An axial energy storage impactor and method of operation thereof

Abstract

This invention discloses an axial energy storage impactor and its operating method, belonging to the field of oil and gas drilling technology. It includes an upper connector and a lower connector at both ends. The upper connector connects to the upper drill string, and the lower connector, located at the lower end of the impactor's drive shaft, connects to the drill bit. Torque and drilling pressure are transmitted through the housing, inner and outer vibrating blocks, and the drive shaft. Rotation of the drill string causes a speed difference between the inner and outer vibrating blocks. The inner vibrating block drives the drive shaft to generate axial displacement relative to the drill string housing. The drive shaft stores energy through a compressed disc spring. As the drill string continues to rotate, the stored energy is released, and the drive shaft drives the drill bit to complete the impact. This invention also discloses the operating method of the axial energy storage impactor. The axial energy storage impactor of this invention has a simple structure, few vulnerable parts, high reliability, and does not require the consumption of drilling fluid energy to achieve high-frequency axial impact, ensuring sufficient hydraulic energy to assist in rock breaking and rock carrying, making it suitable for widespread application.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of oil and gas drilling technology, and more specifically, to an axial energy storage impactor and its operating method. Background Technology

[0002] Currently, as drilling extends into deeper formations, the encountered rocks are harder, more abrasive, and have extremely high drillability. Furthermore, in directional, horizontal, and extended reach wells, the pressure exerted on the drill string by the wellbore prevents the effective application of drilling pressure and torque to the drill bit, leading to a significant decrease in the rate of drilling (ROD), slowing oil and gas exploration and development, and greatly increasing development costs. Rotary percussion drilling technology combines rotation and impact, building upon conventional rotary drilling. Its principle involves installing an impactor on the drill bit. During drilling, the drilling fluid drives the impactor to generate high-frequency impact force, continuously applying it to the drill bit, thus achieving simultaneous rotation and impact drilling. Rotary percussion drilling technology better utilizes the brittleness, low shear strength, and poor impact resistance of hard rocks, thereby increasing the ROD. However, rotary percussion drilling requires the energy of the drilling fluid to be converted into impact energy for the drill bit. Especially as well depth increases, insufficient drilling fluid energy for rock breaking and cutting leads to repeated cutting of rock cuttings, which in turn reduces the ROD.

[0003] my country's oil and gas exploration and development focus is gradually shifting towards deep wells, ultra-deep wells, and extra-deep wells, with the number of wells being increased year by year. Currently, the eastern region is my country's main oil-producing area, with a proven oil resource rate of 38%, and 5.3 billion tons of oil still stored in deep formations. The western region accounts for 38% of the country's total oil resources, of which 73% of the oil and gas is buried in deep formations. The central region is a concentrated area of ​​natural gas, with an extremely low proven rate, and 52% of the natural gas resources are located in deep formations. These oil and gas resources are mainly distributed in deep formations at depths of 4,000 to 8,000 meters, urgently requiring efficient rock-breaking technologies for deep and ultra-deep wells.

[0004] Traditional rotary drilling technology in the current drilling tool market suffers from insufficient rock breaking and cutting capacity due to excessive consumption of drilling fluid energy. Rock cuttings cannot be discharged from the bottom of the well in a timely and effective manner, resulting in repeated cutting. This has an adverse effect on further improving the mechanical drilling rate and makes it difficult to adapt to more complex deep formations.

[0005] The energy storage axial impact tool proposed in this invention patent differs from traditional rotary drilling technology. This impactor applies a certain high-frequency axial impact force to the rotating drill bit entirely mechanically, without consuming drilling fluid energy. This can significantly improve rock breaking efficiency, thereby increasing mechanical drilling speed, and effectively alleviate the problem of drill string pressure in complex well structures. It has significant practical implications for improving drilling speed and reducing drilling costs in deep wells, ultra-deep wells, and complex well structures. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The purpose of this invention is to overcome the defects in the existing technology and provide an axial energy storage impactor and its operating method, which can drive the drill bit to achieve high-frequency axial impact rock breaking, thereby improving rock breaking efficiency and effectively solving and alleviating the problem of drill string drag pressure in complex well structures.

[0007] The embodiments of the present invention are implemented as follows:

[0008] On one hand, embodiments of the present invention provide an axial energy storage impactor with an upper connector and a lower connector at both ends. The upper connector connects to the upper drill string, and the lower connector, located at the lower end of the impactor's drive shaft, connects to the drill bit. Torque and drilling pressure are transmitted through the housing, inner and outer vibrating blocks, and the drive shaft. The rotation of the drill string causes a speed difference between the inner and outer vibrating blocks. The inner vibrating block drives the drive shaft to generate axial displacement relative to the drill string housing. The drive shaft stores energy through a compressed disc spring, releasing the stored energy as the drill string continues to rotate. The drive shaft then drives the drill bit to complete the impact. The drill bit undergoes both circumferential rotational motion with the inner vibrating block to shear the rock and circumferential impact motion to impact the rock, thereby achieving efficient rock breaking.

[0009] Furthermore, the upper connector transmits drilling pressure and torque to the upper drill bit via a threaded connection. The upper connector drives the impactor housing to rotate. The housing and the outer vibrator block are circumferentially fixed by a semi-circular groove to transmit torque. The lower lock nut presses the outer vibrator block for axial fixation. The housing drives the outer vibrator block to rotate. The inner vibrator block and the drive shaft are connected by four keys. As the outer vibrator block rotates with the housing, a speed difference is generated between it and the inner and outer vibrator blocks. The inner vibrator block generates axial movement relative to the outer vibrator block. The inner vibrator block drives the drive shaft to rotate and generates axial movement at the same time. When the drive shaft moves, it compresses the disc spring assembly through the transmission sleeve to store energy. When the axial relative displacement of the inner and outer vibrator blocks reaches its maximum, the disc spring stores its maximum energy. At this time, the outer vibrator block continues to rotate, and the elastic potential energy of the disc spring is released, driving the drive shaft and the drill bit to achieve one impact rock breaking. Four impact processes are achieved within one relative motion cycle. The drilling pressure and torque are ultimately applied to the drill bit through the upper connector, housing, outer vibrator block, inner vibrator block, and drive shaft.

[0010] Furthermore, there are three inner and three outer oscillators, with three pairs of inner and outer oscillators connected in series to disperse pressure and torque. Each inner and outer oscillator has four identical 90° helical angles arranged circumferentially. The inner and outer oscillators work together, and when the outer oscillator rotates with the shell, a speed difference is generated between it and the inner oscillator. The inner oscillator rotates along the helical angle of the outer oscillator, enabling axial relative motion and impact. Four impacts can be achieved in one relative motion cycle.

[0011] Furthermore, the disc spring assembly is sleeved on the drive shaft, and its position is determined by the adjusting ring, guide sleeve, housing, and drive sleeve.

[0012] Furthermore, the outer vibration block is fixed to the housing by an alternating semi-circular groove, while the inner vibration block is fixed to the drive shaft by four flat keys in the circumferential direction.

[0013] Furthermore, the drive shaft has an annular groove, and a semi-circular clip is placed inside the annular groove. The semi-circular clip and the semi-circular clip sleeve cooperate to prevent the drive shaft from falling off.

[0014] On the other hand, embodiments of the present invention provide an operating method for an axial energy storage impactor, comprising the following steps:

[0015] Step 1: Install the sealing rings, including two pairs of Yx sealing rings and O-rings, into the designated sealing groove positions on the drive shaft. The Yx sealing rings are installed in the sealing groove positions closest to the shaft end, and the O-rings are installed in the sealing groove positions furthest from the shaft end.

[0016] Step 2: Place the lower lock nut on the drive shaft, put the semi-circular sleeve on the drive shaft, and install the semi-circular sleeve in the drive shaft annular groove. Install the flat key on the drive shaft, and install the lower outer vibrator block, the lower inner vibrator block, the middle outer vibrator block, the middle inner vibrator block, the upper outer vibrator block, and the upper inner vibrator block in sequence.

[0017] Step 3: Install the assembled components into the housing, and secure the lower lock nut to the housing by screwing it in with threads;

[0018] Step 4: Install the transmission sleeve from the top of the housing downwards, and then insert the disc spring assembly in sequence;

[0019] Step 5: Install the guide sleeve and adjusting ring. Next, the upper connector is screwed into the housing and fixed. Finally, install the lower connector.

[0020] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of the embodiments of the present invention are:

[0021] (1) Springs are commonly used parts in drilling impactors and are used very frequently. However, in most impactors, springs only serve as reset devices to ensure that the impactor can reciprocate axially. This invention uses the cooperation of inner and outer vibration blocks and springs. While the drive shaft moves to compress the spring assembly to store energy, the inner and outer vibration blocks also move. When the relative displacement between the two reaches its maximum, the disc spring stores the maximum energy. At this time, the outer vibration block continues to rotate, so that four impact processes can be achieved in one relative motion cycle.

[0022] (2) Currently, most impact tools cannot adjust their parameters according to the formation. This invention can adjust the parameters on the surface by changing the number of spring sets and the elastic modulus of the springs, and then operate them in the well. By making reasonable use of the spring sets, the number of tripping operations can be reduced, thereby reducing drilling costs. Attached Figure Description

[0023] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention, the accompanying drawings used in the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. It should be understood that the following drawings only show some embodiments of the present invention and should not be regarded as a limitation on the scope. For those skilled in the art, other related drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0024] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the axial energy storage impactor of the present invention;

[0025] Figure 2 This is an assembly diagram of the outer and inner vibration blocks of the present invention;

[0026] Figure 3 These are the front and left views of the external vibration block of the present invention, wherein A is the front view and B is the left view;

[0027] Figure 4 These are the front view and left view of the internal vibration block of the present invention, wherein A is the front view and B is the left view;

[0028] Figure 5 This is an equiaxial test diagram of the adapter of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0029] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of the present invention clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. The components of the embodiments of the present invention described and shown in the accompanying drawings can generally be arranged and designed in various different configurations.

[0030] Please refer to Figures 1 to 5 The first embodiment of the present invention provides an axial energy storage impactor. During installation, the sealing ring 19, including two pairs of Yx sealing rings and an O-ring, is first installed into the designated sealing groove position on the drive shaft. The Yx sealing rings are installed in the sealing groove position closest to the shaft end, and the O-rings are installed in the sealing groove position furthest from the shaft end. Then, the lower locking nut 12 is fitted onto the drive shaft 2, and a semi-circular sleeve 10 is fitted onto the drive shaft 2. The semi-circular clip 13 is installed in the drive shaft annular groove. A flat key 15 is installed on the drive shaft 2, and then the lower outer vibrator block 14, the lower inner vibrator block 9, the middle outer vibrator block 16, the middle inner vibrator block 8, the upper outer vibrator block 7, and the upper inner vibrator block 17 are installed sequentially. The installed components are then inserted into the housing 4, and the lower locking nut 12 is screwed into the housing 4 for fixation. Then, install the transmission sleeve 6 from the top of the housing 4 downwards, insert the disc spring assembly 5 in sequence, then install the guide sleeve 18 and the adjusting ring 3, next the upper connector 1 and the housing 4 are fixed by screwing them together, and finally install the lower connector 11.

[0031] The axial energy storage impactor of this invention has an upper connector 1 and a lower connector 11 at both ends. The upper connector 1 connects to the upper drill bit, and the lower connector 11 is located at the lower end of the drive shaft 2 and is used to connect to the drill bit. Drilling pressure and torque are transmitted to the drill bit through the upper connector 1, housing 4, upper outer vibrating block 7, lower outer outer vibrating block 14, middle outer vibrating block 16, inner vibrating block 8, lower inner vibrating block 9, upper inner vibrating block 17, and drive shaft 2. The housing 4 drives the upper outer vibrating block 7, lower outer outer vibrating block 14, and middle outer vibrating block 16 to rotate. The middle inner vibrating block 8, lower inner vibrating block 9, upper inner vibrating block 17, and drive shaft 2 are connected by four flat keys 15. As the upper outer vibrating block 7, lower outer outer vibrating block 14, and middle outer vibrating block 16 rotate with the housing 4, the inner and outer vibrating blocks... The vibration blocks 8, 9, and 17 generate a speed difference. The inner vibration blocks 8 (middle), 9 (lower), and 17 (upper) generate axial movement relative to the outer vibration blocks 7 (upper), 14 (lower), and 16 (middle). The inner vibration blocks 8 (middle), 9 (lower), and 17 (upper) drive the transmission shaft 2 to rotate via the flat key 15, simultaneously generating axial movement. As the transmission shaft 2 moves, it compresses the disc spring assembly 5 via the transmission sleeve 6, storing energy. When the relative axial displacement of the inner and outer vibration blocks reaches its maximum, the disc spring assembly 5 reaches its maximum energy storage. At this point, the outer vibration blocks 7 (upper), 14 (lower), and 16 (middle) continue to rotate, and the elastic potential energy of the disc spring assembly 5 is released instantaneously, propelling the transmission shaft 2 and the drill bit to achieve one impact rock breaking. The inner and outer vibration blocks achieve four impact processes within one relative motion cycle. This invention has a simple structure, fewer vulnerable parts, and the high-frequency axial impact of the drill bit can significantly improve the rock breaking efficiency of hard formations in deep wells and effectively alleviate the problem of drill string dragging pressure in complex well structures.

[0032] The axial energy storage impactor proposed in this invention generates high-frequency impact force in the drill bit through the use of overlapping disc springs and the cooperation of inner and outer vibrating blocks, without consuming drilling fluid energy. This improves rock breaking efficiency and mechanical drilling speed, and effectively alleviates pressure issues, making it a promising candidate to become one of the mainstream speed-up tools, meeting the engineering needs of rapid and efficient drilling. Field trials and widespread application are expected in oilfields in Daqing, Southwest China, and Xinjiang within the next 3-5 years. Currently, it is estimated that the application of the tool and supporting technologies described in this invention will increase the mechanical drilling speed of a single well by more than 20% within the next 3-5 years, resulting in direct economic benefits of approximately 20 million yuan.

[0033] It should be understood that the specific embodiments described above are merely illustrative or explanatory of the principles of the invention and do not constitute a limitation thereof. Therefore, any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention should be included within the protection scope of the invention. Furthermore, the appended claims are intended to cover all variations and modifications falling within the scope and boundaries of the appended claims, or equivalent forms of such scope and boundaries.

Claims

1. An axial energy storage impactor, characterized by, The device has an upper connector and a lower connector at each end. The upper connector connects to the upper drill bit, and the lower connector, located at the lower end of the impactor drive shaft, connects to the drill bit. Torque and drilling pressure are transmitted through the housing, inner vibrator, outer vibrator, and drive shaft. The upper connector connects to the upper drill bit via a threaded connection, transmitting drilling pressure and torque. The upper connector drives the impactor housing to rotate. The housing and outer vibrator are circumferentially fixed by a semi-circular groove to transmit torque. The lower lock nut presses the outer vibrator for axial fixation. The housing drives the outer vibrator to rotate. The inner vibrator and drive shaft are connected by four keys. As the outer vibrator rotates with the housing, a speed difference is generated between it and the inner and outer vibrators. The inner vibrator moves axially relative to the outer vibrator. The inner vibrator drives the drive shaft to rotate and also generates axial movement. When the drive shaft moves, it stores energy by compressing the disc spring assembly through the transmission sleeve. When the axial relative displacement of the inner and outer vibrators reaches its maximum, the disc spring stores its maximum energy. At this time, the outer... The vibratory block continues to rotate, releasing the elastic potential energy of the disc spring and driving the drive shaft and drill bit to achieve one impact rock breaking, with four impact processes within one relative motion cycle. Drilling pressure and torque are applied to the drill bit through the upper connector, housing, outer vibratory block, inner vibratory block, and drive shaft. There are three inner and three outer vibratory blocks, and the three pairs of inner and outer vibratory blocks work together in series to distribute pressure and torque. Each inner and outer vibratory block has four identical 90° helical angles arranged circumferentially. The inner and outer vibratory blocks cooperate, and the outer vibratory block generates a speed difference with the inner vibratory block when rotating with the housing. The inner vibratory block rotates along the helical angle of the outer vibratory block. The disc spring assembly is sleeved on the drive shaft, and its position is determined by the adjusting ring, guide sleeve, housing, and drive sleeve. The outer vibratory block is fixed to the housing by a semi-circular groove, and the inner vibratory block is fixed to the drive shaft circumferentially by four flat keys.

2. The axial energy storage impactor of claim 1, wherein, The drive shaft has an annular groove, and a semi-circular clip is placed inside the annular groove. The semi-circular clip and the semi-circular clip sleeve work together to prevent the drive shaft from falling off.

3. A method of operating an axial energy storage impactor as defined in claim 1, characterized by, Includes the following steps: Step 1: Install the sealing rings, including two pairs of Yx sealing rings and O-rings, into the designated sealing groove positions on the drive shaft. The Yx sealing rings are installed in the sealing groove positions closest to the shaft end, and the O-rings are installed in the sealing groove positions furthest from the shaft end. Step 2: Place the lower lock nut on the drive shaft, put the semi-circular sleeve on the drive shaft, and install the semi-circular sleeve in the drive shaft annular groove. Install the flat key on the drive shaft, and install the lower outer vibrator block, the lower inner vibrator block, the middle outer vibrator block, the middle inner vibrator block, the upper outer vibrator block, and the upper inner vibrator block in sequence. Step 3: Install the assembled components into the housing, and secure the lower lock nut to the housing by screwing it in with threads; Step 4: Install the transmission sleeve from the top of the housing downwards, and then insert the disc spring assembly in sequence; Step 5: Install the guide sleeve and adjusting ring. Next, the upper connector is screwed into the housing and fixed. Finally, install the lower connector.

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