Downhole Impeller Device for Deviated Well Debris Removal
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Inefficient debris removal in well drilling, particularly in deviated wells, due to settling of particles and decreased viscosity of drilling fluid, which is exacerbated by the localized agitation effect of increased drill string rotation, leading to wear and tear on equipment.
Innovation Solution
A downhole impeller device with obliquely oriented impeller members and stabilizing fins connected to the drill string, which impels drilling fluid and debris radially outward within the annulus, increasing fluid velocity and turbulence to prevent settling, and is spaced along the drill string to maintain effective agitation throughout the well.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the speed of rotation of the drill string is increased to cause greater agitation of the drilling fluid, then debris removal efficiency is improved, but wear and tear on the drill string and ancillary equipment increases
Solution Approach 1:
The drill string is segmented into multiple sections with impeller devices installed at specific intervals. Each impeller device operates independently to agitate the drilling fluid in its local region, distributing the mechanical load throughout the wellbore rather than relying on high-speed rotation of the entire drill string.
Solution Approach 2:
Impeller devices serve as intermediary components between the drill string and the drilling fluid. These impellers directly interact with the fluid to create turbulence and prevent settling, eliminating the need for high-speed rotation of the drill string itself and thereby reducing wear on the drill string and surface equipment.
2Productivity
If the drill string is reciprocated to impel drilling fluid, then debris removal is improved, but the physical limit of surface equipment (around 27 meters) restricts effectiveness in deeper wells
Solution Approach 1:
The wellbore is divided into multiple zones with impeller devices spaced at intervals along the drill string. Each impeller operates independently over a limited reciprocation distance, but collectively they provide continuous agitation throughout the entire wellbore, overcoming the 27-meter physical limit of surface equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of relying solely on vertical reciprocation distance, the impeller devices create radial flow patterns and turbulence in the drilling fluid. This dimensional approach to fluid agitation allows effective debris removal throughout the wellbore depth without being constrained by the physical reciprocation limit of the surface equipment.
3Area of stationary object
If the diameter of the drill bit is increased to improve cleaning coverage, then the localised agitation effect is enhanced, but the agitation effect remains confined to the proximity of the drill bit
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple impeller devices are distributed along the drill string at different heights and radial positions. This segmentation of the agitation function across multiple locations ensures that debris is prevented from settling throughout the entire wellbore, not just in the proximity of the drill bit.
Solution Approach 2:
Each impeller device is positioned and oriented to create locally optimized flow patterns. The impellers are arranged to address specific local conditions in the drilling fluid flow, creating turbulence and agitation tailored to each region's requirements while maintaining overall effectiveness throughout the wellbore.
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
Enhances debris removal efficiency by maintaining fluid agitation and preventing settling across the entire well depth, reducing wear on equipment and improving cleaning efficiency in deviated wells.
Implementation Method 1
rotation of the or each impeller member impels drilling fluid within the annulus
Implementation Method 2
the flow of drilling fluid within the annulus is made more turbulent
Implementation Method 3
the or each impeller member is adapted to impel drilling fluid within the annulus in a radial direction
Data Source
AI summary
A downhole impeller device for use within a well, comprising: a body connectable to a drill string and having an external diameter smaller than the well diameter so as to form an annulus between the body and the well; and one or more impeller members extending from the outer surface of the body such that rotation of the or each impeller member impels drilling fluid within the annulus.