DRS-H

The hydraulic locking Drag Reduction Swivel (DRS-H) is a two-state drill pipe swivel that allows for the independent rotation of a liner or lower completion deployment string whilst keeping the string below the tool static, protecting jewellery sensitive to torque or rotation, such as sand screens, slotted pipe or open hole packers from harmful torque or rotation and extending the envelope of extended reach completions. 

Independent drill pipe rotation aids significantly in redistribution friction forces lost to side loading and drag in the cased hole leading to an initial increase in hook load, which when needed can be slacked off to push a lower completion system to target depth in high angle, extended reach wells without reaching block weight or inducing buckling. 

The DRS-H is capable of swivelling in tension, compression and neutral and through transitions thereof and has a large through bore to accommodate the passage large drop balls or darts for liner hanger and other hydraulic device setting. 

In cases where a wellbore obstruction is encountered, more weight can be set down against it with delayed onset of pipe buckling compared to tripping without independent drill string rotation. 

The DRS-H utilizes the latest generation of premium, extreme performance Polycrystalline Diamond Compact (PDC) Bearings for high load, high duration swivelling in the harshest of well conditions and trajectories. In comparison to roller bearings, PDC bearings offer significant benefits in terms of load capacity in tension and compression, debris tolerance, operating temperature, simplicity of design, abrasion and solids resistance, torque stability, wear particle generation and sour service compatibility.

 The shear pin adjustable primary hydraulic locking mechanism of the DRS-H allows for the locking utilizing the same applied pressure utilised for liner hanger setting and locks to both the left and right and therefore compatible with both left-hand and right-hand secondary release type running tools. 

A secondary, shear pin adjustable, hydraulic locking mechanism is available utilizing a dart drop into a dart seat integral to the DRS-H. The dart contains a burst disc to allow for regaining circulation for well control, fluid displacement or not pulling out of hole wet. 

The primary hydraulic differential pressure locking mechanism can be disengaged if required to offer a dart drop only locking method, allowing for the DRS-H not to lock at the time of liner hanger setting and releasing operations, enabling combination single trip lower completion deployment with wellbore clean up.