Integrated Directional Tool With Hydraulic Locking for Coiled Tubing Drilling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing directional tools for coiled tubing drilling face limitations such as inapplicability to gas or foam drilling, complex structures, hydraulic oil leakage, and reliability issues due to mechanical slipping and the need for additional locking mechanisms, which affect the accuracy and efficiency of directional control.
Innovation Solution
A mechanics-electronics-hydraulics integrated directional tool with a single hydraulic assembly for piston reciprocation, electronic control, and mechanical transmission, eliminating the need for additional locking structures and positioning sensors, and incorporating an oil bladder for pressure compensation to enhance reliability and simplify the system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If two sets of hydraulic assemblies are used to achieve piston reciprocating motion for independent hydraulic-driven directional tools, then the tool can realize rotational motion and adjust downhole tool face, but the structure becomes complicated and reliability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines two independent hydraulic assemblies into a single integrated hydraulic assembly. The single assembly includes a piston with two chambers that can be alternately pressurized to achieve reciprocating motion, eliminating the need for two separate hydraulic systems while maintaining the rotational motion capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The single hydraulic assembly is designed to perform multiple functions: it generates both forward and reverse motion through its two-chamber piston, eliminates the need for separate locking mechanisms through hydraulic locking, and provides sufficient force for the long-screw transmission without requiring additional hydraulic systems.
2Ease of operation
If long-screw transmission structure is used for mechanical rotation, then the tool can achieve directional adjustment, but the screw fails to self-lock and slipping occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses hydraulic pressure to achieve locking of the long-screw transmission. The hydraulic system maintains pressure on the piston, which in turn maintains the position of the screw mechanism, preventing slipping without requiring mechanical self-locking features.
3Manufacturing precision
If displacement sensor and software algorithms are installed for accurate positioning, then definite rotation angles can be output, but the tool design becomes difficult and reliability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The hydraulic system provides inherent positioning through the piston's reciprocating motion between two chambers. The system self-regulates the rotation angle through the mechanical connection between the piston and long-screw transmission, eliminating the need for external sensors and complex control algorithms.
4Productivity
If directional tool operates in high-temperature and high-pressure environment, then it can perform drilling operations, but hydraulic oil leakage occurs and accurate operation is adversely impacted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the hydraulic driving system and locking system into a single hydraulic assembly, reducing the number of sealing interfaces and potential leakage points. The unified design improves reliability in high-temperature and high-pressure environments by minimizing hydraulic oil leakage risks.
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 achieves reliable directional control with simplified structure, improved reliability, and reduced length, enhancing operational efficiency and reducing the risk of mechanical slipping, while maintaining accuracy in high-pressure and high-temperature environments.
Implementation Method 1
the motor drives the bidirectional hydraulic pump to generate high-pressure oil and low-pressure oil in the first liquid cavity and the second liquid cavity alternately, thus driving the piston to perform axial movement reciprocally under differential pressure
Implementation Method 2
the mechanical transmission module is configured to convert the axial movement of the piston into a rotational movement, in order to drive the downhole drilling tool to rotate
Data Source
AI summary
A directional tool for coiled tubing drilling has an electronic control module; a hydraulic driving module having a motor in signal connection with the electronic control module, an oil bladder unit arranged between the electronic control module and the motor, a bidirectional hydraulic pump connected to the motor, and a piston a first liquid cavity and a second liquid cavity in communication with the bidirectional hydraulic pump being formed at both ends of the piston, respectively; and a mechanical transmission module, with both ends thereof connected to the piston and a downhole drilling tool, respectively. The electronic control module is configured to transmit the ground control command to the hydraulic driving module, so that the motor drives the bidirectional hydraulic pump to generate high-pressure oil and low-pressure oil in the first liquid cavity and the second liquid cavity alternately, thus driving the piston to perform axial movement reciprocally.