Drilling rig and methods using multiple types of drilling for installing geothermal systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Geothermal heat exchange systems face challenges in drilling and installation, particularly in space-constrained areas and environments with strict regulations regarding water and soil discharge, as existing drilling technologies require multiple rigs and are inefficient in handling various underground formations.
Innovation Solution
A drilling rig capable of switching between sonic and non-sonic drilling modes, using a sonic drill head and a hydraulic control system to operate either a sonic drive motor or a hydraulic motor, along with a water recycling assembly to filter and reuse drilling water, allowing efficient penetration through diverse formations and compliance with environmental regulations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If a single drilling rig is used for both sonic and non-sonic drilling, then equipment mobility and space efficiency are improved, but the device complexity increases due to the need for multiple drilling systems
Solution Approach 1:
The drilling rig is designed with universal components that can perform multiple drilling functions. The hydraulic system can operate both the sonic drive motor for sonic drilling and the hydraulic motor for conventional drilling, allowing one rig to replace multiple specialized rigs, thereby reducing on-site space requirements while maintaining functional versatility
Solution Approach 2:
The drilling rig incorporates dynamic switching capability between different drilling modes through a hydraulic control system with switching valves. The system can dynamically transition between sonic drilling and conventional drilling operations based on the drilling depth and ground conditions, optimizing performance while using a single integrated platform
2Speed
If sonic drilling is used for the entire drilling process, then drilling speed through overburden is improved, but energy consumption increases when drilling through harder rock formations
Solution Approach 1:
The drilling system dynamically adjusts the drilling method based on the ground conditions and drilling depth. Sonic drilling is used for the overburden section where it provides high drilling speed, and conventional drilling is used for the rock formation section where it is more energy-efficient, thereby optimizing the balance between drilling speed and energy consumption throughout the entire drilling process
Solution Approach 2:
The drilling process is divided into periodic stages: sonic drilling for the upper overburden layer, then transitioning to conventional drilling for the lower rock formation. This periodic switching of drilling methods allows the system to exploit the advantages of each method in the appropriate geological zone, improving overall efficiency
3Productivity
If multiple drilling rigs are used for different drilling types, then drilling efficiency for various formations is improved, but the loss of time for rig relocation and setup increases
Solution Approach 1:
The drilling rig is designed as a universal platform that can perform both sonic drilling and conventional drilling operations. This eliminates the need to relocate rigs between different drilling types, as the same rig can handle both overburden penetration and rock formation drilling, thereby eliminating relocation and setup time while maintaining high drilling efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the functionality of multiple specialized drilling rigs into a single integrated system. By combining sonic drilling capabilities and conventional drilling capabilities in one rig, the system eliminates the time loss associated with moving and setting up separate rigs for different drilling operations
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 cost-effective and time-efficient installation of geothermal systems by allowing a single rig to handle multiple formation types and recycling drilling water, thereby increasing the adoption of geothermal technology in constrained environments.
Implementation Method 1
a drill pipe or drill string is driven into the ground while being subjected to acoustic vibrations generated by the sonic drill head. Such vibrations help the end of the drill string fluidize the ground beneath the drill string
Implementation Method 2
a hydraulics control system including a first switching valve operable to control a stream of high-pressure hydraulic fluid to be directed into the sonic drive motor when performing sonic drilling, and alternatively, to be directed to the hydraulic motor operating the water pump when performing non-sonic drilling
Implementation Method 3
a water recycling assembly configured to filter and clean drilling water to remove contaminants
Data Source
AI summary
A drilling rig and methods are provided for using multiple types of drilling when installing geothermal systems. The drilling rig can perform sonic drilling such as percussive sonic drilling and a type of non-sonic drilling. Control switching valves are added to the hydraulics of the drilling rig to selectively provide sufficient flow of hydraulic fluid to motors used in the multiple types of drilling, depending on which type of drilling is currently most efficient for the underground formation being drilled. The water pump and hydraulic motor for such have been designed to handle both types of drilling on a small drilling rig frame, thereby allowing for the drilling to occur in space-constrained environments. A method of recycling water used to remove cuttings during drilling to put back downhole is also provided.