Core Drilling Apparatus with Mechanical Mode Conversion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current core drilling technologies require frequent tripping operations to change between coring and drilling modes, which is costly and inefficient, especially when dealing with long core samples or multiple zones of interest, and existing solutions rely on complex downhole electronics that may not be suitable for all conditions.
Innovation Solution
A core drilling apparatus that converts between coring and full-diameter drilling modes using purely mechanical and/or hydraulic means, employing a lifting device with a release mechanism activated by various means such as balls, springs, or hydraulic chambers to control the closure elements of the coring drill head, allowing for mode transitions without the need for downhole control electronics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional core drilling assembly is used, then core samples can be extracted, but frequent tripping operations are required to change between coring and drilling modes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines both coring and drilling functionalities into a single integrated assembly. The coring drill head includes closure elements that can close off the central opening to convert the assembly from coring mode to drilling mode, eliminating the need for separate equipment and tripping operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The closure elements are designed to be movable between open and closed positions. This dynamic configuration allows the same drill head to perform both coring (when open) and full-diameter drilling (when closed), providing operational flexibility without requiring equipment changes.
2Adaptability or versatility
If conventional core drilling assembly is used, then core samples can be extracted, but operational costs increase due to frequent tripping
Solution Approach 1:
By merging coring and drilling capabilities into one assembly with closure elements, the patent eliminates the need for separate coring and drilling equipment. This reduces operational costs by avoiding repeated tripping operations and equipment changes while maintaining full functional versatility.
3Adaptability or versatility
If existing solutions with downhole electronics are used, then mode conversion is enabled, but complexity and limitations arise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the control mechanism from the complex downhole electronics domain and implements a purely mechanical solution using closure elements that can be actuated by simple means such as dropping balls or applying hydraulic pressure. This eliminates the need for complex electronic systems while maintaining mode conversion capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The closure elements are designed to respond automatically to simple activation signals (such as dropped balls or hydraulic pressure changes) without requiring complex control systems. The mechanical system self-regulates the mode conversion based on the activation input, reducing overall system complexity.
4Length of moving object
If inner tubing length is increased to collect longer core samples, then more zones can be sampled, but mechanical strength of geological layers becomes limiting
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables dynamic switching between coring and drilling modes. When the inner tubing approaches its capacity or encounters mechanically challenging formations, the system can convert to drilling mode by closing the closure elements, allowing continued advancement without being constrained by the inner tubing length or core sample integrity limitations.
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
Enables continuous drilling and coring operations without the need for tripping, reducing operational costs and maintaining efficiency across various geological conditions, while eliminating the complexity and limitations of downhole electronics.
Implementation Method 1
flow channels connecting the lifting device to drilling fluid flow, where the flow channels are opened when the release mechanism is activated thereby letting pressure forces exerted from circulation of drilling fluid in the flow channels act on the lifting device for lifting or lowering it
Implementation Method 2
one or more compressed springs connected to the lifting device, where mechanical forces released from the spring when the release mechanism is activated thereby let pressure forces exerted from the spring act on the lifting device for lifting or lowering it
Implementation Method 3
one or more pre-charged hydraulic chambers connected to the lifting device, where fluid flow is released from the hydraulic chamber when the release mechanism is activated, thereby letting pressure forces exerted from the fluid flow act on the lifting device for lifting or lowering it
Data Source
AI summary
A core drilling apparatus and a method for converting between a core drilling assembly and a full-diameter drilling assembly by means of a lifting device and a coring drill head with closure elements and integrated cutting implements. The lifting device comprises a release mechanism that when activated, releases forces acting on the lifting device, such that when the lifting device is in an upper position when activated, the lifting device lowers an inner tubing thereby pushing the closure elements of the drill head in an open position, and when the lifting device is in a lower position when activated, the lifting device lifts the inner tubing from the closure elements such that the closure elements is in a closed or partly closed position.