Drill Bit Flow Interrupter for Variable Vibration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current drill bits lack an effective mechanism to control fluid flow and induce variable vibrations for enhanced drilling efficiency and bottom hole cleaning, which is crucial for cutting through diverse geological materials.
Innovation Solution
The drill bit incorporates a flow interrupter system with a power section that drives variable fluid flow through a flow passage, utilizing a disk with openings to create cyclical asymmetric flow, and a progressive cavity pump to induce vibrations, improving cutting efficiency and cleaning by tailoring the vibration frequency to the material being drilled.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a flow interrupter system with power section is added to the drill bit, then drilling efficiency and bottom hole cleaning are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The flow interrupter is integrated within the existing drill bit head structure, nesting the new functionality within the conventional design framework. The disk with openings is positioned within the flow passage, allowing the flow interrupter system to be embedded without requiring complete redesign of the drill bit architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The flow interrupter system introduces dynamic control of fluid flow through the disk with openings, which can be rotated or adjusted to vary the flow pattern. This dynamic mechanism allows the system to adapt to different drilling conditions and material types, improving drilling efficiency through controlled vibration and flow interruption.
2Productivity
If variable fluid flow is created through the flow passage, then rock cutting and bottom hole cleaning are enhanced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The flow interrupter creates periodic or cyclical flow patterns through the disk with openings, interrupting and restoring fluid flow in a rhythmic manner. This periodic action generates vibrations that enhance rock cutting efficiency and improve bottom hole cleaning by preventing cuttings from settling and adhering to the bit face.
Solution Approach 2:
The disk with openings is designed with asymmetric or non-uniform opening patterns that create cyclical asymmetric flow. This asymmetric design ensures that fluid flow varies in a controlled manner throughout the rotation cycle, generating effective vibrations for cutting and cleaning without requiring complex additional mechanisms.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the flow interrupter is driven by a power section, then vibration frequency can be tailored to the material, but the device complexity and energy consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The power section drives the flow interrupter at variable frequencies that can be adjusted or adapted to match the drilling material characteristics. By changing the rotational speed or frequency parameters of the flow interrupter, the system can optimize vibration characteristics for different rock types, soils, or formation conditions, enhancing adaptability without requiring multiple specialized drill bits.
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
This solution enhances drilling efficiency by creating cyclical vibrations that improve rock cutting and bottom hole cleaning, reducing the drill string's coefficient of friction and facilitating easier weight transfer, thereby optimizing drilling performance across various materials.
Implementation Method 1
a flow passage extending through the drill bit head to the cutting face; a flow interrupter within the drill bit head and positioned to interrupt flow of fluid through the flow passage
Implementation Method 2
creating cyclical vibrations that improve rock cutting and bottom hole cleaning, reducing the drill string's coefficient of friction
Data Source
AI summary
A drill bit is disclosed, comprising: a drill bit head having a cutting face with one or more fixed cutting elements; a flow passage extending through the drill bit head to the cutting face; a flow interrupter within the drill bit head and positioned to interrupt flow of fluid through the flow passage; and a power section connected to drive the flow interrupter and cause, in operation, variable flow of fluid through the flow passage. A method of drilling is also disclosed comprising: flowing fluid through a flow passage extending through a drill bit head to a cutting face of the drill bit head, the cutting face having one or more fixed cutting elements; and driving a flow interrupter within the drill bit head with a power section to interrupt the flow of fluid through the flow passage and cause variable flow of fluid through the flow passage.