Drilling Apparatus Hydraulic Fluid Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional hydraulic 'down-the-hole' percussion drilling systems face inefficiencies and reliability issues due to energy loss, complex hose management, and high operational costs, particularly in oil-powered systems where external hoses are prone to damage and oil loss occurs during rod coupling and uncoupling.
Innovation Solution
A modular, hydraulically powered drilling apparatus with a piston, shuttle valve, accumulator, and poppet valve connection system that minimizes hydraulic fluid loss by positioning components in-line and using replaceable, individually configured connection valves with seals to reduce axial and lateral movement, allowing for efficient hydraulic fluid management and reduced oil loss during drill rod connections and disconnections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If external hydraulic hoses are used to supply oil to the hammer, then the hammer can be powered hydraulically, but the hoses are prone to damage and oil loss during operation and rod coupling/uncoupling
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the hydraulic hose from the external environment and relocates it inside the drill rod. The hose is positioned within the drill rod body, with its end forming a flexible coupling that connects to the hammer. This internal placement protects the hose from external damage and eliminates the need for external hose management during operation and rod coupling/uncoupling.
2Ease of manufacture
If the hammer is designed as a one-piece structure, then manufacturing is simplified, but replacement cost increases when damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the hammer into separate functional components: a hammer body, a piston, and a shuttle valve assembly. These segments are connected through fluid communication channels within the drill rod. This modular design allows individual components to be replaced independently, reducing replacement costs and improving ease of repair while maintaining manufacturing simplicity through standardized connections.
3Device complexity
If the accumulator is mounted remotely from the hammer, then the hammer structure is simplified, but impact energy and cycle speed are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The invention nests the accumulator inside the drill rod, positioning it in close proximity to the hammer at the bottom of the hole. The accumulator is integrated into the drill rod structure, with fluid communication channels connecting it to the hammer. This nested arrangement minimizes the distance between the accumulator and hammer, ensuring rapid energy transfer and maintaining high impact energy and cycle speed while keeping the overall structure compact.
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 enhances drilling efficiency and reliability by minimizing oil loss, reducing operational costs, and extending the service life of components through modular design, while maintaining high impact energy and cycle speed, thus improving overall drilling performance and reducing environmental impact.
Implementation Method 1
an accumulator for hydraulic fluid
Implementation Method 2
hydraulically powered hammer comprising: a piston to impact a drill bit; a shuttle valve to control reciprocation of the piston
Implementation Method 3
the first connection valve and second connection valve comprise at least one poppet valve positioned proximate to a corresponding valve seat
Data Source
AI summary
A drilling apparatus including a hydraulically powered hammer having a piston to impact a drill bit; a shuttle valve to control reciprocation of the piston; and an accumulator for hydraulic fluid; at least one drill rod having a first connection valve for connection of the drill rod to the connection valve of the hammer; and a second connection valve for connection of the drill rod to the first connection valve of a like drill rod or to a rotation device. The piston and shuttle valve are positioned substantially in-line to the axis of movement of the hammer. The accumulator is positioned proximate to the shuttle valve; and the first connection valve, and second connection valve having at least one poppet valve positioned proximate to a corresponding valve seat.