Concentric Drill Rod Channels for Independent Fluid Flow Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing drill rods for liquid-powered down-the-hole hammers face challenges in managing independent control of flushing and percussion fluid flows, fluid choice limitations, and mobility due to complex fluid management requirements, leading to inefficiencies and performance compromises.

Innovation Solution

A drill rod design with concentric fluid flow channels and moveable components that maintain fluid communication and sealing without overlap, allowing for independent control of pressure and return fluid flows, and minimizing fluid loss during disconnection, using a face seal for axial alignment and minimizing pressure loss.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by moving object

If open circuit liquid-powered hammers are used to improve energy efficiency and performance, then energy efficiency and performance are improved, but independent control of flushing and percussion fluid flows is lost and fluid choice is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenergy efficiencyVSAvoidindependent control of fluid flows

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The drill rod is divided into multiple concentric tubular elements (outer tube, intermediate tube, inner tube) that create separate flow channels for percussion fluid and flushing fluid. This segmentation allows independent control of each fluid flow while maintaining the energy efficiency of liquid-powered operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The drill rod employs a nested tubular structure where the inner tube is positioned within the intermediate tube, which is positioned within the outer tube. This nesting arrangement enables multiple discrete fluid flow paths to coexist within the single drill rod component, allowing independent fluid flow control without requiring separate drill rods.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Use of energy by moving object

If open circuit liquid-powered hammers are used to improve energy efficiency and performance, then energy efficiency and performance are improved, but fluid choice is limited to those suitable for both driving the percussion mechanism and flushing the hole

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenergy efficiencyVSAvoidfluid choice

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

3Productivity

If open circuit designs are used with large quantities of fluid required for flushing, then flushing efficiency is improved, but drill rig mobility is reduced due to requirements for large fluid supplies or recycling systems

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveflushing efficiencyVSAvoiddrill rig mobility

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

4Adaptability or versatility

If closed circuit drill rods with three discrete fluid flow paths are used to enable independent fluid control, then independent control of flushing and pressure fluid flows is achieved, but device complexity increases and reliability decreases due to multiple sealing requirements

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveindependent control of fluid flowsVSAvoidsealing reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The moveable component performs multiple functions: it seals between the pressure fluid channel and return fluid channel, it controls the opening and closing of fluid paths during connection and disconnection, and it maintains structural integrity. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate sealing components needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

5Adaptability or versatility

If closed circuit drill rods with multiple moving parts are used to seal between fluid paths, then independent fluid flow control is achieved, but device complexity increases and service life decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveindependent control of fluid flowsVSAvoidservice life

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDuration of action of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The moveable component integrates multiple sealing surfaces and control functions into a single unified element, eliminating the need for separate sealing components for each fluid path. This merging reduces complexity and potential failure points.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 design enhances the reliability and mobility of liquid-powered hammers by allowing independent control of fluid flows, reducing fluid loss, and maintaining structural integrity while minimizing pressure loss, thus improving energy efficiency and performance.

Implementation Method 1

wherein, when a pressure in the pressure fluid channel is higher than a pressure in the return fluid channel, at least one of the first and second hydraulic components moves in an axial direction such that the first planar end face of the first hydraulic component in the drill rod is maintained in contact with the second planar end face of the second hydraulic component of the like drill rod or the fluid-operated apparatus

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPressure differential: Pressure Gradient

Data Source

PatentEP3047092B1Drill rod for percussion drill tool

Publication Date: 2023.12.13 MINCON INT

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AI summary

The present invention relates to a drill rod (2) for a fluid-operated apparatus, particularly a percussion drill tool (1). The drill rod (2) comprises a first connection interface (100) at a first end (101) and a second connection interface (102) at a second end (103). The first connection interface (100) is for connection of the drill rod (2) to a second connection interface (102) of a like drill rod (3) or to the apparatus (1). The second connection interface (102) is for connection of the drill rod (2) to a first connection interface of a like drill rod (3) or to a fluid transfer device. The drill rod also comprises a plurality of discrete fluid flow channels (4, 6, 8) through the drill rod, a first member (23) moveably mounted in the first connection interface (100) and a second member (22) moveably mounted in the second connection interface. The first moveable member is the innermost component in the first connection interface and the second moveable member is the innermost component in the second connection interface. When the drill rod (2) is connected to a like drill rod (3) or to the apparatus (1) or to the fluid transfer device, at least two of the fluid flow channels (4, 6) are placed in fluid communication with corresponding channels (4, 6) of the like drill rod or the apparatus or the fluid transfer device by movement of the first (23) and second (22) moveable members only.