Downhole Motor Steering Using Bernoulli Suction Channels
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing downhole motors struggle to efficiently steer a drill bit in a desired direction without causing friction and wear on the borehole wall, leading to inefficient drilling and potential formation of ledges.
Innovation Solution
A downhole motor design that utilizes a Bernoulli suction force generated by fluid flow through channels on its exterior surface to create a steering force, allowing the motor to bend and steer the drill bit without direct contact with the borehole wall, using a system of channels and flow barriers to manage fluid flow and pressure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If extending members push against the borehole wall to steer the drill bit, then the drill bit can be steered in a desired direction, but friction and wear on the borehole wall increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical pushing system (extending members contacting borehole wall) with a fluid dynamics-based system. Flow barriers and channels direct drilling fluid to create pressure differentials and suction forces that steer the drill bit without mechanical contact with the borehole wall, thereby eliminating friction and wear associated with wall contact.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses drilling fluid (hydraulic system) as the primary steering mechanism. By controlling fluid flow through channels and flow barriers, pressure differentials are created that generate suction forces on the drill bit, enabling steering through fluid dynamics rather than mechanical contact.
2Ease of operation
If extending members are used to push against the borehole wall for steering, then directional control is achieved, but formation of ledges occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates the mechanical pushing action that causes ledge formation by substituting it with fluid-based steering. The flow barriers and channels create pressure differentials that steer the drill bit through suction forces, preventing the mechanical interaction with borehole wall that leads to ledge formation.
3Ease of operation
If traditional steering devices are used, then steering function is provided, but stress and wear on motor components increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces flow barriers and channels as intermediary elements between the drilling fluid and the drill bit. These intermediaries direct fluid flow to create pressure differentials and suction forces, enabling steering while isolating the motor components from direct stress and wear that would result from mechanical steering mechanisms.
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 design reduces stress and wear on motor components, enhances drilling smoothness, and prevents formation of ledges in the borehole by steering the drill bit through fluid dynamics, resulting in more efficient and controlled drilling.
Implementation Method 1
a second flow passage extending from the first flow passage to a channel at the outside surface, wherein a Bernoulli suction force is created at the channel
Implementation Method 2
steering force, allowing the motor to bend and steer the drill bit without direct contact with the borehole wall
Data Source
AI summary
A downhole motor, having a body having an outside surface and a longitudinal extent, a first flow passage defined within the body and disposed along the longitudinal extent of the body, and a second flow passage extending from the first flow passage to a channel at the outside surface, wherein a Bernoulli suction force is created at the channel. A method for drilling a borehole, including directing a fluid through a first flow passage defined within a body of a drill and disposed along the longitudinal extent of the body, directing a portion of the fluid from the first flow passage through a second flow passage to a channel at an outside surface to create a Bernoulli suction force at the channel, and drilling a curved section of the borehole by using the Bernoulli suction force at the channel.