Electrocrushing Drill Bit With Ground Rings For Rock Fracture
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current downhole electrocrushing drilling technologies face inefficiencies in rock fracture and cutting removal due to limitations in electric field management and fluid flow, leading to suboptimal drilling performance.
Innovation Solution
The design of electrocrushing drill bits with strategically positioned electrodes and ground rings that enhance the electric field and incorporate fluid flow ports to facilitate efficient rock fracture and cutting removal, utilizing high-energy electrical pulses to create arcs that fracture rock formations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional electrocrushing drill bits are used, then rock fracture occurs, but drilling efficiency is suboptimal due to poor electric field management
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating non-uniform electric field distribution through strategically positioned electrodes and ground rings. The electric field is concentrated at specific locations (rock interface) rather than distributed uniformly, enhancing rock fracture efficiency at critical zones while maintaining overall system reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamics by using pulsed power technology that repeatedly applies high electric potential in controlled pulses. This dynamic application of electric field allows optimization of both drilling efficiency (through repeated fracturing cycles) and electric field management (through controlled pulse timing and magnitude)
2Productivity
If conventional electrocrushing drill bits are used, then rock fracture occurs, but cutting removal is inefficient due to limitations in fluid flow
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by incorporating multiple fluid flow ports distributed across the drill bit structure. This divides the fluid flow function into multiple channels that collectively enhance cutting removal capacity, addressing the limitation in single-point fluid delivery and improving overall productivity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes hydraulics by employing drilling fluid circulated through dedicated fluid flow ports. The fluid flow creates hydraulic forces that efficiently remove rock cuttings from the drilling zone, directly addressing the cutting removal efficiency problem while maintaining proper fluid quantity management
3Speed
If pulsed power technology is applied, then rock fracture occurs, but drilling speed is limited by current technology
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic action through pulsed power technology that delivers high electric potential in repeated cycles. This periodic application of electrical energy to electrodes enables continuous rock fracture at increased rates, directly improving drilling speed while managing power requirements through pulsed rather than continuous delivery
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements parameter changes by varying the electric potential magnitude, pulse duration, and frequency applied to electrodes. These parameter adjustments optimize the balance between drilling speed (increased fracturing rate) and power consumption (managed through efficient pulse characteristics)
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
This approach enables more efficient rock fracture and removal, improving drilling speed and efficiency by optimizing the electric field distribution and fluid flow, thereby enhancing the drilling process.
Implementation Method 1
the electrode and the ground ring positioned in relation to each other such that an electric field produced by a voltage applied between the ground ring and the electrode is enhanced at a portion of the electrode proximate to the distal portion of the electrode and at a portion of the ground ring proximate to the distal portion of the ground ring
Implementation Method 2
utilizing high-energy electrical pulses to create arcs that fracture rock formations
Implementation Method 3
an insulator coupled to the bit body between the electrode and the ground ring
Data Source
AI summary
An electrocrushing drill bit comprises a bit body and at least one electrode coupled to a power source and the bit body, wherein the at least one electrode having a distal portion for engaging with a surface of a wellbore. The electrocrushing drill bit comprises a ground structure coupled to the bit body proximate to the at least one electrode and having a distal portion for engaging with the surface of the wellbore, wherein the ground structure comprises a transverse ground structure.