Drill Pipe Side Bore Valve for Continuous Mud Flow
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing drill pipe systems face challenges in maintaining continuous mud flow during drilling operations, particularly when increasing the length of the drill string, as stopping mud flow can be problematic and existing solutions may interfere with fluid flow or require complex valve mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
A drill pipe design featuring a valve member that undergoes translational movement within the side bore, allowing for fluid flow control between closed and open positions without obstructing the main bore, utilizing a spring element for biasing and a cap for sealing, ensuring fluid tightness and ease of operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a valve member is provided in the main bore to control side bore flow, then fluid flow control is achieved, but the valve member interferes with fluid flow through the main bore
Solution Approach 1:
The valve member is relocated from the main bore (one dimension) to the side bore (another dimension), allowing it to control side bore flow without obstructing the main bore fluid path. The valve member operates within the side bore volume, sealing against a valve seat formed in the side bore wall, thus achieving flow control functionality without interfering with the primary fluid transport dimension.
2Manufacturing precision
If a complex valve mechanism is used to control side bore flow, then flow control precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The valve member is extracted as a separate, simple cylindrical component that can be easily manufactured and installed. Rather than using a complex integrated valve mechanism, the invention uses a simple removable cylindrical valve member that can be inserted into or removed from the side bore to control flow, significantly reducing device complexity while maintaining effective flow control precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve member is designed as a simple, inexpensive cylindrical component that can be easily replaced if needed. This simple geometry allows for cheap manufacturing and easy replacement, reducing the need for complex, expensive, or precisely engineered valve mechanisms while achieving the required flow control functionality.
3Length of stationary object
If the drill string length is increased by disconnecting and reconnecting sections, then drilling depth capability is improved, but continuous mud flow is interrupted
Solution Approach 1:
The side bore with valve member is prepared in advance as a pre-configured flow path alternative. Before disconnection is needed, the side bore is already in place and can be activated by simply removing the valve member, allowing mud flow to continue through the side bore while the main bore is disconnected for lengthening operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The side bore acts as an intermediary fluid path that mediates between the pump and the drill string main bore during connection/disconnection operations. When the main bore is disconnected, mud flows through the side bore as an intermediate route, maintaining continuous flow from the pump without interruption, and then transitions back to the main bore when reconnected.
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
Enables continuous mud flow without interfering with the main bore fluid flow, provides a strong and torque-resistant design, and allows for efficient lengthening of the drill string without substantial leakage, enhancing operational efficiency and mechanical integrity.
Implementation Method 1
utilizing a spring element for biasing
Implementation Method 2
a valve member which is movable between a closed position in which fluid flow through the side bore is substantially prevented and an open position in which fluid flow through the side bore is permitted
Data Source
Figure 1a~1c
Figure 2a~2c
Figure 3a~3c
AI summary
A drill pipe having a tubular body through which is provided a main bore, a side port provided in an exterior surface of the body, a side bore extending through the body from the main bore to the side port, and a valve member which is movable between a closed position in which fluid flow through the side bore is substantially prevented and an open position in which fluid flow through the side bore is permitted, wherein the movement of the valve member between the closed position and the open position comprises translational movement, and the valve member is located at least predominantly within the side bore.