Double-Helix Cuttings Collector for Precise Origin Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods lack precision in determining the location of drill cuttings extraction during drilling operations, which hinders accurate data capture and decision-making in mining operations.
Innovation Solution
A cuttings collector integrated into the drill string with a double helix cutter system and a top sleeve mechanism for collecting and expelling cuttings, featuring a transport path and a chamber with strainers for liquid drainage, allowing precise location determination using LWD and MWD systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If cuttings are collected after drilling using conventional methods, then cuttings can be obtained for analysis, but the location of extraction cannot be precisely determined
Solution Approach 1:
The cuttings collector is nested within the drill string as a replaceable part, with the collector chamber housed inside the drill string structure. The top sleeve is nested within the collector chamber, and the double helix cutters are integrated into the collector stem, creating a compact nested arrangement that enables precise location determination without significantly increasing overall system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The cuttings collector acts as an intermediary device between the drill bit and the surface collection system. It captures cuttings at the drilling location and transports them through the drill string to the surface, enabling precise location determination by correlating collector position with drill string depth data
2Ease of operation
If a cuttings collector with chamber and top sleeve is used, then cuttings can be collected and expelled at controlled positions, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The top sleeve is designed as a movable component that can rotate about the collector stem, dynamically opening and closing the collector chamber. This dynamic mechanism allows controlled expulsion of cuttings at specific positions during rotation, improving ease of operation while maintaining a relatively simple structural design
Solution Approach 2:
The top sleeve rotates periodically to alternate between opening and closing positions, creating periodic access to the collector chamber. This periodic action enables timed expulsion of cuttings at predetermined locations, enhancing operational control without requiring complex automated systems
3Manufacturing precision
If strainers are added to drain liquid from cuttings, then cuttings quality for analysis is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Strainers with porous structures are integrated into the collector walls to drain liquid from cuttings while retaining solid particles. These porous elements improve cuttings sample quality for analysis by removing excess drilling fluid, while adding minimal structural complexity to the collector design
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 accurate determination of cuttings origin by correlating location data with drilling parameters, enhancing decision-making in mining operations.
Implementation Method 1
a cuttings collector stem provided with a first cutter and a second cutter, which cutters together form a double helix cutter acting as a conveyor screw having a first transport path and a second transport path
Implementation Method 2
the external wall of the cuttings collector chamber being provided with one or more strainers for draining liquid from cuttings collected in the cuttings collector chamber
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a cuttings collector for obtaining drill cuttings from subterranean wellbores, at least comprising: a) a cuttings collector stem provided with a double helix cutter acting as a conveyor screw having two transport paths, b) an external wall surrounding one of the two transport paths and a lower wall closing said one transport path at the lower end thereof, c) the cuttings collector stem, at the upper end thereof, being provided with a top sleeve having an opening and closing arrangement so that cuttings that are collected can be guided into a desired transport path.