Drill Pipe Internal Check Valve Prevents Backflow
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Solution Overview
Problem
In horizontal directional drilling, excessive drilling fluid usage leads to increased costs and environmental concerns due to fluid release near the drilling unit, necessitating a reduction in fluid consumption and containment.
Innovation Solution
A drill pipe assembly featuring a hollow pipe, pin end, and ball valve with a spacer and ball configuration that allows fluid flow from the pin end to the hollow pipe while preventing backflow, utilizing a stop member with passageways to direct fluid around the ball, minimizing fluid loss when the drill string is disconnected.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If drilling fluid is used to clean the bit and cool downhole electronics during horizontal directional drilling, then the drilling operation can proceed effectively, but excessive fluid usage leads to increased costs and environmental concerns due to fluid release near the drilling unit
Solution Approach 1:
The ball check valve utilizes dynamic flow direction control to allow drilling fluid to pass during normal operation while automatically preventing backflow when the drill string is disconnected or slowed. The ball mechanism moves dynamically with flow pressure, enabling the system to adapt to changing operational conditions and minimize fluid loss without compromising drilling effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The ball check valve acts as an intermediary device installed within the hollow drill pipe, mediating between the need for fluid flow during drilling and the need to prevent fluid release during disconnection. This intermediate component allows the system to maintain drilling effectiveness while reducing overall fluid consumption and environmental impact.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the drill string is disconnected to add or remove pipe segments, then the drilling operation can be adjusted, but drilling fluid surges backward and releases near the drilling unit
Solution Approach 1:
The ball check valve provides preliminary anti-action by being pre-installed in the drill pipe to automatically prevent backflow before fluid release can occur. When the drill string is disconnected or flow reverses, the ball immediately blocks the passageway, preventing the harmful surge of fluid toward the drilling unit and eliminating the need for additional containment measures.
3Loss of substance
If a ball check valve is installed in the hollow drill pipe to prevent backflow, then fluid loss is minimized, but the valve components may become lodged or obstructed in the passageway
Solution Approach 1:
The ball check valve design incorporates preliminary action by positioning the ball and stop member to ensure the ball is retained in the correct position before flow reversal occurs. The stop member is pre-positioned to contact the ball and prevent it from becoming lodged in the passageway, ensuring reliable flow control without obstruction risks.
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 solution effectively reduces drilling fluid usage and minimizes fluid release near the drilling unit, maintaining a cleaner and safer work environment by controlling fluid flow and preventing backflow during drill string disconnection.
Implementation Method 1
The ball is disposed between the second internal passageway and the spacer and is configured to obstruct flow directed from the first internal passageway to the second internal passageway
Implementation Method 2
The spacer has fluid passageways disposed therethrough and an external diameter greater than an internal diameter of the first internal passageway. The spacer is configured to prevent the ball from obstructing flow directed from the second internal passageway to the first internal passageway
Data Source
AI summary
A check valve assembly disposed within a pipe joint. The valve assembly is bounded by a pin end on one side and a liner tube on the other. In a first flow condition, a ball is forced away from the pin end and toward a stop member. The stop member has a geometry to allow fluid flow around the ball and through passageways within the stop when in the first flow condition. In a second flow condition, opposite the first flow condition, the ball is forced toward a tapered seat on the pin end, restricting fluid flow in the second flow condition.