Granular damper for high frequency torsional oscillations, shock, and vibration

Abstract

A granular dampening component for use with an earth-boring tool that includes an inner portion and an outer portion that at least partially surrounds the inner portion. A granular material is disposed between the inner portion and the outer portion. The granular material configured to transfer torque from the outer portion to the inner portion and configured to dissipate energy based on differential motion of the granular material.

Description

[0001] GRANULAR DAMPER FOR HIGH FREQUENCY TORSIONAL OSCILLATIONS, SHOCK, AND VIBRATION

[0002] PRIORITY CLAIM

[0003] This application claims the benefit of the filing date of United States Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 63 / 736,338, filed December 19, 2024, for ‘‘GRANULAR DAMPER FOR HIGH FREQUENCY TORSIONAL OSCILLATIONS, SHOCK, AND VIBRATION,” the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated herein in its entirety by this reference.

[0004] TECHNICAL FIELD

[0005] This disclosure relates generally to earth-boring rotary drill bits, drill strings, and drilling rigs. More specifically, this disclosure relates to granular torque-based and inertiabased dampening components for energy dissipation in drilling rigs.

[0006] BACKGROUND

[0007] Wellbores are formed in subterranean formations for various purposes including, for example, extraction of oil and gas from the subterranean formation and extraction of geothermal heat from the subterranean formation. Wellbores may be formed in a subterranean formation using a drill bit such as, for example, an earth-boring rotary drill bit. Different t pes of earth-boring rotary drill bits are know n in the art including, for example, fixed-cutter bits (which are often referred to in the art as “drag” bits), rolling-cutter bits (which are often referred to in the art as “rock” bits), diamond-impregnated bits, and hybrid bits (which may include, for example, both fixed cutters and rolling cutters). The drill bit is rotated and advanced into the subterranean formation. As the drill bit rotates, the cutters or abrasive structures thereof cut, crush, shear, and / or abrade away the formation material to form the wellbore.

[0008] The drill bit is coupled, either directly or indirectly, to an end of what is referred to in the art as a “drill string,” which comprises a series of elongated tubular segments connected end-to-end that extend into the wellbore from the surface of the formation. Often various tools and components, including the drill bit, may be coupled together at the distal end of the drill string at the bottom of the wellbore being drilled. This assembly of tools and components is referred to in the art as a “bottom-hole assembly” (BHA). During use, due to interaction between the drill bit and the formation, and during rock destruction, drill bits may experience torsional, axial, and lateral vibrations. Such vibrations can result in the failure of bits and BHA components and lead to increased drilling costs due to increased maintenance costs, non-productive time (NPT) and reduced efficiency.

[0009] DISCLOSURE

[0010] In one exemplary embodiment, a granular dampening component for use with an earth-boring tool is provided. The dampening component includes an inner portion and an outer portion that at least partially surrounds the inner portion. A granular material is disposed between the inner portion and the outer portion. The granular material is configured to transfer torque from the outer portion to the inner portion and configured to dissipate energy based on differential motion of the granular material.

[0011] In another exemplary embodiment, a drilling system includes a drill string, a bottom hole assembly (BHA), and one or more granular dampening components. The one or more granular dampening components further include an insertion connector at a first end, a receiving connector at a second end opposite the first end, and a middle section between the insertion connector and the receiving connector. The middle section further includes an inner wall and an outer wall that at least partially surrounds the inner wall. The inner wall and the outer wall define a compartment therebetween with a granular material under strain configured to dissipate energy when the earth-boring tool experiences vibrations.

[0012] In another exemplary’ embodiment, a granular dampening component for use with an earth-boring tool includes an inner wall and an outer wall that at least partially surrounds the inner wall. The inner wall and the outer wall define an annular channel therebetween and are configured to rotate relative to one another. A granular material within the annular channel dissipates energy when the earth-boring tool experiences vibrations causing relative rotation between the inner wall and the outer wall.

[0013] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0014] For a detailed understanding of the disclosure, reference should be made to the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like elements have generally been designated with like numerals, and wherein:

[0015] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an exemplary drilling system, in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure; FIG. 2A is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a granular damper, in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure:

[0016] FIG. 2B is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of an element of a granular damper, in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0017] FIG. 2C is a longitudinal cross-sectional view7of an element of a granular damper, in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0018] FIG. 2D is a transverse cross-sectional view of agranular damper, in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0019] FIG. 2E is a transverse cross-sectional view of agranular damper, in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0020] FIG. 2F is a transverse cross-sectional view of a granular damper, in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0021] FIG. 2Gis a transverse cross-sectional view of agranular damper, in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0022] FIG. 3 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a piston, in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0023] FIG. 4 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view- of a granular damper with a centrifugal governor as a passively operated control unit, in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0024] FIG. 5 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a granular damper with bimetal actuators as a passively operated control unit, in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0025] FIG. 6A is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a granular damper with a spline connection as a passively operated control unit, in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0026] FIG. 6B is a transverse cross-sectional view of a spline connection, in accordance w ith embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0027] FIG. 7A is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a granular damper with a helical spline connection as a passively operated control unit, in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0028] FIG. 7B is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a hub of a helical spline connection, in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure; FIG. 7C is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a shaft of a helical spline connection, in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0029] FIG. 8A is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a pressure actuator, in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0030] FIG. 8B is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a granular damper with a pressure actuator as a passively operated control unit, in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0031] FIG. 9A is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a granular damper with a torsional rotating component as a passively operated control unit, in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0032] FIG. 9B is a transverse cross-sectional view of a torsional rotating component, in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0033] FIG. 9C are perspective views of torsional rotating components, in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0034] FIG. 10A is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a granular damper with an actively operated control unit, in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0035] FIG. 1 OB is a longitudinal view of a linear actuator, in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0036] FIG. 11 A is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a granular damper, in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0037] FIG. 1 IB is a transverse cross-sectional view of a granular damper, in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0038] FIG. 11C is a transverse cross-sectional view of a granular damper, in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0039] FIG. 12 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a granular damper, in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure; and

[0040] FIG. 13 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a granular damper, in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0041] MODE(S) FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0042] The illustrations presented herein are not actual views of any drilling system, damper for a drilling system, or any component thereof, but are merely idealized representations, which are employed to describe embodiments of the present invention. As used herein, the singular forms following ‘"a,” “an,” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0043] As used herein, the term “may” with respect to a material, structure, feature, or method act indicates that such is contemplated for use in implementation of an embodiment of the disclosure, and such term is used in preference to the more restrictive term “is” so as to avoid any implication that other compatible materials, structures, features, and methods usable in combination therewith should or must be excluded.

[0044] As used herein, any relational term, such as “first,” “second,” “top,” “bottom,” “upper,” “lower,” “above,” “beneath,” “side,” “upward,” "downward." etc., is used for clarity and convenience in understanding the disclosure and accompanying drawings, and does not connote or depend on any specific preference or order, except where the context clearly indicates otherwise. For example, these terms may refer to an orientation of elements of any drilling system, drill bit, or damper for a drilling system when utilized in a conventional manner. Furthermore, these terms may refer to an orientation of elements of any drilling system, drill bit. or damper for a drilling system as illustrated in the drawings.

[0045] As used herein, the term “substantially” in reference to a given parameter, property, or condition means and includes to a degree that one skilled in the art would understand that the given parameter, property, or condition is met with a small degree of variance, such as w ithin acceptable manufacturing tolerances. By way of example, depending on the particular parameter, property, or condition that is substantially met, the parameter, property, or condition may be at least 90.0% met, at least 95.0% met, at least 99.0% met, or even at least 99.9% met.

[0046] As used herein, the term “about” used in reference to a given parameter is inclusive of the stated value and has the meaning dictated by the context (e.g., it includes the degree of error associated with measurement of the given parameter, as well as variations resulting from manufacturing tolerances, etc.).

[0047] FIG. l is a schematic diagram of an example of a drilling system 100 that may utilize one or more embodiments of an earth-boring tool and methods for drilling w ellbores in a subterranean formation. The drilling system 100 may include an earth-boring tool, such as earth-boring tool 102, which is advanced through a subterranean formation by being rotated from an assembly on the surface. The drilling system 100 includes a drilling rig 104, which may include a derrick 106. a derrick floor 108, a draw works 110, a hook 112, a swivel 114, a Kelly joint 116, and a rotary table 118. A drill string 120. which may include drill pipe sections 122 and drill collar sections 124, extends downward from the drilling rig 104 into a wellbore 126. Various components of the distal end of the drill string 120, including the earth-boring tool 102, are collectively referred to in the industry as a “bottom hole assembly” (BHA) 128. The BHA 128 may include a number of measurement and analysis systems, such as a measurement-while-drilling (MWD) system or a logging-while-drilling (LWD) system. These systems may include various sensors for taking measurements.

[0048] Control units (or controllers) 144. 152, which may be a computer-based units, may be placed at the surface (e g., controller 144) and / or along or within portions of the drill string 120 such as in dampers present between sections of the drill string 120 (e.g., controller 152). The controllers 144, 152 receive and process data transmitted by the sensors in the earth-boring tool 102 and the sensors in the BHA 128, and control selected operations of the various devices and sensors in the BHA 128 and / or control selected operations of the dampers. The controllers 144, 152 in one embodiment may include processors 146, 154, data storage devices 148, 156 (or a computer-readable medium) for storing data, as well as algorithms and computer programs 150, 158. The data storage devices 148, 156 may be any suitable device including, but not limited to, a read-only memory (ROM), a random-access memory (RAM), a flash memory, a magnetic tape, a hard disk, and an optical disk.

[0049] During drilling operations, drilling fluid or “mud” may be circulated from a source 130 of drilling fluid through a fluid pump 132, through a desurger 134. and through a fluid supply line 136 into the swivel 114. The drilling fluid flows through the Kelly joint 116 into an axial central bore in the drill string 120. The fluid exits the drill string 120 via the earth-boring tool 102. More specifically, the fluid exits the earth-boring tool 102 through fluid ports or nozzles on a distal end of the earth-boring tool 102 near the point of contact with the subterranean formation. Upon exiting the earth-boring tool 102, the drilling fluid flows toward the surface of the formation through an annular space 138 betw een the outer surface of the drill string 120 and the inner surface of the wellbore 126. Upon reaching the surface, the fluid is returned to the fluid source 130 through a fluid return line 140.

[0050] As discussed above, drilling operations may experience vibrations at frequencies which may be harmful to the BHA and / or drill string. For example, during drilling, drill bits sometimes momentarily stick at the bottom of the wellbore, which results in rapidly increasing torque on the bit. Once the torque on the bit reaches a threshold level, the bit will slip back into rotation resulting in a decrease in the torque on the bit. The bit can oscillate between such sticking and slipping at a relatively low frequency (e.g., for typical drill strings exceeding 1000 m in length, the frequency may be below 1Hz), and the oscillations may be observed in the form of torsional vibrations in the drill string. These torsional vibrations may be referred to as ‘'stickslip. ” Furthermore, typically at higher weight-on-bit (WOB) and lower revolutions per minute (RPM), the drilling system may experience other torsional vibration such as High Frequency Torsional Oscillation (HFTO) or the like. It is also possible that stick-slip and HFTO occur simultaneously. Drilling operations may also experience other types of vibration frequencies, which may be harmful to the BHA and / or drill string. These other types of vibrations may include, but are not limited to, axial vibrations and lateral vibrations. Together, these vibrations (torsional, axial, and lateral vibrations) can result in excess wear, decreased lifespan, and / or failure of bits and / or other BHA components. This can lead to increased drilling costs due to increased maintenance costs, non-productive time (NPT), and reduced efficiency.

[0051] To mitigate harmful vibrations during deep drilling, different vibration dampers such as fluid dampers, friction dampers, eddy current dampers, torque-based dampers, and the like may be used in damper sections of a dnll string 120. For example, a damper 142 may be placed between components of the BHA 128, between the BHA 128 and the drill string 120, or between drill pipe sections 122 that make up the drill string 120. If one or more dampers 142 are placed between components of the BHA 128, a cable may go through or over the different segments of the BHA 128 to allow for communication and / or power exchange between the segments. The damper 142 may be a granular damper that employs multiple modes of damping, including frictional, inertial, viscous, and plastic deformation. In some embodiments, the damper 142 may be torque-based and may reduce vibrations by resisting rotational motion. In other embodiments, the damper 142 may be inertia-based and may reduce vibrations by using the damper's mass to absorb and redistribute energy. In other embodiments, the damper 142 may be inertia-based and torque-based and may reduce vibrations by resisting rotational motion and using the damper's mass to absorb and redistribute energy.

[0052] FIG. 2A is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a granular damper 200. in accordance with embodiments of the disclosure. The granular damper 200 may include an inner portion 202 and an outer portion 204 configured to at least partially surround at least part of the inner portion 202. A granular material 206 may be present between the inner portion 202 and the outer portion 204. A disk 208 may at least partially surround at least part of the inner portion 202 and may be inside the outer portion 204.

[0053] The inner portion 202 and outer portion 204 may be made of a metal that is capable of withstanding the high-temperature and high-pressure environment present in the wellbore 126. The metal material may include, but is not limited to, a tungsten alloy, a magnetic steel alloy, or a non-magnetic steel alloy. The inner portion 202 and outer portion 204 may be made of the same metal material or they may be made of different metal materials.

[0054] FIG. 2B is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the inner portion 202, in accordance with embodiments of the disclosure. The inner portion 202 may include an inner cylindrical extension 210 at one end and an insertion connector 212 at another end. The inner cylindrical extension 210 and the insertion connector 212 may be monolithically connected and form a single component. At least a portion of the external surface 216 of the insertion connector 212 may be sloped (e.g., exhibit a taper) and may be configured to connect with other components of the drill string 120 and / or BHA 128. An outer diameter DI of the inner cylindrical extension 210 may be smaller than an outer diameter D2 of the insertion connector 212. A channel 214 may partially or completely run the length of the inner cylindrical extension 210 and the insertion connector 212.

[0055] FIG. 2C is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the outer portion 204, in accordance with embodiments of the disclosure. The outer portion 204 may include an outer cylindrical extension 230 at one end and a receiving connector 232 at another end. The outer cylindrical extension 230 and the receiving connector 232 may be monolithically connected and form a single component. At least a portion of the internal surface 234 of the insertion connector 212 may also be sloped (e.g., exhibit a taper) and may also be configured to connect with other components of the drill string 120 and / or BHA 128. However, unlike diameters DI and D2 of the inner portion 202, an outer diameter D3 of the outer cylindrical extension 230 and the receiving connector 232 may be substantially equal. In some embodiments, an optional inner flange 248 may be adjacent to an end of the outer cylindrical extension 230 and in contact with a back wall 222 of the insertion connector 212.

[0056] Referring to FIGS. 2A-2C, the outer diameter DI of the inner cylindrical extension 210 may be smaller than the outer diameter D3 of the outer cylindrical extension 230. Thus, the inner cylindrical extension 210 may be configured to partially or completely fit inside the outer cylindrical extension 230. When the inner cylindrical extension 210 is inserted into the outer cylindrical extension 230, the insertion connector 212 and the receiving connector 232 are at opposite ends of the granular damper 200. In this manner, the granular damper 200 may have connectors on both ends and may allow an end of a drill pipe section 122 or a BHA 128 component to connect to one side of the granular damper 200, and an end of a second drill pipe section 122 or BHA 128 component to connect to an opposite end of the granular damper 200. In some embodiments, the outer diameter D3 of the outer cylindrical extension 230 may be substantially equal to the outer diameter of the drill pipe sections 122 or BHA 128 component connected to the granular damper 200 and, therefore, the granular damper 200 may allow for the drill string 120 and / or BHA 128 to have a uniform continuous outer diameter in the wellbore 126.

[0057] The outer cylindrical extension 230 of the outer portion 204 may be laterally adjacent to the back wall 222 of the insertion connector 212 of the inner portion 202. An interface between the back wall 222 of the insertion connector 212 and the outer cylindrical extension of the outer portion 204 may facilitate relative rotation between the outer portion 204 and the inner portion 202. For example, in some embodiments, a bearing 235 may be present in the junction between the outer cylindrical extension 230 and the back wall 222. Furthermore, the junction between the outer cylindrical extension 230 and the back wall 222 may include a seal (not pictured) in conjunction with the bearing 235. The bearing 235 may allow for relative motion between the inner portion 202 and the outer portion 204. The bearing 235 may be, for example, a radial bearing, an axial bearing, a roller bearing, a hydrodynamic bearing, a sliding bearing, or combinations thereof.

[0058] With reference to FIGS. 2A-2C, the end of the inner cylindrical extension 210 may be threaded so as to allow an inner edge 224 of the disk 208 to be screwed or unscrewed on the inner cylindrical extension 210. Thus, at least a portion of the back wall 222 of the insertion connector 212 (or, if the flange 248 is present, at least a portion of the surface of the flange 248), at least a portion of an inner surface 220 of the outer cylindrical extension 230, at least a portion of an outer surface 218 of the inner cylindrical extension 210, and the surface of the disk 208 may define an annular compartment 252 with the granular material 206 within it. The annular compartment 252 may be a protected space that functions to isolate the granular material 206 and the inner cylindrical extension 210 from the environment in the wellbore 126. The disk 208 may be able to be tightened or otherwise may be laterally movable so as to reduce the area of the annular compartment 252 to create more pressure on the granular material 206 resulting in more strain in the granular material 206. or unscrewed so as to increase the volume of the annular compartment 252 and release pressure from the granular material 206 resulting in less strain in the granular material 206.

[0059] An outer edge 226 of the disk 208 may be in contact with the inner surface 220 of the outer cylindrical extension 230. A bearing 228 may be present in the junction between the outer edge 226 of the disk 208 and the inner surface 220 of the outer cylindrical extension 230. Thus, the bearing 228 may allow for the outer cylindrical extension 230 to freely rotate about the disk 208. Furthermore, the outer edge 226 of the disk 208 may include a seal (not pictured) in conjunction with the bearing 228. The bearing 228 may be, for example, a radial bearing, an axial bearing, a roller bearing, a hydrodynamic bearing, a sliding bearing, or combinations thereof.

[0060] Furthermore, there may be additional seals (not pictured; e.g., static seals or dynamic seals) between adjacent elements of the granular damper 200 that help isolate the annular compartment 252 against extraneous fluids present in the environment of the wellbore 126, such as drilling fluid or mud. For example, additional seals may be present between the disk 208 and the inner portion 202, between the outer portion 204 and the inner portion 202, as well as other interfaces. The additional seals may include elastic components, such as rubber O-Rings or other suitable components that may be used for sealing. Furthermore, additional seals that experience differential motion (mainly due to torsional vibrations) may be made of a material that has the ability to deform so as to give the material flexibility. The flexibility of the material may create a hermetic seal without the differential motion affecting the seal interface, while at the same time allowing the adjacent elements of the granular damper 200 to move relative to each other. The additional seals may include, for example, bellows components, thin tube sections, or others.

[0061] In some embodiments, the disk 208 may be made of a metal that is configured to withstand the high-temperature and high-pressure environment present in the wellbore 126. The metal material may include, but is not limited to, a tungsten alloy, a magnetic steel alloy, or a non-magnetic steel alloy. In other embodiments, the disk 208 may be made of a porous or permeable material, as explained below.

[0062] FIG. 2D and FIG. 2E are transverse cross-sectional views of the granular damper 200 taken through section line A-A of FIG. 2A, in accordance with embodiments of the disclosure. The inner portion 202 of the granular damper 200 may include inner protruding elements (e.g., inner fins 240) projecting from the outer surface 218 of the inner cylindrical extension 210. The outer portion 204 may include outer protruding elements (e.g., outer fins 242) projecting from the inner surface 220 of the outer cylindrical extension 230. The inner protruding elements and outer protruding elements may be configured to allow the granular material 206 to transfer torque from the outer cylindrical extension 230 to the inner cylindrical extension 210. The inner protruding elements and outer protruding elements may also be configured to allow the granular material 206 to dissipate energy based on the relative rotation between the outer portion 204 and the inner portion 202 when vibrations are present.

[0063] The inner protruding elements and outer protruding elements may exist in a variety of shapes and sizes. For example, the inner protruding elements may include elongated inner fins 240 that extend a partial or full length along the inner cylindrical extension 210, and the outer protruding elements may include elongated outer fins 242 that extend a partial or full length along the outer cylindrical extension 230 (as illustrated by FIG. 2D). Alternatively, the inner protruding elements and outer protruding elements may include spindles 244 with metal spheres 246 over them, where the metal spheres 246 may be spring mounted on the spindles 244 (as illustrated by FIG. 2E). The inner protruding elements and outer protruding elements may have any shape that allows for the dissipation of energy from vibrations and are not limited to the examples shown and described herein. In some embodiments, the inner protruding elements and outer protruding elements may be of the same type. For example, the inner protruding elements and outer protruding elements may both be fins, the inner and outer protruding elements may both be spheres over spindles, or the inner and outer protruding elements may each be of a different shape. On other embodiments the inner protruding elements and outer protruding elements may be of different types. For example, the inner protruding elements may be fins while the outer protruding elements are spheres on spindles, or vice versa. In yet other embodiments, the granular damper 200 may have inner protruding elements and no outer protruding elements or may have outer protruding elements and no inner protruding elements.

[0064] FIG. 2F is a transverse cross-sectional view of one embodiment of a granular damper 200 taken through section line A-A of FIG. 2A, in accordance with embodiments of the disclosure. In some embodiments, the inner protruding elements and the outer protruding elements may be connected with one or more springs 236. For example, the inner fins 240 may be connected to the outer fins 242 with one or more springs 236. In addition or as an alternative to the springs 236 connecting the inner protruding elements and the outer protruding elements, the granular damper 200 may have one or more torsion springs that connect between the inner portion 202 and the outer portion 204 of the granular damper 200.

[0065] FIG. 2G is a transverse cross-sectional view of a granular damper 200 taken through section line A-A of FIG. 2A, in accordance with embodiments of the disclosure. In some embodiments, the inner protruding elements and the outer cylindrical extension 230 may be connected with one or more flexible elements 261 (e.g., springs), and the outer protruding elements and the inner cylindrical extension 210 may be connected with one or more flexible elements 262 (e.g., springs). For example, the inner fins 240 may be connected to the inner surface 220 with one or more flexible elements 261, and the outer fins 242 may be connected to the outer surface 218 with one or more flexible elements 262. As an alternative, the inner protruding elements and outer protruding elements may themselves be the flexible elements 261, 262 (e.g., bow springs) that elastically connect the inner cylindrical extension 210 to the outer cylindrical extension 230. The flexible elements 261, 262 may extend a partial or full length along the outer cylindrical extension 230 and / or a partial or full length along the inner cylindrical extension 210. Furthermore, the flexible elements 261, 262 may include openings that may allow for deformation, shearing, and movement of the granular material 206 between chambers of the granular damper 200, as explained in more detail below.

[0066] The springs 236 (FIG. 2F) and flexible elements 261, 262 may have a spring constant that allows for the transfer of the drilling torque and the torque from vibrations to the granular material 206. Springs 236 and flexible elements 261, 262 may have a spring constant that is lower relative to a typical torsional flexibility of the BHA components, allowing for larger deflections between the inner portion 202 and the outer portion 204 when drilling and / or experiencing vibrations. Furthermore, the spring constant may be tuned to match a frequency of the BHA and / or the drill string to allow for improved response to specific types of vibrations, such as specific modes and frequencies of HFTO.

[0067] The spring 236 and flexible elements 261, 262 may further be configured to ensure that the inner portion 202 and the outer portion 204 may rotate relative to one another in either direction in the presence of vibrations and / or a superposed drilling torque. For example, the spring 236 may bias the outer fins 242 and the inner fins 240 to be evenly spaced from one another so that the outer fins 242 and the inner fins 240 are prevented from coming into direct contact with one another. In this manner, the granular material 206 may dissipate energy when vibrations occur. Referring to FIGS. 2A-2G, and without being limited to any particular theory', the granular material 206 in the granular damper 200 may dissipate energy via at least two different mechanisms. In one mechanism, energy- is dissipated through deformation of the granular components that make up the granular material 206. In another mechanism, energy is dissipated through friction from relative movement among the granular components that make up the granular material 206.

[0068] The granular material 206 may include one or more primary granular materials and one or more secondary granular materials. The primary granular material may include sand, glass beads, steel shot, tungsten shot, ceramic granules or poyvders, polymer beads, rubber granules, or other materials. In some embodiments, the primary granular material is sand. The secondary granular material may be a material that includes smaller particles from those in the primary granular material so that the second granular material may fit within the interstitial spaces left by the primary granular material. The second granular material may include tin, lead, tungsten, gold, silicon, silica sand, silicon carbide, alumina, diamond, sand, ceramic powders, polymer beads, rubber granules, or other materials. In some embodiments the secondary granular material is tin given its high frictional loss value and deformation energy. The primary granular material and second granular material may be exchanged.

[0069] The granular material 206 may have a homogenous or a heterogenous particle size distribution within the annular compartment 252. In some embodiments, if the granular material 206 has a heterogenous particle size distribution, the primary granular material and / or secondary granular material may have a radial particle size gradient in which particle size increases or decreases betyveen the inner cylindrical extension 210 and the outer cylindrical extension 230. In other embodiments, again if the granular material 206 has a heterogenous particle size distribution, the primary granular material and / or secondary granular material may have an axial particle size gradient in yvhich particle size increases or decreases betyveen the back wall 222 of the insertion connector 212 and the surface of the disk 208. The particle size gradients may facilitate energy dissipation at vary ing drilling torques or adjust the damping response to cover a broader or narrower dynamic torque amplitude range.

[0070] A thermal liquid 238 with high thermal conductivity may also be combined yvith the granular material 206 in the granular damper 200. The thermal liquid 238 may prevent high temperature spots (e.g., heat spots) within the granular material 206 and may further prevent the melting of the secondary granular material due to the high temperatures created by energy dissipation. In some embodiments, the thermal liquid 238 may include water, a lubricant, oil, silicon oil, a THERMINOL® heat transfer liquid sold by the Eastman Chemical Company of Kingsport, TN, or others. In other embodiments, in addition to or in place of the thermal liquid 238, a rubber material may be provided in the annular compartment 252 to fill at least a portion of the interstitial spaces between the particles that make up the granular material 206.

[0071] Referring to FIG. 2D, the inner protruding elements and outer protruding elements may create a “propeller shape” with the space between adjacent inner protruding elements and outer protruding elements forming chambers 250. When experiencing vibrations, the inner protruding elements and outer protruding elements may move with respect to each other and the distance between adjacent protruding elements may change, resulting in the volume of the chambers 250 also changing. As the volume of the chambers 250 changes, the granular material 206 may deform, shear, and move from one chamber 250 to another, resulting in differential motion that dissipates energy'. Furthermore, by screwing or unscrewing the disk 208 to increase or decrease the pressure and strain in the granular material 206. friction and the resistance to the differential motion may be controlled, and the energy dissipated by the granular damper 200 may be regulated.

[0072] FIG. 3 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a granular damper 200 with a piston 310, in accordance with embodiments of the disclosure. In some embodiments, the disk 208 may be configured as a piston 310 to move relative to the inner portion 202 and outer portion 204 rather than being screwed and unscrewed from the inner cylindrical extension 210. In some embodiments, the disk 208 may divide the inside of the granular damper 200 into two chambers: a confined chamber 306 and a liquid chamber 308. The confined chamber 306 may have the granular material 206 and the thermal liquid 238 (or any other suitable fluid) within it, and the liquid chamber 308 may have only the thermal liquid 238 (or any other suitable fluid) within it. The disk 208 may comprise or otherwise be connected to a cylindrical extension 302 and aresistance element 304 to form the piston 310. The resistance element 304 of the piston 310 may apply a determined pressure to disk 208 and, concurrently, to the granular material 206 within the confined chamber 306, creating strain within the granular material 206. The resistance element 304 may include, for example, a spring or other mechanical element. In some embodiments, the disk 208 is made of or partially includes a porous or permeable material. The porous or permeable material may allow the thermal liquid 238 to move through the disk 208, from one chamber to the other, as the resistance element 304 increases or releases pressure from the granular material 206. In this way, the pressure exerted by the disk 208 on the granular material 206 can be controlled by the resistance element 304 in the piston 310 rather than having to screw and unscrew the disk 208.

[0073] Referring to FIGS. 2A and 3, the pressure applied by the disk 208 to the granular material 206, through either the piston 310 or by screwing the disk 208 on the inner cylindrical extension 210. may be a pressure that is low enough to allow for movement of the protruding elements within the granular material 206, while at the same time being high enough to allow for enough internal friction and shear in the granular material 206 so as to permit the dissipation of energy from vibrations. In some embodiments, the pressure applied by the disk 208 may be as high or higher than the hydrostatic pressure in the wellbore 126. For example, the pressure applied by the disk 208 may be from about 0.01 MPa to about 250 MPa, from about 1 MPa to about 200 MPa, from about 25 MPa to about 150 MPa, or from about 50 MPa to about 100 MPa.

[0074] The pressure applied by the disk 208 may be controlled by a passively operated control unit or an actively operated control unit. A passively operated control unit may be a device that functions independently based on its design and material properties, without external commands, electronics, or real-time adjustments. For example, control elements for the passively operated control unit may include a thermal expansion element (e.g., bimetal actuator), a centrifugal governor, a thruster element, or others. An actively operated control unit may be a device that operates based on external commands (e.g., commands based on control instructions (e.g., software) or commands based on a user input device), electronics, or real-time adjustments. Non-limiting examples of passively operated control units are shown in FIGS. 4-9C, and non-limiting examples of actively operated control units are shown in FIGS. 10A and 10B.

[0075] FIG. 4 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a granular damper 400 with a centrifugal governor 402 as the passively operated control unit. The centrifugal governor 402 relies on a rotational speed (RPM) of the drilling system 100. As the RPM of the drilling system 100 increases, weighted elements 404 in the centrifugal governor 402 are forced radially outward due to centrifugal force. This outward movement of the weighted elements 404 is mechanically linked to a sliding sleeve 408 that moves axially along a rod 406. The sliding sleeve 408 includes a fixed point 410 that moves concurrently along the rod 406 with the sliding sleeve 408. The fixed point 410 is in turn connected to the disk 208 using one or more connectors 412. Thus, the one or more connectors 412 allow the axial movement of the sliding sleeve 408 along the rod 406 to translate into increased or decreased pressure applied by the disk 208 on the granular material 206 within the annular compartment 252.

[0076] FIG. 5 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a granular damper 400 with bimetal actuators 502, 504 as the passively operated control unit. Each of the bimetal actuators 502, 504 includes at least two different metals with different coefficients of thermal expansion joined together. The bimetal actuators 502, 504 are used to convert thermal energy into mechanical motion. As temperature in the wellbore 126 increases, the differential expansion between the different metals in each of the bimetal actuators 502, 504, causes them to bend or deflect and go from an idle bimetal actuator 504 to an engaged metal actuator 502. Each of the bimetal actuators 502, 504 may be connected to the disk 208 using one or more connectors 506. Thus, the one or more connectors 506 allow the mechanical movement of the bimetal actuators 502, 504 to translate into increased or decreased pressure applied by the disk 208 on the granular material 206 within the annular compartment 252.

[0077] FIG. 6A is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a granular damper 600 with a spline connection as the passively operated control unit, and FIG. 6B is a transverse cross-sectional view of the granular damper 600 taken through section line A-A of FIG. 6A. The spline connection translates mechanical loading (WOB) into axial motion of the disk 208. The spline connection includes a hub 602 and a shaft 604, the hub 602 and the shaft 604 having matching linear grooves 606 that allow for axial movement of the shaft 604 within the hub 602. For example, referring to FIG. 6B, the hub 602 and the shaft 604 may have matching linear ridges or teeth that allow the shaft 604 to slide within the hub 602. Referring to FIG. 6A, the disk 208 is connected to the shaft 604, and when WOB is applied to the drilling system 100, the shaft 604 slides and drives the disk 208 axially toward the back wall 222 of the insertion connector 212, compressing the granular material 206 and increasing strain.

[0078] FIG. 7A is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of agranular damper 700 with a helical spline connection as the passively operated control unit, and FIG. 7B and FIG. 7C are perspective views of a hub 702 and a shaft 704, respectively. With reference to FIG. 7B and FIG. 7C, the helical spline connection is similar to the spline connection in FIG. 6A and FIG. 6B, with the difference being that grooves 706 in the hub 702 and the shaft 704 are helical rather than linear. Thus, the hub 702 and the shaft 704 have matching helical grooves 706 that allow for axial movement of the shaft 704 within the hub 702. Referring to FIG. 7A. the disk 208 is connected to the shaft 704, and when applying torque or WOB to the drilling system 100, the shaft 704 slides and drives the disk 208 axially toward the back wall 222 of the insertion connector 212, compressing the granular material 206 and increasing strain.

[0079] FIG. 8A is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a pressure actuator 802. and FIG. 7B is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a granular damper 800 with the pressure actuator 802 as the passively operated control unit. With reference to FIG. 8A, the pressure actuator 802 includes a port 804 that is fluidly connected to a first chamber 806 on a first end of the port 804, a second chamber 808 with an outer wall 814, and a plate 812 within the outer wall 814 and attached to a rod 810, the plate 812 separating the first chamber 806 from the second chamber 808. The port 804 may be fluidly connected to the wellbore 126 environment on a second end, so as to fill the volume of the first chamber 806 with a first fluid at the environmental pressure in the wellbore 126. The second chamber 808 may include a second fluid at a target pressure. When the environmental pressure in the wellbore 126 and. thus, the pressure of the first fluid in the first chamber 806, exceeds the target pressure of the second fluid in the second chamber 808, the plate 812 may move and reduce the volume of the second chamber 808 to reach equilibrium between the pressure in the first chamber 806 and the pressure in the second chamber 808. This movement of the plate 812 may concurrently axially move the rod 810 that is attached to the plate 812. Referring to FIG. 8B. the disk 208 is connected to the rod 810 and, therefore, the axial movement of the rod 810 may drive the disk 208 axially toward the back wall 222 of the insertion connector 212, compressing the granular material 206 and increasing strain. Conversely, when the environmental pressure in the wellbore 126 and, thus, the pressure of the first fluid in the first chamber 806 is below the target pressure of the second fluid in the second chamber 808, the plate 812 may move and increase the volume of the second chamber 808, concurrently decompressing the granular material 206 and decreasing strain.

[0080] FIG. 9A is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a granular damper 900 with a torsional rotating component 902 as the passively operated control unit, and FIG. 9B and FIG. 9C are perspective views of different embodiments of the torsional rotating component 902. With reference to FIG. 9A, the granular damper 900 may include a torsional rotating component 902 within the outer portion 204. The torsional rotating component 902 may be mechanically connected to one or more inertia elements 904 (e.g.. weights) on one side and mechanically connected to the disk 208 on a second opposing side. Thus, the one or more inertia elements 904 are free to rotate but connected through the torsional rotating component 902 to the disk 208. With reference to FIG. 9B and FIG. 9C, the torsional rotating component 902 may include multiple different embodiments, for example, the torsional rotating component 902 may be a ratchet 906, an overrunning clutch 910, or a sprag clutch 912. The surface of the disk 208 in contact with the inner cylindrical extension 210 of the inner portion 202 may include a helical spline 908. with the disk 208 acting as the hub and the inner cylindrical extension 210 acting as the shaft.

[0081] When torsional vibrations occur in the drill string 120, the one or more inertia elements 904 momentarily resist rotational acceleration, causing the torsional rotating component 902 to engage. This engagement transfers motion to the helical spline 908 of the disk 208, tightening the spline thread, driving the disk 208 axially toward the back wall 222 of the insertion connector 212, compressing the granular material 206, and increasing strain.

[0082] FIG. 10A is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a granular damper 1000 with an actively operated control unit, and FIG. 10B is a longitudinal view of a linear actuator 1004. With reference to FIG. 10A, the actively operated control unit of the granular damper 1000 may include the controller 152 in electrical connection with an actuator 1002 and the actuator 1002 in mechanical connection with the disk 208. As previously explained, the controller 152 may include a processor 154, a data storage device 156 (or a computer- readable medium) for storing data, as well as algorithms and computer programs 158. The controllers 152 receive and process data transmitted by the sensors in the earth-boring tool 102 and the sensors in the BHA 128 and may use this data to control the pressure exerted by the disk 208 on the granular material 206.

[0083] With reference to FIG. 10B. the actuator 1002 may include multiple different embodiments, for example, the actuator 1002 may be a linear actuator 1004. The linear actuator 1004 may include a rod 1006 that mechanically connects the linear actuator 1004 to the disk 208. The rod 1006 may move axially forward based on the data from the controller 152. This axial movement may drive the disk 208 toward the back wall 222 of the insertion connector 212, compressing the granular material 206, and increasing strain. Conversely, the rod 1006 may move axially backward based on the data from the controller 152. This axial movement may drive the disk 208 aw ay from the back wall 222 of the insertion connector 212, decompressing the granular material 206, and decreasing strain. FIG. 11A is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a granular damper 1100, in accordance with embodiments of the disclosure. The granular damper 1100 may include an insertion connector 1108, a receiving connector 1110, and a middle section 1112. At least a portion of the external surface 1118 of the insertion connector 1 108 may be sloped (e.g., exhibit a taper) and may be configured to connect with other components of the drill string 120. At least a portion of the internal surface 1120 of the receiving connector 1110 may be sloped (e.g. , exhibit a taper) and may be configured to connect with other components of the drill string 120. The middle section 1 1 12 may be present between and may be in contact with the receiving connector 1110 and the insertion connector 1108 in a longitudinal direction. A channel 1116 may run the entire length of the granular damper 1100. The channel 1116 may, for example, start in the bottom 1122 of the receiving connector 1110, run through the middle section 1112, and end on the peak 1124 of the insertion connector 1108.

[0084] The middle section 1112 may have an inner annular wall 1106 and an outer annular w all 1104. The inner annular wall 1106 may be concentric ith the channel 1116 and may be configured to at least partially surround the channel 1116. The outer annular wall 1104 may be concentric with the inner annular wall 1106 and the channel 1116 and may be configured to at least partially surround the inner annular wall 1106. The outer annular wall 1104 may be spaced apart from the inner annular wall 1106 to form an annular compartment 1152 therebetween. The annular compartment 1152 may be bounded at each end by a front wall 1126 and a back wall 1128. The annular compartment 1 152 may house a granular material 1114 and a thermal liquid 1130 therein. In some embodiments, the outer annular wall 1104 of the middle section 1112 may have one or more openings 1132 that allow the introduction of the granular material 1114 and the thermal liquid 1130 into the annular compartment 1152. It may be noted that the one or more openings 1132 may be sealed off by a suitable element, such as a plug or a cover (not displayed) after introducing the granular material 1114 and the thermal liquid 1130 into the annular compartment 1152 and during downhole use of the granular damper 1100.

[0085] FIG. 11B and FIG. 11C are transverse cross-sectional views of different embodiments of a granular damper 1100. In some embodiments, the granular damper 1100 may have no protruding elements in the outer annular wall 1104 and inner annular wall 1106, as shown by FIG. 11B. In some embodiments without protruding elements in the outer annular wall 1104 and inner annular wall 1106, an inner surface 1136 of the outer annular wall 1104 and / or outer surface 1134 of the inner annular wall 1106 may include a roughened texture to increase abrasion between the surfaces and the granular material 1114. In other embodiments, the granular damper 1100 may include outer protruding elements projecting from the inner surface 1136 of the outer annular wall 1104, as shown by FIG. 11C, and / or inner protruding elements (not pictured) projecting from the outer surface 1134 of the inner annular wall 1106. As previously explained, the outer protruding elements and inner protruding elements may exist in a variety of shapes and sizes, including elongated fins 1138 that extend a partial or full length of the middle section 1 112, and / or spindles with metal spheres over them.

[0086] The granular material 1114 introduced through the one or more openings 1132 may be under strain. When vibrations are present, the inertia of the granular material 1114 may cause differential motion between the individual particles, between the particles and the surfaces that define the annular compartment 1152 (1136, 1134, 1126, 1128), and / or betw een the particles and the outer protruding elements and inner protruding elements. Furthermore, vibrations may also flex or bend the granular damper 1100. For example, the granular damper 1100 may strain in torsion, causing relative movement between the outer annular wall 1104 and the inner annular wall 1106. The relative movement of the outer annular w all 1104 and the inner annular w all 1106 may in turn cause additional differential motion in the particles that make up the granular material 1114. Thus, the differential motion caused by the inertia of the granular material 1114 in conjunction with the differential motion caused by the flexing and bending of the granular damper 1100, may result in friction and / or deformation of the particles. This friction and / or deformation among the particles of the granular material 1114 under strain may resist rapid changes in angular velocity and may absorb and at least partially dissipate the energy created by the vibrations.

[0087] It may be noted that, although FIG. 11A through FIG. 11C show the granular damper 1100 as a single undivided monolithic structure, in different embodiments, the granular damper 1100 may include multiple separate components that may be joined to each other by using suitable methods, such as screwing, pressing, welding, gluing, or other methods. Furthermore, interfaces between adjacent joined components may include seals.

[0088] Design modifications may be implemented to enhance the flexibility of the granular damper 1100. For example, design modifications may include elongated slots along the outer diameter and inner diameter of the outer annular w all 1104 used to reduce the polar moment of resistance and allowing greater torsional flexure under vibration-induced torque. FIG. 12 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a granular damper 1200 in accordance with embodiments of the disclosure. The granular damper 1200 may comprise an insertion connector 1208 disposed at a first end of the granular damper 1200, a receiving connector 1210 disposed at a second end of the granular damper 1200, and a middle section 1212 disposed between the insertion connector 1208 and the receiving connector 1210. The granular damper 1200 further comprises an outer annular wall 1204 and an inner annular wall 1206 defining an annular compartment 1252 therebetween. The annular compartment 1252 may house a granular material 1214 and, optionally, athermal fluid 1230 therein.

[0089] In some embodiments, the receiving connector 1210, insertion connector 1208, and middle section 1212 may constitute a single undivided monolithic structure. In this embodiment, the insertion connector 1208 may comprise a back wall 1228 from which the inner annular wall 1206 projects and extends toward the receiving connector 1210. The outer annular wall 1204 projects and extends from the receiving connector 1210 to abut against the back wall 1228 of the insertion connector 1208. The granular damper 1200 may include a bearing 1234 between the end of the outer annular wall 1204 and the back wall 1228 to facilitate relative movement between the insertion connector 1208 and the outer annular wall 1204 when vibrations are present. In some embodiments, the outer annular wall 1204 may project and extend from the insertion connector 1208 and the inner annular wall 1206 may abut against the back wall 1228 with the bearing 1234 between the inner annular wall 1206 and the back wall 1228 of the insertion connector 1208. In some embodiments, both of the outer annular wall 1204 and the inner annular wall 1206 may project and extend from the insertion connector 1208 while one of the outer annular wall 1204 or the inner annular wall 1206 may abut against a front wall 1226 of the receiving connector 1210 with the bearing formed between the one of the outer annular wall 1204 or the inner annular wall 1206 and the front wall 1226 of the receiving connector 1210. The bearing 1234 may include a dynamic seal (not pictured). The bearing 1234 may be, for example, a radial bearing, an axial bearing, a roller bearing, a hydrodynamic bearing, a sliding bearing, or combinations thereof.

[0090] As previously explained, the inertia damping effect of the granular damper 1200 may be enhanced by the differential motion of the particles in the granular material 1214 caused by the flexing and bending of the granular damper 1200 in conjunction with differential motion caused by the inertial effect of the granular material 1214. This differential motion between the particles of the granular material 1214 under strain in turn produces friction and / or particle deformation that may resist rapid changes in angular velocity and may absorb, and at least partially dissipate, the energy created by the vibrations.

[0091] The granular damper 1200 may include inner protruding elements projecting from the inner annular wall 1206 and / or outer protruding elements projecting from the outer annular wall 1204. The inner protruding elements and outer protruding elements may be similar to those described previously in FIG. 2D and FIG. 11C. The granular damper 1200 may also include torsional springs connecting the inner protruding elements and the outer protruding elements, similar to those described in FIG. 2F. Alternatively, instead of the torsional springs, the granular damper 1200 may include flexible elements connecting the inner protruding elements to the outer annular wall 1204 and / or connecting the outer protruding elements to the inner annular wall 1206, similar to those described in FIG. 2G. The presence of these inner protruding elements, outer protruding elements, torsional springs, and / or flexible elements may enhance the inertia damping effect of the granular damper 1200. Furthermore, the granular damper 1200 may also include an inner cylindrical extension and a resistance element to make a piston similar to that described in FIG. 3.

[0092] It may be noted that, although FIG. 12 shows the granular damper 1200 as a single undivided monolithic structure, in different embodiments, the granular damper 1200 may include multiple separate components that may be joined to each other by using suitable methods, such as screwing, pressing, welding, gluing or other methods. Furthermore, interfaces between adjacent joined components may include seals.

[0093] FIG. 13 is a longitudinal cross-section view of agranular damper 1300 in accordance with embodiments of the disclosure. Similar to granular damper 1200, the granular damper 1300 may have an insertion connector 1308, a receiving connector 1310, and a middle section 1312. The granular damper 1300 further comprises an outer annular wall 1304 and an inner annular wall 1306 defining an annular compartment 1352 therebetween. The annular compartment 1352 may house a granular material 1314 and, optionally, a thermal liquid 1330 therein. The receiving connector 1310, insertion connector 1308. and inner annular wall 1306 may constitute a single undivided monolithic structure. The outer annular wall 1304 may be formed separately from the receiving connector 1310, insertion connector 1308, and inner annular wall 1306 and may fit in between a back wall 1328 of the insertion connector 1308 and a front wall 1326 of the receiving connector 1310. The granular damper 1300 may have a first bearing 1332 in the junction between the back wall 1328 of the insertion connector 1308 and the outer annular wall 1304 of the middle section 1312, and a second bearing 1334 between the front wall 1326 of the receiving connector 1310 and the outer annular wall 1304 of the middle section 1312, as shown by FIG. 13. Thus, the bearings 1332 and 1334 may allow for the outer annular wall 1304 to rotate relative to the insertion connector 1308 and the receiving connector 1310. The relative rotation may be caused by vibrations. The relative rotation also causes deformation and / or friction among particles of the granular material 1314 to dissipate energy caused by the vibrations, thereby aiding to dampen the vibrations. The bearings 1332 and 1334 may include a seal (not pictured). The bearings 1332 and 1334 may be, for example, a radial bearing, an axial bearing, a roller bearing, a hydrodynamic bearing, a sliding bearing, or combinations thereof.

[0094] The inertia damping effect of the granular damper 1300 may be enhanced by the differential motion of the particles in the granular material 1314 caused mainly by the inertial effect. The differential motion between the particles of the granular material 1314 under strain in turn produces friction and / or particle deformation that may resist rapid changes in angular velocity and may absorb, and at least partially dissipate, the energy created by the vibrations.

[0095] The granular damper 1300 may include inner protruding elements projecting from the inner annular wall 1306 and / or outer protruding elements projecting from the outer annular wall 1304. The inner protruding elements and outer protruding elements may be similar to those described previously in FIG. 2D and FIG. 11C. The granular damper 1300 may also include torsional springs connecting the inner protruding elements and the outer protruding elements, similar to those described in FIG. 2F. Alternatively, instead of the torsional springs, the granular damper 1300 may include flexible elements connecting the inner protruding elements to the outer annular wall 1304 and / or connecting the outer protruding elements to the inner annular wall 1306, similar to those described in FIG. 2G. The presence of these inner protruding elements, outer protruding elements, torsional springs, and / or flexible elements may enhance the inertia damping effect of the granular damper 1300. Furthermore, the granular damper 1300 may also include an inner cylindrical extension and a resistance element to make a piston similar to that described in FIG. 3. It may be noted that, although FIG. 13 show the granular damper 1300 as a single undivided monolithic structure, in different embodiments, the granular damper 1300 may include multiple separate components that may be joined to each other by using suitable methods, such as screwing, pressing, welding, gluing, or other methods. Furthermore, interfaces between adjacent joined components may include seals.

[0096] As previously explained, the granular dampers 200, 1100, 1200, and 1300 may be placed between components of the BHA 128, between the BHA 128 and the drill string 120, or between the drill pipe sections 122 that make up the drill string 120. In addition, the granular dampers 200, 1100, 1200, and 1300 may also be placed at one or more torque nodes and acceleration anti-nodes, or torque anti-nodes and acceleration nodes. More specifically, a torque node is a point along the drill string 120 where torque is minimal or zero and an acceleration anti-node is a point along the drill string 120 where the angular acceleration is maximized and vice versa. Thus, a point along the drill string 120 or BHA 128 that is considered a torque node would also be considered an acceleration anti-node, and a point along the drill string 120 or BHA 128 that is considered a torque anti-node would also be considered an acceleration node. Thus, the placement of granular dampers 200, 1100, 1200, and 1300 may be determined based on a position on the drill string 120 and / or BHA 128 where there is optimal energy dissipation efficiency. For example, granular dampers that rely mainly on the inertia (i.e., granular damper 1300) may be placed on one or more of the torque nodes and acceleration anti-nodes. On the other hand, granular dampers that rely mainly on torque (i.e., granular dampers 200 and 1200) may be placed on one or more of the torque anti-nodes and acceleration nodes.

[0097] Furthermore, although the granular dampers 200, 1100, 1200, and 1300 are illustrated as having a cylindrical configuration with a circular transverse cross-sectional shape, the granular dampers 200, 1100, 1200, and 1300 may be configured to include other transverse cross-sectional shapes, such as a triangle, square, pentagon, hexagon, octagon, or other polygonal shape.

[0098] The embodiments of the disclosure described above and illustrated in the accompanying drawings do not limit the scope of the disclosure, which is encompassed by the scope of the appended claims and their legal equivalents. Any equivalent embodiments are within the scope of this disclosure. Indeed, various modifications of the disclosure, in addition to those shown and described herein, such as alternate useful combinations of the elements described, will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the description. Such modifications and embodiments also fall within the scope of the appended claims and equivalents.

Claims

CLAIMSWhat is claimed is:

1. A granular dampening component for use with an earth-boring tool, the granular dampening component comprising: an inner portion; an outer portion configured to at least partially surround the inner portion; and a granular material between the inner portion and the outer portion, the granular material configured to transfer torque from the outer portion to the inner portion and configured to dissipate energy based on differential motion of the granular material.

2. The granular dampening component of claim 1, further comprising a disk at least partially surrounding the inner portion and inside the outer portion, the disk configured to apply strain on the granular material.

3. The granular dampening component of claim 2, wherein the disk is connected to a resistance element.

4. The granular dampening component of claim 2, wherein the disk is connected to a passively operated control unit.

5. The granular dampening component of claim 4, wherein the passively operated control unit comprises one or more of a centrifugal governor, a bimetal actuator, a linear spline connection, a helical spline connection, a pressure actuator, or a torsional rotating component.

6. The granular dampening component of claim 1, wherein the inner portion comprises protruding elements projecting from an outer surface and wherein the outer portion comprises protruding elements projecting from an inner surface.

7. The granular dampening component of claim 6, wherein the protruding elements on the outer surface of the inner portion comprise at least one fin traversing a length of the inner portion, and the protruding elements on the inner surface of the outer portion comprise at least one fin traversing a length of the outer portion.

8. The granular dampening component of claim 6, further comprising springs connecting the protruding elements on the outer surface of the inner portion to the protruding elements on the inner surface of the outer portion.

9. The granular dampening component of claim 1 , further comprising at least one spring connecting the inner portion with the outer portion.

10. The granular dampening component of claim 1, further comprising a bearing between the inner portion and the outer portion.

11. The granular dampening component of claim 1, wherein the granular material comprises a primary granular material comprising one or more of sand, glass beads, steel shot, tungsten shot, ceramic granules or powders, polymer beads, or rubber granules, and wherein the granular material comprises a secondary granular material comprising smaller particles as compared to particles of the primary granular material, the secondary granular material comprising one or more of tin, lead, tungsten, gold, silicon, silica sand, silicon carbide, alumina, diamond, sand, ceramic powders, polymer beads, or rubber granules.

12. The granular dampening component of claim 1, further comprising a liquid mixed with the granular material.

13. The granular dampening component of claim 1, wherein the inner portion comprises an insertion connector at an end thereof and the outer portion comprises a receiving connector at an end thereof, the insertion connector and the receiving connector configured to connect with other components of the earth-boring tool.

14. A drilling system comprising: a drill string; a bottom hole assembly; one or more granular dampening components for use with the drill string and / or the bottom hole assembly, the granular dampening component comprising: an insertion connector disposed at a first end; a receiving connector disposed at a second end opposite the first end; and a middle section disposed between the insertion connector and the receiving connector, the middle section comprising: an inner wall; an outer wall configured to at least partially surround the inner wall, the inner wall and the outer wall defining a compartment therebetween; and a granular material under strain within the compartment and configured to dissipate energy when an earth-boring tool experiences vibrations.

15. The drilling system of claim 14 further comprising: the bottom hole assembly including a drill bit and at least one sensor configured to measure one or more drilling parameters; a disk at least partially surrounding the inner wall and inside the outer wall, the disk configured to apply strain on the granular material; at least one processor; and at least one non-transitory computer-readable storage medium storing instructions thereon that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the drilling system to adjust the strain applied on the granular material by the disk based on data obtained by the at least one sensor.

16. The drilling system of claim 14, wherein the granular dampening component comprises an outer surface of the inner wall and an inner surface of the outer wall comprises a roughened texture.

17. The drilling system of claim 14, wherein the granular dampening component further comprising a bearing between the outer wall of the middle section and the insertion connector or between the inner wall of the middle section and the insertion connector.

18. The drilling system of claim 14, wherein the granular dampening component further comprising a bearing between the outer wall of the middle section and the receiving connector or between the inner wall of the middle section and the receiving connector.

19. The drilling system of claim 14, further comprising a first bearing between the outer wall of the middle section and the insertion connector, and a second bearing between the outer wall of the middle section and the receiving connector.

20. A granular dampening component for use with an earth-boring tool, the granular dampening component comprising: an inner wall; an outer wall configured to at least partially surround the inner wall, the inner wall and the outer wall defining an annular channel therebetween and being configured to rotate relative to one another: and a granular material within the annular channel, the granular material configured to dissipate energy when the earth-boring tool experiences vibrations causing relative rotation between the inner wall and the outer wall.

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