Electrocrushing Drilling Fluid Dielectric Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional drilling fluids are not suitable for electrocrushing drilling due to their inadequate dielectric and conductivity properties, which affect the efficiency and economic viability of the drilling process, and they are also prone to cavitation issues that impede the drilling operation.
Innovation Solution
A drilling fluid comprising a base fluid with a polar oil, alkylene carbonate, non-polar oil, water, and glycerin in an invert emulsion, formulated to have a high dielectric constant and low electrical conductivity, which directs electric fields into the rock formation, reducing leakage current and mitigating cavitation effects.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional drilling fluids are used, then the drilling fluid can remove fractured rock from the vicinity of the drill bit, but the dielectric constant and dielectric strength are insufficient, causing electric fields to be directed into the drilling fluid instead of the rock formation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by formulating a drilling fluid with specific dielectric properties (dielectric constant of at least 6, dielectric strength of at least 100 kV/cm, electrical conductivity of less than 10^-4 mho/cm). This resolves the contradiction by adjusting the fluid's electrical parameters to redirect electric fields into the rock formation while maintaining adequate rock removal capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses composite materials by creating a drilling fluid composed of multiple components including ester oil, alkylene carbonate, non-polar oil, water, and glycerin in an invert emulsion. This composite formulation achieves the required dielectric properties and electrical conductivity characteristics that single-component fluids cannot provide, thereby directing electric fields effectively into the rock formation.
2Reliability
If conventional drilling fluids are used, then the fluid can circulate and remove rock debris, but the electrical conductivity is too high, resulting in leakage current from the electrocrushing drill bit into the drilling fluid
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by controlling the electrical conductivity of the drilling fluid to be less than 10^-4 mho/cm through careful selection and proportioning of components. This low conductivity parameter ensures minimal leakage current into the fluid while the fluid maintains adequate circulation and rock debris removal capabilities through its composite composition.
3Reliability
If conventional drilling fluids are used, then the fluid can provide basic drilling functions, but cavitation effects are not mitigated, impeding the drilling operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses composite materials to mitigate cavitation effects by formulating a drilling fluid with ester oil, alkylene carbonate, non-polar oil, water, and glycerin in an invert emulsion. This composite structure provides cavitation resistance while maintaining the fluid's ability to circulate and remove rock debris, thereby protecting the drilling operation from cavitation-induced impediments.
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 formulated drilling fluid allows for effective fracture of rock formations by directing electric fields into the rock, maintaining drilling efficiency and economic viability while minimizing cavitation impacts, thus enhancing the overall drilling process.
Implementation Method 1
allow an electrocrushing drill bit to direct an arc of electric current through a portion of the rock in the formation, heating water and other materials in the rock and causing that rock and surrounding rock to fracture
Implementation Method 2
The fractured rock is removed from the vicinity of the electrocrushing drill bit by drilling fluid
Data Source
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AI summary
The disclosure relates to an electrocrushing drilling fluid with an electrocrushing drilling base fluid including a non-polar oil, water, and glycerin. The base fluid may further include a polar oil and an alkylene carbonate. The electrocrushing drilling fluid may further contain at least one additive. The electrocrushing drilling fluid may have a dielectric constant or dielectric strength of at least a set amount, an electric conductivity less than a set amount, or a combination of these properties. The disclosure further relates to an electrocrushing drilling system containing the electrocrushing drilling fluid and an electrocrushing drill bit.