Downhole Pressure Pulse Device in Annular Space
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing downhole pressure pulse generation systems face issues with erosion and vibration, leading to increased operational costs and limitations in passing other equipment due to the placement of pulse-generating devices in the center of drill pipes, which restricts flow and causes wear.
Innovation Solution
A system where a device for generating fluid pressure pulses is located in a space within the wall of a tubular housing, reducing exposure to flowing drilling fluid and allowing other tools to pass through, using a cartridge with a valve to control fluid flow through a secondary passage, and incorporating a power generating arrangement to convert kinetic energy into electrical energy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If the pulse-generating device is placed in the center of drill pipes, then data transmission capability is improved, but erosion and vibration-related issues increase
Solution Approach 1:
The pulse-generating device is extracted from the central location within the drill pipe and relocated to the annular space between the drill pipe and the borehole wall. This extraction removes the device from the harmful central flow path, reducing erosion and vibration exposure while preserving its data transmission function through the drilling fluid in the annulus.
Solution Approach 2:
The device transitions from a one-dimensional central placement along the drill pipe axis to a two-dimensional annular positioning between the drill pipe and borehole wall. This dimensional change allows the device to operate in a previously unused space that is less susceptible to erosion and vibration while maintaining communication capability.
2Loss of information
If the pulse-generating device is placed in the center of drill pipes, then data transmission is enabled, but passage of other equipment is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
By extracting the pulse-generating device from the central drill pipe location, the central flow path is cleared, allowing other equipment such as logging tools and measurement-while-drilling instruments to pass through the drill pipe unobstructed. The device continues to function in the annular space where it does not interfere with equipment passage.
Solution Approach 2:
The annular space between the drill pipe and borehole wall serves multiple functions: it accommodates the pulse-generating device for data transmission, allows free passage of other downhole equipment through the central drill pipe, and provides a pathway for drilling fluid circulation. This multi-functional use of space resolves the conflict between data transmission and equipment accessibility.
3Power
If the pulse-generating device restricts flow in the drill pipe, then pressure pulses can be generated, but operational costs increase due to wear
Solution Approach 1:
The device is extracted from the restricted central flow path where it would obstruct drilling fluid circulation and cause wear. In the annular space, the device generates pressure pulses without restricting the main drill pipe flow, eliminating wear-related operational costs while maintaining pressure pulse generation capability for data transmission.
Solution Approach 2:
The drilling fluid in the annulus acts as an intermediary medium that transmits the pressure pulses generated by the device to the surface without requiring the device to be in the central drill pipe flow path. This intermediary approach allows pulse generation without direct obstruction of the main fluid circulation path, preventing wear and reducing operational costs.
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
This design reduces erosion and vibration-related issues, allows for the passage of additional tools, and enhances data transmission by generating fluid pressure pulses without restricting the primary fluid flow, while also providing power for the system through kinetic energy conversion.
Implementation Method 1
incorporating a power generating arrangement to convert kinetic energy into electrical energy
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a wellbore-lining tubing comprising at least one window pre-formed in the wall of the tubing and a device for selectively generating a fluid pressure pulse, and to a method of forming a lateral wellbore employing such a tubing.In an embodiment, a wellbore-lining tubing (130m) is disclosed which comprises: a tubing wall (32m), an internal fluid flow passage (30m), and at least one window (154m) pre-formed in the wall of the tubing; a device (34m) for selectively generating a fluid pressure pulse, the device located at least partly in a space (36m) provided in the wall of the tubing; and a coupling (190) for receiving a deflection tool (192) so that the deflection tool can be secured to the tubing and employed to divert a downhole component (202) through the window in the tubing wall.