Downhole Motor Bypass for Selective Activation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing downhole drilling technologies face challenges in controlling the frequency of vibrations in friction tools due to variations in drilling fluid flow rates, which can lead to inefficient drilling operations and require time-consuming disassembly and reassembly to add or remove friction tools.
Innovation Solution
A downhole assembly with a Moineau-type motor and a bypass system, including a catch mechanism and rotating valve assembly, allows for selective activation and deactivation of the motor by controlling drilling fluid flow without altering the surface flow rate, enabling transition from inactive to active states without disassembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If the flow rate of drilling fluid is varied to control vibration frequency, then the vibration frequency can be adjusted, but the operation of other components in the drilling string is impacted
Solution Approach 1:
The drilling fluid flow is segmented into two separate pathways: one pathway directs fluid to the friction tool for vibration generation, while the other pathway maintains steady flow to the motor for stable operation. This segmentation allows independent control of vibration frequency without affecting motor operation, resolving the contradiction between adjusting vibration frequency and maintaining component reliability
Solution Approach 2:
A flow control mechanism acts as an intermediary between the surface drilling fluid system and the downhole friction tool. This intermediary device selectively directs portions of the drilling fluid flow to activate or deactivate the friction tool's vibration function while maintaining overall flow stability, thereby enabling vibration frequency control without impacting other components
2Ease of operation
If the friction tool is removed and reinstalled to control vibration operation, then the tool can be deactivated, but several work hours are consumed
Solution Approach 1:
Flow control mechanisms and valve assemblies are pre-installed within the downhole friction tool assembly during manufacturing. These preliminary installations enable operators to activate or deactivate the vibration function simply by adjusting flow rates at the surface, eliminating the need for time-consuming disassembly and reassembly operations while maintaining ease of operation control
Solution Approach 2:
The friction tool is designed with dynamic flow control capabilities that allow operators to switch between active and inactive states by varying drilling fluid flow rates. This dynamic control system enables rapid activation/deactivation without physical tool removal, significantly reducing downtime while maintaining operational flexibility
3Ease of operation
If drilling fluid flow is cut off to cease friction tool operation, then the tool stops vibrating, but the flow rate variation impacts other drilling operations
Solution Approach 1:
The drilling fluid delivery system is segmented into separate controllable pathways, allowing the friction tool to receive isolated flow control while the main drilling fluid flow continues uninterrupted to the motor and other components. This segmentation enables tool shutdown without impacting overall drilling productivity, as other operations maintain their required flow rates
Solution Approach 2:
Downhole flow control valves and diverters act as intermediaries that can selectively redirect or block fluid flow to the friction tool while maintaining steady flow to the motor. This intermediary control mechanism enables precise shutdown of the friction tool without disrupting the overall drilling fluid circulation system, preserving productivity
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 efficient control of motor activation and torque without disrupting the drilling fluid flow, reducing labor costs and operational inefficiencies by allowing motor activation within the well bore without changing the drilling fluid flow rate, thus improving drilling efficiency and reducing downtime.
Implementation Method 1
A downhole assembly with a Moineau-type motor and a bypass system
Data Source
AI summary
A downhole assembly and method are provided for selective activation of a motor in a drilling string. The downhole assembly includes a stator and a rotor assembly. The rotor assembly comprises a rotor body having a fluid passage extending between an inlet and an outlet, the fluid passage extending through at least part of the length of the rotor; and a ball catch component comprising a receiving end and an interior seat for receiving and retaining a blocking implement, and a fluid passage. When no blocking implement is retained in the rotor assembly, the fluid passage permits flow of drilling fluid entering the receiving end to the fluid passage of the rotor body. The fluid thereby bypasses the motor, which is not activated. When a blocking implement is in place, drilling fluid flows around the ball catch component and into the motor to thereby activate the motor.