System, method and apparatus for drilling agitator

Abstract

A drilling agitator tool, system and method facilitates axial movement of a drill string in a well. The tool has a valve assembly that provides pulses of fluid pressure in the drill string. A valve control assembly controls a frequency and pressure amplitude of the pulses induced by the valve assembly. The valve control assembly monitors real-time pressure and vibration levels of the drill string. An agitator assembly reciprocates in response to the pulses of fluid pressure to provide axial movement of the drill string in the well.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0001]1. Field of the Disclosure[0002]The present invention relates in general to drilling oil and gas wells and, in particular, to a system, method and apparatus for facilitating axial movement of a drill string while it is drilling a well.[0003]2. Description of the Related Art[0004]Some oil and gas well bore profiles focus on horizontal well bore sections that increase the interface or surface area with the producing formation. As the length of the horizontal section increases, steps must be taken to reduce the friction or sticking force on the drill string. It is desirable to minimize these forces by maintaining the string in a dynamic mode as it moves axially through the well.[0005]The friction problem is further acerbated when a directional drilling assembly is used in a steering mode. During steering mode, the drill string is typically held in a relatively stationary orientation as weight is applied and only the bit is rotated. When hole friction is...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0009]Embodiments of a system for facilitating axial movement in a well comprises a drill string having a drill bit and a drilling agitator as described herein. Embodiments of method of facilitating axial movement of a drill string while drilling a well comprises operating a drill string in a well in a dynamic mode; detecting an axial accelerat

Problems solved by technology

The friction problem is further acerbated when a directional drilling assembly is used in a steering mode.

At that point, the sudden increase of weight at the bit can cause the mud motor to stall, forcing the operator to pick up and remove a portion of the weight.

As the drilling conditions change (e.g., weight on bit, mud flow rate, formation, bit type, etc.) these agitation tools are unable to compensate.

Some devices generate severe vibrations at resonating frequencies that cause costly premature failures of other down hole equipment, such as measurement while drilling (MWD) equipment.

Various setups can be installed when the agitation tool is serviced, but cannot be changed once the tool is in the field.

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