Annular Fluid Channeling Device for Down-Hole Drill String Backpressure Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Deep-hole drilling applications face limitations in circulating large volumes of fluid due to internal geometry constraints and excessive backpressure, and existing devices like Jet Subs are complex, unreliable, and require separate components, making flow adjustments time-consuming and prone to contamination.
Innovation Solution
A fluid channeling device integrated into the down-hole drill assembly with annular channels and ports that direct fluid externally to enhance hole cleaning and reduce backpressure, featuring a channeling member with inlet and discharge ports connected to the drill member passages, allowing for adjustable fluid flow without the need for separate components or fasteners.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If fluid is circulated through the drill string to provide hole cleaning velocity, then hole cleaning performance is improved, but internal backpressure increases and fluid volume is limited by internal geometry
Solution Approach 1:
The fluid flow path is segmented into multiple discharge ports positioned at different depths along the drill string. This allows fluid to be discharged at multiple locations rather than relying on a single flow path, reducing backpressure at any one location while maintaining overall hole cleaning effectiveness through distributed fluid delivery.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from a single-point fluid discharge approach to a multi-point spatial distribution approach. By positioning discharge ports at different axial locations along the drill string, fluid flow is distributed across multiple dimensions (depth positions), enabling enhanced hole cleaning without excessive backpressure buildup in a single location.
2Quantity of substance
If Jet Subs are used to provide supplemental fluid flow, then air flow volume is improved, but device complexity increases and reliability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The fluid channeling device is merged with the drill string structure itself, utilizing the drill string's internal geometry as the flow channel. This integration eliminates the need for separate Jet Sub components, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining the capability to provide supplemental fluid flow through the integrated discharge ports.
Solution Approach 2:
The drill string serves multiple functions: it provides structural support for drilling, acts as the fluid delivery system through its internal passages, and functions as the discharge mechanism through its externally positioned ports. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate dedicated fluid delivery devices, reducing complexity while maintaining air flow volume capability.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If check valves are used to prevent back-flow, then contamination protection is improved, but reliability decreases due to valve failure
Solution Approach 1:
The check valve component is completely removed from the system. Instead of using a valve mechanism to prevent back-flow, the invention relies on the physical positioning of discharge ports and the natural flow direction through the drill string structure. This extraction of the problematic component eliminates valve failure risks while maintaining contamination protection through alternative means.
Solution Approach 2:
The fluid flow system is designed to be self-regulating through its geometric configuration. The discharge ports are positioned and oriented to naturally direct fluid flow in the correct direction without requiring active control mechanisms like check valves. The system uses its own structural features to prevent back-flow and contamination, eliminating the need for separate protective components that can fail.
4Manufacturing precision
If flow adjustments are made by taking apart the drill string, then flow control precision is improved, but time consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The flow control mechanism is designed to be dynamically adjustable during operation rather than requiring disassembly. The ability to modify flow distribution through operational adjustments (such as varying pump speed or controlling electronic flow regulators) allows precise flow control without the time-consuming process of taking apart and reassembling the drill string.
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 device effectively enhances drill performance by increasing fluid circulation, reducing backpressure, and preventing contamination, while allowing for easy adjustment and integration into existing drill strings without requiring complex setups or qualified service for maintenance.
Implementation Method 1
a passage provided within the drill member so as to extend generally between the drill member inner and outer surfaces
Implementation Method 2
direct fluid generally externally of the drill assembly and generally in an upward direction along the axis
Data Source
AI summary
A fluid channeling device (10) is for a down-hole drill assembly (1) having a central axis (1c) and advanceable into a hole in a downward direction (D) along the axis (1c). The assembly (1) includes a drill member (2) with an inner surface (2a) bounding a central bore (2b) and an outer surface (2c). The channeling system includes at least one passage (12) provided within the drill member (2) so as to extend generally between the drill member inner (2a) and outer surfaces (2c). A generally annular channeling member (14) is disposeable about a portion of the drill member (2) and has at least one inlet port (20), at least one discharge port (16), and a passage (12) extending between the inlet (20) and discharge ports (16). The inlet port (20) is fluidly connectable with the drill member passage (12) to fluidly couple the central bore (2b) with the discharge port (16). The discharge port (16) is configured to direct fluid generally externally of the drill assembly (1) and generally in an upward direction (U) along the axis (1c).