Downhole Mud Motor Adjustable Bend Angle
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current mechanisms for controlling the direction of a drilling assembly in well drilling operations are complex and difficult to implement, often requiring the drill string to be removed from the borehole, increasing drilling time and expense.
Innovation Solution
A downhole motor with an adjustable bend angle, comprising a power assembly, drive assembly, and bearing assembly, allows for real-time adjustment of the drill bit's inclination by altering the longitudinal axis through a movable joint and biasing mechanism, enabled by fluid flow and solenoid valves, facilitating precise direction control without removing the drill string.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If current mechanisms for controlling drill direction are used, then drilling direction can be controlled, but the mechanisms are complex and require removing the drill string from the borehole, increasing drilling time and expense
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the drill string flexible and capable of dynamic reconfiguration. The drill string includes sections that can be bent or deflected at controlled locations using actuators, allowing the drill bit direction to be changed while the drill string remains in the borehole. This eliminates the need to remove and reassemble the drill string, significantly reducing drilling time while maintaining direction control capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical direction control mechanisms (which require physical repositioning of the drill string) with a system using actuators and flexible sections. The actuators apply forces to create controlled bends in the drill string, substituting complex mechanical reassembly operations with simpler actuation mechanisms that can be operated from the surface while the drill string remains in place
2Ease of operation
If current mechanisms for controlling drill direction are used, then drilling direction can be controlled, but the mechanisms are complex and difficult to implement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the drill string into discrete sections, some of which are flexible and capable of bending. Each flexible section can be independently actuated to create specific bend angles and directions. This modular approach simplifies the overall control system compared to traditional mechanisms, as each segment can be controlled independently through simple actuation signals from the surface
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical direction control mechanisms with a system using actuators that apply forces to create controlled bends. This substitution reduces mechanical complexity by eliminating the need for complex joints, reconnection mechanisms, and physical repositioning equipment, replacing them with simpler actuation systems that can be controlled from the surface
3Measurement precision
If the drill string is removed from the borehole to control direction, then direction control is possible, but drilling time and expense increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables dynamic direction adjustment by incorporating flexible sections in the drill string that can be bent at controlled locations. This allows the drill bit to be redirected precisely while the drill string remains in the borehole, maintaining measurement precision for direction control while avoiding the productivity loss associated with removing and reassembling the drill string
Solution Approach 2:
The patent maintains continuity of useful action by allowing direction control to be performed while the drill string remains in place and drilling operations continue. The flexible sections can be actuated to adjust the drill bit direction without interrupting the drilling process, ensuring continuous productive action rather than stopping to reposition the drill string
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 real-time adjustment of the drill bit's inclination, improving drilling accuracy and reducing drilling time by allowing precise control of the drill bit's direction in response to downhole measurements, thus optimizing drilling operations.
Implementation Method 1
a turbine in selective fluid communication with a bore of the first housing
Data Source
AI summary
An example downhole motor may include a first housing and a second housing coupled to the first housing at a movable joint. A turbine may be within the first housing in selective fluid communication with a bore of the first housing. A biasing mechanism may be coupled to the movable joint and the turbine. The biasing mechanism may alter an angle between a first longitudinal axis of the first housing and a second longitudinal axis of the second housing by altering an orientation of the movable joint.