Asymmetric Deflecting Bend for Directional Drilling Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current drilling technologies face challenges in steering deviated and horizontal wellbores effectively, particularly in maintaining stable deflection angles during drilling, which affects the efficiency and complexity of wellbore formation.
Innovation Solution
A bi-stable deflector assembly with an actuator system that displaces the drive shaft between two discrete deflection angles, allowing the drill bit to be steerable between these angles until a predetermined weight is applied, enabling precise directional control and stable drilling operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional drilling technologies are used for steering deviated and horizontal wellbores, then the drilling operation can proceed, but the ability to maintain stable deflection angles is poor, affecting efficiency and wellbore formation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the drive shaft movable between different angular positions through an actuator assembly. The drive shaft can be actively adjusted between a first angular position (for straight drilling) and a second angular position (for directional drilling), allowing the system to adapt to different drilling requirements and maintain stable deflection angles during operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the angular parameter of the drive shaft to control wellbore direction. By adjusting the drive shaft between different angular positions, the system can switch between straight drilling and directional drilling modes, enabling precise control over deflection angles and improving both reliability and productivity.
2Ease of operation
If the drill string is retrieved to change drilling direction, then directional control can be adjusted, but Non-Productive Time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The actuator assembly enables dynamic adjustment of the drive shaft angular position while the drill string remains in place. This eliminates the need to retrieve and reposition the entire drill string, allowing operators to change drilling direction in real-time and significantly reducing Non-Productive Time.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-adjustment of drilling direction through the actuator assembly, which can change the drive shaft angle without external intervention or drill string retrieval. This self-service capability allows continuous drilling operations with minimal interruption.
3Measurement precision
If a bi-stable deflector assembly with actuator is used, then precise directional control and stable drilling operations are achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The deflector assembly is segmented into distinct functional components: the drive shaft, the actuator assembly, and the joint mechanism. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, making the complex system more manageable and easier to control with precise directional accuracy.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and related apparatus for forming a wellbore in a subterranean formation includes forming a drill string that has a drill bit at a distal end, a drilling motor configured to rotate the drill bit with a drive shaft; a joint coupled to the drive shaft; and an actuator assembly displacing the drive shaft between a first and a second deflection angle, the drive shaft being movable at each of the deflection angles until a predetermined weight is applied to the bit. The method also includes conveying the drill bit through the wellbore and fixing the drive shaft in at least one of the first and the second deflection angles by applying a predetermined weight on the bit.