Circulating Tool Vortex Debris Removal Drilling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing well-bore drilling technologies face inefficiencies in removing debris and maintaining a clean environment for tools and equipment, as pressurized mud alone is insufficient to effectively clear rock debris and dirt from the well-bore and the region near the bottom hole assembly (BHA).
Innovation Solution
A circulating well-bore cleaning tool that enhances the upward flow of drilling fluid through upward-facing ejection ports and tangential ports, creating a vortex to efficiently remove debris, with optional internal valves to manage flow rates and pressures, is used in conjunction with coiled tubing drilling systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If pressurized mud is pumped down to the BHA to remove debris, then debris removal capability is improved, but the well-bore remains insufficiently clean and the BHA is exposed to over-pressure
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the drilling fluid flow path into two distinct channels: a primary flow path through the BHA for motor operation, and a secondary flow path through the cleaning tool's ejection ports for debris removal. This segmentation allows independent optimization of flow rates for each function, enabling effective debris removal while protecting the BHA from over-pressure by bypassing excess fluid through the cleaning tool.
Solution Approach 2:
The cleaning tool acts as an intermediary device between the drilling fluid source and the BHA. It receives drilling fluid, separates it into two streams, and directs them to different destinations. The cleaning tool's ejection ports serve as an intermediary pathway that dissipates excess pressure and volume before fluid reaches the BHA, thereby protecting the BHA while maintaining effective debris removal capability.
2Productivity
If excess drilling fluid is ejected upwardly to clean the well-bore, then debris removal efficiency is improved, but the system requires additional flow rate management components
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning tool utilizes the excess drilling fluid flow rate as a self-service resource for debris removal. Rather than requiring additional pumps or complex control systems, the tool is designed to automatically utilize the available excess flow through its ejection ports and vortex generator, converting the potentially harmful over-pressure and excess volume into a beneficial cleaning action that serves the well-bore.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs hydraulic principles to manage flow rates, using the drilling fluid's own pressure and velocity to create the cleaning effect. The ejection ports and vortex generator are designed to harness hydraulic energy from the excess flow, converting it into upward fluid motion and rotational vortex that effectively remove debris without requiring additional mechanical components or complex flow control mechanisms.
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 tool effectively increases debris removal efficiency, protects the BHA from over-pressure, and maintains a clean well-bore environment by boosting the upward travel rate of drilling fluid and creating a spinning vortex to carry debris away, thereby ensuring proper functioning of tools and equipment.
Implementation Method 1
ejected by tangential ports in the sleeve, which cause the sleeve to spin and to create a drilling fluid vortex within the well bore
Implementation Method 2
upward facing ejection ports (through which drilling fluid is ejected) in a sleeve, which fits snugly on the tool
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a circulating tool for aiding in removing debris from near the drill bit when drilling, especially for coiled tubing drilling operations. The drilling fluid entering the tool is directed to a sleeve which can spin freely around the tool, and includes upwardly directed ejection ports and tangentially oriented tangential ports. Fluid ejected from the tangential ports induce the sleeve to spin about the tool, and thus, fluid ejected from the ejection ports is spun to create a drilling fluid vortex within the well bore—and assist in carrying debris up and out.