Hydraulically Adjustable Drill Bit Pad for Torsional Fluctuation Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Drill bits experience excessive fluctuations and changes in rate of penetration (ROP) when transitioning between soft and hard rock formations, leading to inefficient drilling and potential damage due to delayed surface-controlled adjustments.
Innovation Solution
A drill bit with extendable pads and a fluid actuation system that automatically adjusts pad extension based on downhole parameters, allowing for real-time control of drill bit fluctuations and ROP without altering weight-on-bit or rotational speed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If surface control methods are used to adjust WOB and RPM to control drill bit fluctuations, then drill bit fluctuations can be controlled, but the response time is delayed and surface actions have substantial impact lag
Solution Approach 1:
The drill bit incorporates sensors that automatically detect formation changes and trigger pad extension/retraction without surface intervention. The system serves itself by using downhole-detected parameters to control the damping pads, eliminating the time lag associated with surface-based WOB and RPM adjustments.
Solution Approach 2:
The damping pads act as an intermediary mechanism between the drill bit and formation, providing immediate mechanical damping of fluctuations. This intermediary device responds instantaneously to formation changes detected by sensors, bypassing the delayed surface control loop.
2Reliability
If damping pads are extended to control drill bit fluctuations, then fluctuations are reduced, but excessive force on the pads can cause damage
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the extension distance of damping pads based on real-time detection of formation properties and drill bit fluctuation parameters. By changing the operational parameter (pad extension distance) according to actual conditions, the system achieves effective fluctuation control while preventing excessive force application that could damage the pads.
Solution Approach 2:
Sensors monitor drill bit fluctuation parameters and formation conditions, providing feedback to the control system. This feedback mechanism ensures that damping pads are extended only to the necessary degree to control fluctuations, preventing over-extension and excessive force application that would compromise pad durability.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system dynamically controls drill bit fluctuations and ROP, reducing stress on the drill bit and BHA, leading to smoother drilling and extended tool life by automatically adjusting pad extension based on real-time formation conditions.
Implementation Method 1
an actuation device configured to supply a fluid under pressure to the pad to extend the pad from the surface
Implementation Method 2
a relief device configured to drain fluid supplied to the pad to reduce the pressure on the at least one pad when the force applied on the at least one pad exceeds a selected limit
Data Source
AI summary
A drill bit includes one or more cutters on a surface thereon configured to penetrate into a formation, at least one pad at the surface, and an actuation device configured to supply a fluid under pressure to the pad to extend the pad from the surface. The drill bit also includes a relief device configured to drain fluid supplied to the pad to reduce the pressure on the at least one pad when the force applied on the at least one pad exceeds a selected limit.