Drill Bit Nozzle Orientation for Cross-Over Impact Excavation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing subterranean excavation methods using impactors and drilling fluids face inefficiencies in forming boreholes due to the limited control over nozzle orientation and the distribution of kinetic energy, leading to suboptimal rock fracture and removal.
Innovation Solution
A system and method involving a drill bit with multiple nozzles angled in various planes relative to the drill bit axis, allowing for directed discharge streams to contact the formation along specific paths, including proximate the borehole outer radius and intersecting paths, to enhance excavation efficiency by creating a divot at the borehole midsection, increasing the impact of particle kinetic energy and reducing stress.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If multiple nozzles are oriented at various angles to direct discharge streams along different paths, then excavation efficiency and rate of penetration are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The bit is divided into multiple nozzles (at least two nozzles) with different orientations, allowing each nozzle to discharge along different paths. This segmentation enables the formation of multiple discharge streams that work together to increase excavation efficiency while maintaining manageable complexity through modular nozzle design
Solution Approach 2:
The nozzles are oriented at various angles in three-dimensional space relative to the bit axis, creating discharge streams that extend along different paths including radial, tangential, and axial directions. This multi-dimensional orientation allows the discharge streams to intersect and form patterns (such as cross-over patterns) that enhance rock fracture and removal efficiency
2Use of energy by moving object
If nozzles are angled to create intersecting discharge paths, then kinetic energy distribution is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
Each nozzle is oriented at a specific angle relative to the bit axis to create discharge streams with different local characteristics. The first nozzle may be angled to discharge radially outward while the second nozzle discharges at a different angle, creating locally optimized energy distribution patterns that collectively improve overall kinetic energy utilization for rock fracture
Solution Approach 2:
The angles of the nozzles relative to the bit axis are varied to change the discharge stream parameters (direction, trajectory). By adjusting these angular parameters, the system creates intersecting discharge paths that distribute kinetic energy more effectively across the formation, improving rock fracture while maintaining manufacturable precision through standard angular specifications
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 approach increases the rate of penetration and excavation efficiency by concentrating impactor energy and relieving rock stress, allowing for more efficient formation of boreholes with improved rock ring formation and reduced mechanical cutting force requirements.
Implementation Method 1
The slurry is discharged from the nozzles to form discharge streams... orienting a nozzle to direct a first discharge stream at the formation so that the first discharge stream contacts the formation along a first path
Implementation Method 2
The impactors 17 strike the formation with sufficient kinetic energy to fracture and structurally alter the subterranean formation 26
Data Source
AI summary
A system for use in excavating a wellbore that includes a drill string and attached drill bit that has nozzles that are in fluid communication with the drill string. The system receives pressurized slurry of fluid and impactor particles and directs the slurry at a subterranean formation from the nozzles to form the wellbore. Discharge streams are formed from the slurry exiting the nozzles, the discharge streams impact and fracture the formation to remove material. The nozzles are oriented so that the streams excavate in the middle and periphery of the borehole bottom. The nozzles can be oriented to form frusto-conical spray patterns when the bit is rotated, wherein the spray patterns can intersect or overlap.