Degradable Segment Drill Pipe Actuation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing downhole drilling systems lack efficient and controlled actuation mechanisms that can be seamlessly integrated with existing drilling technologies to execute discrete drilling workflows from the surface without displacing existing equipment.
Innovation Solution
A method and system involving a drill pipe with segments of different materials on its inner and outer surfaces, where the introduction of a solvent degrades the outer segments, altering electrical signal patterns generated during rotation, which are processed by a digital logic circuit to control downhole devices such as valves, reamers, and packers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a drill pipe with segments of different materials is rotated to generate electrical signal patterns for actuating downhole devices, then controlled actuation of multiple downhole devices is enabled, but the system complexity increases due to the need for multiple segments, solvent introduction mechanisms, and digital logic circuits
Solution Approach 1:
The drill pipe is divided into multiple segments with different materials (conductive, insulating, degradable) disposed on its outer surface. Each segment configuration generates a unique electrical signal pattern when rotated, enabling control of multiple downhole devices through a single actuation system without requiring separate actuation mechanisms for each device.
Solution Approach 2:
A solvent is introduced as an intermediary substance that reacts with the degradable material segments on the drill pipe. The solvent causes the degradable material to break down, thereby changing the electrical signal pattern generated during rotation. This intermediary mechanism allows for dynamic reconfiguration of the actuation signals without mechanical intervention.
2Adaptability or versatility
If degradable material segments are used on the drill pipe that degrade when exposed to solvent, then distinct signal patterns are generated for different drilling operations, but the reliability of the actuation system is affected by the degradation process
Solution Approach 1:
The electrical and physical parameters of the drill pipe segments are changed through controlled degradation. The degradable material segments transition from an intact state (blocking electrical interaction) to a degraded state (allowing electrical interaction), thereby changing the generated signal pattern. This parameter change enables multiple distinct signal patterns from a single physical structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The degradable material undergoes a phase transition when exposed to the solvent, breaking down from a solid structural material into smaller fragments or dissolved substances. This phase change fundamentally alters the electrical properties of the segment, enabling it to transition between different signal generation states reliably and reversibly through controlled solvent exposure.
3Productivity
If multiple segments with different materials are disposed on the drill pipe to generate different electrical signal patterns, then discrete drilling workflows can be executed from the surface, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The drill pipe is designed as a universal actuation system that can execute multiple discrete drilling workflows through different segment configurations. By incorporating conductive, insulating, and degradable material segments in various arrangements, a single drill pipe design can generate multiple distinct electrical signal patterns, eliminating the need for multiple specialized actuation systems for different drilling operations.
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 controlled actuation of downhole devices from the surface, allowing for various drilling operations by generating distinct signal patterns for multiple devices, optimizing drilling efficiency and integrating with existing systems without displacement.
Implementation Method 1
a degradable material... in which a solubility of the degradable material in a solvent is greater than a solubility of the first material in the solvent... the degradable material degrades responsive to introduction of the solvent
Implementation Method 2
generating a first electrical signal pattern... generating a sequence of voltage peaks resulting from exchange of charge between one of the first segments and a corresponding one of the second segments
Implementation Method 3
generating a sequence of voltage peaks resulting from a piezoelectric response of one of the second segments to a mechanical stress applied to the one of the second segments by a corresponding one of the first segments
Data Source
AI summary
A method for actuation of a downhole device includes rotating a drill pipe relative to a cylindrical pipe disposed coaxially within the drill pipe. First segments including a first material are disposed on the inner surface of the drill pipe. Second segments including a degradable material are disposed on the outer surface of the cylindrical pipe, with each of the second segments aligned with a corresponding first segment. The first material and the degradable material are insoluble in the downhole fluid, and a solubility of the degradable material in a solvent is greater than a solubility of the first material in the solvent. The method includes generating a first electrical signal pattern during rotation of the drill pipe; introducing the solvent into the drill pipe, in which the degradable material degrades responsive to introduction of the solvent; and generating a second electrical signal pattern after introduction of the solvent.