. In these screw configurations, the effective pitch is equal to the pitch of a standard thread multiplied by the number of starts. - It should be understood that the drill bit is only one illustrative consumer of rotary power. Other consumers include, but are not limited to, under-reamers, reamers, pipe cutting tools, etc.
- The number of thread starts may vary depending on application. Thus, the ratio between a make-up torque and a break out torque may also vary significantly.
Fig. 3B shows an end view of a two-start thread that has intertwined threads, 158, 159.Fig. 4 show the end view of a three start threads having three intertwined threads, 160, 162, 164. While only up to three thread starts are shown, the number of thread starts may be even higher. The ultimate number of thread starts is reached for an infinite pitch resulting in a pure spline connection. For a relatively high number of thread starts (e.g., five or more depending on pitch and diameter), a potential loss of self locking capability may be addressed with supplemental locking features. Nevertheless, these relatively high thread starts may still be able to transmit bending loads and apply a pre-load (clamping force) on components. - Embodiments of the present disclosure also utilize the multi-start threads in configurations where it is desirable to align two components at a connection. For instance, alignment may be needed to operatively connect components; e.g., enable the transfer or exchange of electrical, optical, acoustic data signals, analog signals, digital signals, power, and / or fluid between components. More generally, the use of multi-start threads can enable an "operative connection" or "operative coupling" that allows energy, power, force, and/or pressure in any form to be conveyed between components that require precise alignment in order to function.
- The advantages of joints or connections with multi-start threads is illustrated in
Fig. 5 , which shows afirst tool section 200 and in dashed lines asecond tool section 202. Amulti-start thread 204 connects thetool sections first tool section 200 has afirst element 206 associated with aline segment 208 and the second tool section has asecond element 210 associated with aline segment 212. Theline segments first element 206 and thesecond element 210 may need to have a predetermined relative alignment with a relatively low tolerance. For instance, the orientation may be based on axial alignment, circumferential alignment, radial alignment, angular alignment, longitudinal alignment, or any other suitable reference frame. For example, when thetool sections elements Fig. 5 , theelements embodiments 206, the elements may be contacting surfaces, seals, rings, or other structures configured to forming a mating contact. Theelements 206 may also be openings formed in surfaces that mate with one another. -
Fig. 6 shows another embodiment wherein theelements coupler 214 and do not require physical contact in order to be operatively connected but still deliver a better performance when aligning them with a higher accuracy. For example, theelements -
Fig. 7 schematically illustrates awell tool 220 that may utilize one or more connections according to the present disclosure. Thewell tool 220 may be a drill pipe, coiled tubing, a section of a BHA, a liner, a casing, or any other tool described above. Thewell tool 220 has thefirst tool section 200 and thesecond tool section 202, which are connected by themulti-start thread 204 at a joint 222. Aline 224 may cross the joint 222. Without limitation, theline 224 may be configured to convey one or more of an optical signal, an electrical signal, an acoustic signal, a fluid, and / or other energy streams. Theline 224 may be formed of any type of conduit, passage, tube, or a signal carrier, including, but not limited to, a metal wire, fiber optical lines, a hydraulic line, etc. Theline 224 may be located centric or eccentric within thewell tool 220. While the line is shown to be small compared to thewell tool 220 in two dimensions, it may also be shaped to be much larger compared to what is shown in the figures. Further, any number of components may be associated with theline 224, including, but not limited to, one or more sensors, an electromechanic actuator, a hydraulic actuator, an electric pump, a hydraulic pump, a hydraulic consumer, a valve, a piston, an electrical power generator, an electrical power consumer, an electronic component, a microprocessor, a communication device, a sensor, a formation evaluation tool, a BHA orientation sensor, steering devices, drilling motors, etc. including but not limited to surface equipment. Also, while oneline 224 is shown, two or more lines may be used. - In some embodiments, the
line 224 can cross thethread 204. Using multi-start threads allows the openings in the two connecting threads where the lines run through to be much smaller than when conventional threads are used. In the same way, using multi-start threads allow an alignment with much higher accuracy of opposing coupler components in the connecting threads. When using a multi-start thread, applying a specific torque with lead to a much better accuracy with which the two lines, couplers, contacts, or components can be oriented to each other compared to threads with a conventional design. This allows for reduced size of openings in the two connecting threads where the lines run through which leads to an increase in the stability of the threads. Stated differently, the threaded connection is much less sensitive against overtorque, whereas in conventional threads, the lines would be sheared, contacts would be disconnected, couplers would be misaligned when applying overtorque. In some embodiments, the openings of theline 224 can be formed in the surface(s) on which threads are physically formed.
Claims (13)
- A wellbore apparatus, comprising:- a first component (200) having a first element (206); and- a second component (202) having a second element (210), the first element (206) and the second element (210) being operatively connected to one another, the first element (206) and the second element (210) each being a segment of a line (224), characterised by the first component (200) and the second component being connected by a multi-start thread connection (204).
- The wellbore apparatus of claim 1, further characterized in that the line (224) is configured to convey one of: (i) an optical signal, (ii) an electrical signal, (iii) an acoustic signal, (iv) a fluid, (v) energy.
- The wellbore apparatus of claim 1, further characterized by a coupler operatively connecting the first element (206) with the second element (210).
- The wellbore apparatus of claim 3, further characterized in that the coupler forms an induction coupling between the first element (206) and the second element (210).
- The wellbore apparatus of claim 3, further characterized in that the coupler forms an electromagnetic resonance coupling between the first element (206) and the second element (210).
- The wellbore apparatus of claim 3, further characterized in that the coupler forms a capacitive coupling between the first element (206) and the second element (210).
- The wellbore apparatus of claim 3, further characterized in that the coupler forms a physical contact between the first element (206) and the second element (210).
- The wellbore apparatus of claim 1, further characterized in that the first element (206) is one of: a wire, a sensor, a hydraulic pump, a hydraulic line, a hydraulic consumer, an electrical power generator, an electrical power consumer, an electromechanic actuator, a hydraulic actuator, an electric pump, a hydraulic consumer, a valve, a piston, an electronic component, a microprocessor, a communication device, a formation evaluation tool, a BHA orientation sensor, a steering devices, and a drilling motor.
- The wellbore apparatus of claim 1, further characterized in that the first component (200) is one of: (i) a drill pipe, (ii) coiled tubing, (iii) a section of a BHA, (iv) a liner, (v) a casing; and the second component (202) is one of: (i) a drill pipe, (ii) coiled tubing, (iii) a section of a BHA, (iv) a liner, (v) a casing.
- The wellbore apparatus of claim 1, further characterized in that the multi-start thread connection (204) has at least three intertwined helically wound threads.
- A method for forming a connection in a wellbore apparatus, comprising:- positioning a first element (206) in a first component (200);- positioning a second element (210) in a second component (202);- connecting the first component (200) to the second component (202) using a multi-start thread connection (204); and- operatively connecting the first element (206) to the second element (210),wherein the first element (206) and the second (210) elements are each a segment of a line (224).
- The method of claim 11, further characterized by using the line (224) to convey one of: (i) an optical signal, (ii) an electrical signal, (iii) an acoustic signal, (iv) a fluid, (v) energy.
- The method of claim 11, further characterized in that the first element (206) is one of: (i) a wire, (ii) a sensor, (iii) a hydraulic pump, (iv) a hydraulic line (v) a hydraulic consumer, (vi) an electrical power generator, and (vii) an electrical power consumer.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US15/362,427 US10731423B2 (en) | 2013-10-01 | 2016-11-28 | Multi-start thread connection for downhole tools |
PCT/US2017/063295 WO2018098439A1 (en) | 2016-11-28 | 2017-11-27 | Multi-start thread connection for downhole tools |
Publications (3)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
EP3545162A1 EP3545162A1 (en) | 2019-10-02 |
EP3545162A4 EP3545162A4 (en) | 2020-08-19 |
EP3545162B1 true EP3545162B1 (en) | 2023-01-18 |
Family
ID=62196259
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
EP17874651.7A Active EP3545162B1 (en) | 2016-11-28 | 2017-11-27 | Multi-start thread connection for downhole tools |
Country Status (3)
Country | Link |
---|---|
EP (1) | EP3545162B1 (en) |
RU (1) | RU2725440C1 (en) |
WO (1) | WO2018098439A1 (en) |
Families Citing this family (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
CN112302855B (en) * | 2020-11-02 | 2022-02-15 | 长江大学 | Underground power generation device and power generation method |
Family Cites Families (8)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US5896924A (en) * | 1997-03-06 | 1999-04-27 | Baker Hughes Incorporated | Computer controlled gas lift system |
CA2242592A1 (en) | 1997-07-11 | 1999-01-11 | William D. Murray | Multiple lead threads for high torque transfer applications |
US7913774B2 (en) * | 2005-06-15 | 2011-03-29 | Schlumberger Technology Corporation | Modular connector and method |
US8118093B2 (en) * | 2008-11-04 | 2012-02-21 | Intelliserv, Llc | Threaded retention device for downhole transmission lines |
US8136846B2 (en) * | 2008-11-17 | 2012-03-20 | Gandy Technologies Corporation | Cylindrical tapered thread form for tubular connections |
RU2513120C2 (en) * | 2009-01-02 | 2014-04-20 | МАРТИН САЙНТИФИК ЭлЭлСи | Reliable system for transmitting data over wire conduit |
US9366094B2 (en) | 2012-11-30 | 2016-06-14 | Intelliserv, Llc | Pipe joint having coupled adapter |
US20150093189A1 (en) * | 2013-10-01 | 2015-04-02 | Baker Hughes Incorporated | Multi-start thread connection for downhole tools |
-
2017
- 2017-11-27 RU RU2019119829A patent/RU2725440C1/en active
- 2017-11-27 WO PCT/US2017/063295 patent/WO2018098439A1/en active Application Filing
- 2017-11-27 EP EP17874651.7A patent/EP3545162B1/en active Active
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
EP3545162A4 (en) | 2020-08-19 |
RU2725440C1 (en) | 2020-07-02 |
EP3545162A1 (en) | 2019-10-02 |
WO2018098439A1 (en) | 2018-05-31 |
Similar Documents
Publication | Publication Date | Title |
---|---|---|
EP3194703B1 (en) | Fatigue resistant thread profile with combined curve rounding | |
US10100586B2 (en) | Downhole electrical connector | |
US8900062B2 (en) | Driveshaft assembly for a downhole motor | |
US20150008002A1 (en) | Tapered Spline Connection for Drill Pipe, Casing, and Tubing | |
CN113006724B (en) | Threaded coupling, system thereof and method for manufacturing threaded coupling | |
US20100018699A1 (en) | Low Stress Threadform with a Non-conic Section Curve | |
WO2015050880A1 (en) | Multi-start thread connection for downhole tools | |
US10731423B2 (en) | Multi-start thread connection for downhole tools | |
CA2469875C (en) | Modular thread connection with high fatigue resistance | |
EP3545162B1 (en) | Multi-start thread connection for downhole tools | |
US1265706A (en) | Collar and lead ring and process of coupling drill-pipes. | |
NO20150719A1 (en) | Threaded tubular section and method of connecting tubular members in a borehole penetrating the earth | |
US20070151739A1 (en) | Connector for use in a wellbore | |
WO2011023557A1 (en) | Flexible couplings for tubular members | |
EP3749827B1 (en) | Drilling component coupler for reinforcement | |
US11905764B1 (en) | Coupling with enhanced torsional, fatigue strength, and wear resistance | |
US11976758B1 (en) | Electrically insulated threaded connection |
Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
STAA | Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent |
Free format text: STATUS: THE INTERNATIONAL PUBLICATION HAS BEEN MADE |
|
PUAI | Public reference made under article 153(3) epc to a published international application that has entered the european phase |
Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009012 |
|
STAA | Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent |
Free format text: STATUS: REQUEST FOR EXAMINATION WAS MADE |
|
17P | Request for examination filed |
Effective date: 20190621 |
|
AK | Designated contracting states |
Kind code of ref document: A1 Designated state(s): AL AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC MK MT NL NO PL PT RO RS SE SI SK SM TR |
|
AX | Request for extension of the european patent |
Extension state: BA ME |
|
DAV | Request for validation of the european patent (deleted) | ||
DAX | Request for extension of the european patent (deleted) | ||
A4 | Supplementary search report drawn up and despatched |
Effective date: 20200721 |
|
RIC1 | Information provided on ipc code assigned before grant |
Ipc: E21B 17/042 20060101AFI20200715BHEP Ipc: E21B 17/03 20060101ALI20200715BHEP Ipc: E21B 17/02 20060101ALI20200715BHEP |
|
GRAP | Despatch of communication of intention to grant a patent |
Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNIGR1 |
|
STAA | Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent |
Free format text: STATUS: GRANT OF PATENT IS INTENDED |
|
INTG | Intention to grant announced |
Effective date: 20220119 |
|
RIN1 | Information on inventor provided before grant (corrected) |
Inventor name: FULDA, CHRISTIAN Inventor name: GRIMMER, HARALD |
|
GRAJ | Information related to disapproval of communication of intention to grant by the applicant or resumption of examination proceedings by the epo deleted |
Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSDIGR1 |
|
STAA | Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent |
Free format text: STATUS: REQUEST FOR EXAMINATION WAS MADE |
|
INTC | Intention to grant announced (deleted) | ||
GRAP | Despatch of communication of intention to grant a patent |
Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNIGR1 |
|
STAA | Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent |
Free format text: STATUS: GRANT OF PATENT IS INTENDED |
|
INTG | Intention to grant announced |
Effective date: 20220826 |
|
GRAS | Grant fee paid |
Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNIGR3 |
|
GRAA | (expected) grant |
Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009210 |
|
STAA | Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent |
Free format text: STATUS: THE PATENT HAS BEEN GRANTED |
|
AK | Designated contracting states |
Kind code of ref document: B1 Designated state(s): AL AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC MK MT NL NO PL PT RO RS SE SI SK SM TR |
|
RAP3 | Party data changed (applicant data changed or rights of an application transferred) |
Owner name: BAKER HUGHES HOLDINGS LLC |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: GB Ref legal event code: FG4D |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: DE Ref legal event code: R096 Ref document number: 602017065656 Country of ref document: DE |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: CH Ref legal event code: EP |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: AT Ref legal event code: REF Ref document number: 1544807 Country of ref document: AT Kind code of ref document: T Effective date: 20230215 Ref country code: IE Ref legal event code: FG4D |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: NO Ref legal event code: T2 Effective date: 20230118 |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: LT Ref legal event code: MG9D |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: NL Ref legal event code: MP Effective date: 20230118 |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: AT Ref legal event code: MK05 Ref document number: 1544807 Country of ref document: AT Kind code of ref document: T Effective date: 20230118 |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: NL Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20230118 |
|
P01 | Opt-out of the competence of the unified patent court (upc) registered |
Effective date: 20230526 |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: RS Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20230118 Ref country code: PT Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20230518 Ref country code: LV Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20230118 Ref country code: LT Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20230118 Ref country code: HR Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20230118 Ref country code: ES Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20230118 Ref country code: AT Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20230118 |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: SE Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20230118 Ref country code: PL Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20230118 Ref country code: IS Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20230518 Ref country code: GR Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20230419 Ref country code: FI Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20230118 |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: DE Ref legal event code: R097 Ref document number: 602017065656 Country of ref document: DE |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: SM Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20230118 Ref country code: RO Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20230118 Ref country code: EE Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20230118 Ref country code: DK Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20230118 Ref country code: CZ Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20230118 |
|
PLBE | No opposition filed within time limit |
Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009261 |
|
STAA | Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent |
Free format text: STATUS: NO OPPOSITION FILED WITHIN TIME LIMIT |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: SK Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20230118 |
|
26N | No opposition filed |
Effective date: 20231019 |
|
PGFP | Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: GB Payment date: 20231019 Year of fee payment: 7 |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: SI Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20230118 |
|
PGFP | Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: NO Payment date: 20231023 Year of fee payment: 7 |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: IT Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20230118 |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: DE Ref legal event code: R119 Ref document number: 602017065656 Country of ref document: DE |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: CH Ref legal event code: PL |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: MC Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20230118 |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: LU Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES Effective date: 20231127 |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: CH Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES Effective date: 20231130 |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: MC Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20230118 Ref country code: LU Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES Effective date: 20231127 Ref country code: CH Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES Effective date: 20231130 |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: BE Ref legal event code: MM Effective date: 20231130 |