Bitless Drilling Assembly With Controlled Propellant Rock Fracture
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Solution Overview
Problem
Drilling operations for extracting hydrocarbon resources are complicated by increased depth and complexity, leading to costly errors and reduced well output due to inadequate integration of downhole sensor data and surface control systems.
Innovation Solution
A bitless drilling assembly using a propellant chamber, burner nozzle, ignitor, and diverter cage to facilitate drilling with a liquid propellant, coupled with a bottom hole assembly that includes a diverter system and burner nozzle monitor for efficient drilling fluid management and control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional drilling methods are used, then drilling operations can proceed with traditional equipment, but drilling errors may permanently lower the output of a well for years into the future and costs increase with depth and complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements real-time feedback loops where downhole sensors continuously monitor drilling parameters (weight on bit, rotary speed, torque, vibrations) and transmit data to surface control systems. The system automatically adjusts drilling parameters based on this feedback, enabling closed-loop control that detects and corrects drilling errors before they cause permanent damage to the well.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical drill bits with a bitless drilling system that uses a controlled burning propellant charge to fracture rock formations. This substitution eliminates mechanical wear and tear on drill bits, reduces the complexity of mechanical drilling components, and enables drilling through extremely hard formations that would wear down conventional drill bits.
2Measurement precision
If downhole sensors and surface control systems are integrated, then drilling errors can be detected and corrected, but the system complexity and integration requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a multi-functional control system that simultaneously performs multiple functions: monitoring downhole sensors, processing drilling data, controlling drilling parameters, managing propellant charging operations, and coordinating surface equipment. This universal system reduces the need for separate specialized systems and simplifies integration by having one coordinated control platform handle all drilling operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary data processing layer between downhole sensors and surface control systems. This intermediary layer pre-processes sensor data, filters noise, and translates raw measurements into actionable drilling parameters, reducing the complexity of direct sensor-to-control-system connections and enabling more reliable data transmission through the drill string.
3Productivity
If bitless drilling with propellant is used, then drilling through hard formations is enabled, but safety concerns and controlled burning requirements are introduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary safety actions by pre-positioning diverter cages and flow control devices before propellant charging operations. These safety mechanisms are prepared in advance to automatically divert propellant flow or control burning rates if abnormal conditions are detected, preventing runaway reactions and ensuring safe operation throughout the drilling process.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the potentially harmful uncontrolled burning of propellant into a beneficial controlled fracture process by using precisely metered propellant charges that burn at controlled rates. The controlled combustion energy, which could be dangerous if unmanaged, is instead harnessed to efficiently fracture rock formations and achieve high rates of penetration through hard formations.
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
Enhances drilling accuracy and reduces errors by timely integration of downhole sensor data, improving operational efficiency and reducing long-term economic losses.
Implementation Method 1
an ignitor configured to ignite the liquid propellant as the liquid propellant escapes the burner nozzle
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatus and methods of drilling using a bitless drilling assembly can include a propellant chamber configured to store a liquid propellant for drilling. The bitless drilling assembly can include a burner nozzle connected to the propellant chamber via one or more passages to route the liquid propellant from the propellant chamber to the burner nozzle. The bitless drilling assembly can include an ignitor configured to ignite the liquid propellant as the liquid propellant escapes the burner nozzle. The bitless drilling assembly can include a diverter cage placed in a path of the inside passage to divert one or more propellant capsules from the inside passage to a capsule blade. The capsule blade can be configured to puncture the one or more propellant capsules to allow the propellant to flow into a reservoir and route the propellant to the propellant chamber. The bitless drilling assembly can be controlled automatically during drilling.