Hydraulic Downhole Tool for Drill String Stick-Slip Mitigation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional drilling techniques face challenges in effectively mitigating torsional shock and vibration in drill strings and drill bits, leading to sticking and damage during well drilling operations.
Innovation Solution
A downhole tool comprising an outer tubular body with longitudinal ribs and vane cavities, an intermediate tubular body with vanes, and an inner tubular body with splines, which allows for controlled axial and rotational movements based on weight on bit (WOB) and torque, utilizing hydraulic fluid flow to dampen vibrations and reduce stick-slip phenomena.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional drilling techniques are used, then drilling operations can be performed, but torsional shock and vibration cause sticking and damage to the drill string and drill bit
Solution Approach 1:
The damper employs dynamic elements including spring cavities with springs, movable pistons, and adjustable dampening mechanisms that adapt to varying drilling conditions. The system transitions between different dampening states based on detected vibration levels, providing dynamic response to torsional shock and vibration rather than static resistance
Solution Approach 2:
The invention utilizes hydraulic principles through piston-cylinder arrangements where fluid viscosity provides dampening force. The pistons move within cylinders, creating hydraulic resistance that absorbs torsional energy. This hydraulic dampening mechanism effectively reduces vibration and shock transmission through the drill string
2Object-affected harmful factors
If dampening elements are added to reduce vibration, then torsional shock is reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The damper components are nested within the drill string structure, with spring cavities positioned within the drill string body, pistons nested within cylinders, and internal mechanisms contained within outer housings. This nested arrangement minimizes the overall increase in device complexity by integrating dampening elements into the existing drill string geometry rather than adding separate external components
Solution Approach 2:
The damper system performs multiple functions: it dampens torsional vibration, absorbs shock, reduces stick-slip motion, and can be adjusted for different drilling conditions. This multi-functionality consolidates several needed features into a single device, reducing the need for multiple separate components and simplifying the overall system
3Productivity
If the drill bit encounters high WOB, then drilling productivity increases, but stick-slip phenomenon worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms where sensors detect vibration levels and stick-slip conditions, and this information feeds back to control mechanisms that adjust dampening force accordingly. This feedback loop allows the damper to respond to real-time drilling conditions, maintaining productivity while suppressing stick-slip phenomena through adaptive dampening adjustment
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 tool effectively dampens torsional shock and vibration, reducing drill bit sticking and associated damage by allowing controlled rotational and axial movements in response to WOB and torque, enhancing drilling efficiency and tool longevity.
Implementation Method 1
push hydraulic fluid through the vane port on one side of the vanes in the vane cavity
Implementation Method 2
compress the disc springs
Implementation Method 3
utilizing hydraulic fluid flow to dampen vibrations and reduce stick-slip phenomena
Data Source
AI summary
A downhole tool includes an outer, intermediate and inner tubular bodies. The intermediate tubular body has vanes and female splines. The inner tubular body in the intermediate tubular body includes a load nut and male splines that rotationally couple with the female splines to allow relative axial movement between the inner tubular body and the intermediate tubular body. The male and female splines can rotate inside the outer tubular body for an angle determined by movement of the vanes between longitudinal ribs in the outer tubular body. The inner tubular body has an extended position. When weight is applied on the drill bit (WOB), the inner tubular body has a retracted position where it is pushed inward to compress springs. This causes the inner tubular body and the intermediate tubular body to rotate for a selected angle relative to the outer tubular body.