Downhole One-Way Coupling for Rotary Steerable Tool Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
High frequency torsional oscillations in downhole drilling operations for geothermal energy and oil/gas drilling can cause damage to drilling equipment and tools due to the inability to effectively mitigate resonance and kinetic energy transfer, especially when drilling through hard formations.
Innovation Solution
A downhole assembly incorporating a rotary steerable tool and a high frequency torsional oscillation mitigation tool with a one-way coupling, which communicates input rotation to the drill bit in a non-uniform manner dependent on the direction of rotation, thereby preventing the transfer of kinetic energy during high frequency oscillations and reducing the likelihood of damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a traditional drill string connection is used to transmit torque to the drill bit, then rotation is effectively transmitted, but high frequency torsional oscillations are transferred along the drill string causing damage to equipment
Solution Approach 1:
A one-way coupling device is introduced as an intermediary element between the drill string and the rotary steerable tool. This coupling allows torque transmission in the forward rotation direction while blocking reverse oscillations, thereby preventing high frequency torsional oscillations from reaching and damaging the rotary steerable tool and drill bit, while still maintaining effective torque transmission for drilling operations
2Reliability
If a one-way coupling is introduced to block high frequency oscillations, then equipment protection is improved, but torque transmission efficiency may be affected
Solution Approach 1:
The one-way coupling device employs dynamic elements including springs and damping mechanisms that adapt to the drilling conditions. The springs allow for elastic deformation to accommodate torque variations while the damping mechanisms dissipate high frequency oscillations. This dynamic design ensures that normal torque transmission is maintained while effectively blocking harmful high frequency torsional oscillations
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 one-way coupling significantly reduces the transfer of high frequency torsional oscillations, preventing the build-up of potential energy and minimizing damage to the downhole assembly and rotary steerable tools, thus enhancing drilling efficiency and equipment longevity.
Implementation Method 1
a one-way coupling, the high frequency torsional oscillation mitigation tool being located above the rotary steerable tool. The one-way coupling communicates input rotation from the drill string above the mitigation tool to output rotation of the rotary steerable tool and drill bit below the mitigation tool in a non-uniform manner dependent upon the direction of rotation.
Implementation Method 2
The one-way coupling communicates 100% of the input rotation from the drill string to the output rotation of the rotary steerable tool and drill bit in a first rotational direction. The one-way coupling communicates less than 100%, and in some embodiments 0%, of the input rotation from the drill string to the output rotation of the rotary steerable tool and drill bit in a second rotational direction opposed to the first direction.
Data Source
AI summary
A downhole assembly to mitigate high frequency torsional oscillation, in particular the high frequency torsional oscillation which can occur in a drilling operation for geothermal energy or for oil and gas. The downhole assembly has a rotary steerable tool and a high frequency torsional oscillation mitigation tool, the high frequency torsional oscillation mitigation tool having a one-way coupling, the high frequency torsional oscillation mitigation tool being located above the rotary steerable tool. Also relates to an oscillation mitigation tool suitable for use in a downhole assembly.