Seal assembly life extension methods

Abstract

Methods of operating actively controlled sealing elements are disclosed that extend runtime of one or more actively controlled sealing elements and reduce the wear induced by a transiting tool joint. In certain embodiments, the activation of two or more independent actively controlled sealing elements are coordinated as a function of the position of tool joints in relation to the actively controlled sealing elements. In other embodiments, the activation of two or more independent actively controlled sealing elements are sequenced using a first actively controlled sealing element until the end of its design life and then utilizing a second actively controlled sealing element. In still other embodiments, a single actively controlled sealing element may be variably actuated as a function of the position of tool joints in relation to the actively controlled sealing element. Runtime of actively controlled sealing elements may be extended, improving productivity and reducing operating costs.

1 . A method of operating a plurality of actively controlled sealing elements comprising:
 for each actively controlled sealing element:   determining a location of a tool joint or external upset of a tubular drill string relative to the actively controlled sealing element;   determining a first condition is met when a body section of the tubular drill string is disposed within the actively controlled sealing element;   operating the actively controlled sealing element using a first set of parameters when the first condition is met;   determining a second condition is met when the tool joint or external upset of the tubular drill string is disposed within the actively controlled sealing element;   operating the actively controlled sealing element using a second set of parameters when the second condition is met;   determining a third condition is met when the tool joint or external upset is anticipated to transit the actively controlled sealing element; and   operating the actively controlled sealing element using the second set of parameters when the third condition is met and during the transit of the actively controlled sealing element.   
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein at least one of the plurality of actively controlled sealing elements is operated according to the first set of parameters. 
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the first set of parameters actuate the actively controlled sealing element to form a sealing engagement with the body section of the tubular drill string disposed therethrough. 
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the second set of parameters actuate the actively controlled sealing element to form a sealing engagement with the tool joint or external upset of the tubular drill string disposed therethrough. 
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the second set of parameters actuate the actively controlled sealing element less than the first set of parameters. 
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the second set of parameters relax a sealing engagement of the actively controlled sealing element as compared to the first set of parameters. 
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein each of the plurality of actively controlled sealing elements comprise a central lumen configured to receive the tubular drill string therethrough. 
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein each of the plurality of actively controlled sealing elements are operable, when actuated, to form a sealing engagement with the tubular drill string. 
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein each of the plurality of actively controlled sealing elements are non-rotating. 
     
     
         10 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein each of the plurality of actively controlled sealing elements are part of an annular sealing system. 
     
     
         11 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein each of the plurality of actively controlled sealing elements are part of an Active Control Device. 
     
     
         12 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein determining the location of the tool joint or external upset of the tubular drill string relative to the actively controlled sealing element comprises:
 disposing one or more sensors at known locations at or near the actively controlled sealing element; and   receiving, at a control system, sensor data from the one or more sensors indicating the presence or absence of the tool joint or external upset,   wherein the control system determines the location of the tool joint or external upset based on the received sensor data and the known locations of the one or more sensors.   
     
     
         13 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein determining the location of the tool joint or external upset of the tubular drill string relative to the actively controlled sealing element comprises:
 determining a depth of the tool joint or external upset relative to a rig floor; and   determining a depth of each actively controlled sealing element relative to the rig floor,   wherein a control system determines the location of the tool joint or external upset based on the depth of the tool joint or external upset and the depth of the actively controlled sealing element.   
     
     
         14 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein determining the location of the tool joint or external upset of the tubular drill string relative to the actively controlled sealing element comprises:
 receiving, at a control system, data corresponding to one or more proxy variables for determining the location of the tool joint or external upset and the location of the actively controlled sealing element,   wherein the control system determines the location of the tool joint or external upset and the location of the actively controlled sealing element based on the proxy variables.   
     
     
         15 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein determining the location of the tool joint or external upset of the tubular drill string relative to the actively controlled sealing element comprises:
 receiving, at a control system, data representing block position and hookload to determine whether the drill string is supported by a traveling block or is in slips; and   determining, at the control system, bit depth based on the block position, hookload, and depth tracking software,   wherein the control system determines the location of the tool joint or external upset based on the determined bit depth and known offset of the tool joint or external upset from the bit.   
     
     
         16 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein determining the location of the tool joint or external upset of the tubular drill string relative to the actively controlled sealing element comprises:
 determining, at the control system, fluctuations in closing pressure as a block moves, indicating the tool joint or external upset is entering the actively controlled sealing element.   
     
     
         17 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein determining the location of the tool joint or external upset of the tubular drill string relative to the actively controlled sealing element comprises:
 determining, at the control system, the tool joint or external upset of the tubular drill string is about to transit or has transited the actively controlled sealing element based on data received from one or more sensors disposed at or near the actively controlled sealing element.   
     
     
         18 .- 34 . (canceled) 
     
     
         35 . A non-transitory computer-readable medium comprising software instructions that, when executed by a processor, perform the method of  claim 1 . 
     
     
         36 . (canceled) 
     
     
         37 . A method of sequentially activating actively controlled sealing elements comprising:
 actuating a first actively controlled sealing element into sealing engagement with a tubular drill string;   relaxing a second actively controlled sealing element while the first actively controlled sealing element is actuated;   determining when the first actively controlled sealing element is consumed to a predetermined extent;   actuating the second actively controlled sealing element into sealing engagement with the tubular drill string; and   relaxing the first actively controlled sealing element while the second actively controlled sealing element is actuated.