Angled Shaped Holes in Vibration-Damping Sub
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Solution Overview
Problem
Downhole tools used in hydrocarbon recovery face reliability issues due to internal and external shock and vibration forces, which can damage sensitive electronics and mechanical components.
Innovation Solution
A vibration-damping sub is introduced between the vibration source and the vibration-sensitive tool, featuring a tubular damping body with a specific pattern of angled shaped holes that disrupt mechanical waves through interference and acoustic impedance differences.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional vibration protection methods using springs or moving parts are used, then vibration damping is achieved, but device complexity and reliability are reduced due to moving parts
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical vibration damping systems (springs, shock absorbers, moving parts) with a passive structural design featuring angled shaped holes in the tubular body. This static geometric configuration achieves vibration attenuation through acoustic impedance mismatches and wave interference without any moving components, thereby improving reliability while reducing device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical parameters of the tubular body by introducing holes with specific angular orientations and geometric shapes. These parameter modifications alter the acoustic impedance and wave propagation characteristics of the structure, enabling vibration damping through the modified structural parameters rather than through mechanical damping components
2Reliability
If a solid tubular damping body is used, then structural strength is maintained, but vibration damping effectiveness is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a porous-like structure with angled shaped holes through the tubular body wall. These holes create acoustic impedance mismatches that reflect and attenuate vibration waves while the overall tubular structure maintains its structural integrity and strength. The porous configuration at the micro-scale does not compromise the macro-scale structural strength
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite structural system where the solid tubular material is combined with strategically placed voids (angled shaped holes). This composite configuration leverages both the strength of the solid material and the vibration-damping properties of the void structure, achieving a balance between structural strength and vibration attenuation effectiveness
3Reliability
If angled shaped holes are introduced to disrupt mechanical waves, then vibration damping is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the continuous tubular wall by introducing discrete angled shaped holes at specific locations and orientations. This segmentation approach allows the holes to be manufactured using standard drilling and machining operations, where each hole is an independent feature that can be created sequentially or simultaneously using conventional manufacturing methods, thus avoiding excessive manufacturing complexity
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 vibration-damping sub effectively reduces the magnitude of mechanical waves before they reach the vibration-sensitive tool, thereby protecting it from damaging vibrations without relying on springs or moving parts.
Implementation Method 1
disrupt mechanical waves through interference and acoustic impedance differences
Implementation Method 2
disrupt mechanical waves through interference and acoustic impedance differences
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a vibration-damping sub, a tool string, and a method. The vibration-damping sub, in one aspect, includes a tubular damping body having a tubing wall defining a longitudinal axis and opposing ends for connecting the tubular damping body within a tool string between a vibration source and a vibration-sensitive tool. The vibration-damping sub, according to this aspect, may further include a plurality of shaped holes extending through the tubing wall and configured to impede propagation of mechanical waves along the tubular damping body, wherein each of the plurality of shaped holes extends through the tubing wall at an angle (θ) of at least 5 degrees relative to perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the tubular damping body for redirecting the mechanical waves.