Axially-Supported Downhole Probes Vibration Mitigation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Downhole probes in subsurface drilling are prone to failure due to harsh conditions such as high temperatures, vibrations, and mechanical shocks, leading to increased costs and inefficiencies in drilling operations.
Innovation Solution
The use of axially-supported downhole probes within a drill string, where the probes are secured by spiders that abut landing steps in the bore, providing both axial and rotational stability, and optionally clamped to prevent movement and rotation, thereby reducing the impact of drilling fluid dynamics and mechanical stress.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If downhole probes are used to measure formation properties and monitor drilling conditions, then drilling efficiency and safety are improved, but the probes are subjected to harsh conditions including high pressures, vibrations, and shocks that shorten their lifespan and increase failure probability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies beforehand cushioning by providing axial support structures (landing steps and spiders) that are pre-positioned to absorb and mitigate the impact of axial shocks and vibrations before they can damage the downhole probe. The landing steps engage with the probe's axial supports to create a cushioning effect that protects the probe's sensitive components from the harsh downhole environment, thereby extending probe lifespan while maintaining reliability.
2Stability of the object's composition
If downhole probes are secured with high torque couplings to prevent movement and rotation, then probe stability is improved, but the complexity of installation and maintenance increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the probe support function into multiple independent elements: axial supports on the probe, spiders in the bore, and landing steps in the drill string. These segmented components work together through simple engagement mechanisms rather than requiring high torque couplings. The axial supports engage with spiders that rest on landing steps, creating a modular system that is easier to install and maintain while providing stable probe positioning.
3Duration of action of stationary object
If downhole probes are supported axially within the bore to reduce vibration impact, then probe longevity is improved, but the device complexity increases due to additional support components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing the axial supports, spiders, and landing steps to serve multiple functions simultaneously. The axial supports not only provide vibration mitigation but also enable probe retrieval through engagement with the spiders. The spiders serve both as support elements and as retrieval mechanisms. The landing steps provide both structural support and vibration isolation. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity while extending probe longevity.
Data Source
AI summary
An assembly for use in subsurface drilling includes a downhole probe supported by a locking mechanism with a bore of a drill string section. The probe comprises a first spider and a second spider at the uphole and downhole sections of the probe. The locking mechanism secures the probes in the bore against axial and rotational movement relative the drill string section.