Flow Throttling Device for Pulsed Drilling Hydraulic Amplification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current drilling technologies face challenges such as 'stick-slip' phenomena, reduced rate of penetration, and increased drilling costs due to inefficient cuttings removal and pressure limitations in coiled tubing drill strings, which also restrict the ability to effectively fracture formations for enhanced hydrocarbon production.
Innovation Solution
A flow throttling device (FTD) is used within an annular flow channel to generate hydraulically amplified pulses, reducing 'stick-slip', increasing penetration rates, and facilitating cuttings removal, while also allowing for selective fracturing of formations with reduced pump requirements and improved drilling accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional drilling methods are used, then drilling operations can proceed with standard equipment, but stick-slip phenomena occur and rate of penetration is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs periodic pulsing of drilling fluid through a flow throttling device that cyclically opens and closes to create pressure pulses. These periodic pressure variations transmit hammer-like forces to the drill bit, reducing stick-slip phenomena and increasing rate of penetration through rhythmic mechanical action.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention utilizes hydraulic principles by pumping drilling fluid through a controlled flow throttling device. The hydraulic system generates pressure pulses that propagate down the drill string, creating mechanical effects at the drill bit without requiring direct mechanical connection, thus eliminating stick-slip while maintaining productivity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If coiled tubing drill strings are used, then drilling flexibility is improved, but pressure tolerance is limited and fracturing capability is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
By using periodic pulsing rather than continuous high pressure, the system achieves effective fracturing capability within the pressure limits of coiled tubing. The pulsed pressure profile allows the formation to respond to peak pressures without requiring sustained high pressure that would exceed tubing tolerance.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the pressure delivery parameters from continuous to pulsed, creating high-amplitude pressure waves that achieve fracturing effects. This parameter change allows the system to deliver sufficient energy for formation fracturing while keeping peak pressures within the tolerance limits of coiled tubing structures.
3Productivity
If flow throttling device is operated to generate hydraulic amplification, then cuttings removal is improved and jetting action increases, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The flow throttling device is designed to be actuated by the drilling fluid flow itself. The fluid pressure and flow rate automatically control the opening and closing of the throttle, eliminating the need for external actuators or complex control systems. The system uses its own operating parameters to drive the pulsing mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The device utilizes hydraulic feedback mechanisms where the drilling fluid pressure differential across the flow throttling device automatically controls its position. This hydraulic self-regulation creates the pulsing action without requiring additional mechanical complexity, sensors, or external control systems.
4Stress or pressure
If multiple uphole pumps are used for fracturing, then fracturing pressure is sufficient, but capital and labor costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention combines the drilling fluid circulation system with the fracturing pressure delivery system. The same drilling fluid pump that circulates mud for drilling is used to generate fracturing pressure pulses, eliminating the need for separate frac pumps. This merging of functions reduces equipment requirements and operational complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The drilling fluid circulation system is designed to perform multiple functions: continuous circulation for drilling, cuttings removal, and high-pressure pulsing for fracturing. This multi-functional approach allows a single pump system to replace what would traditionally require multiple specialized pumps, reducing capital and operational costs.
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 by reducing 'stick-slip', increasing the rate of penetration, and enabling effective fracturing with fewer pumps, leading to lower drilling costs and improved hydrocarbon recovery by creating recognizable, reproducible fluid pulses with minimal power consumption.
Implementation Method 1
creating a hydraulically amplified pulse within PFD medium (fluid or gas)
Implementation Method 2
the force of the PFD medium causes the turbine blades and the turbine to rotationally spin
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A
Figure 2B
AI summary
Disclosed is a device and method and/or system for generating pulses to improve drilling rates, the ability to drill straighter and farther or fracturing or injection efficiencies in a geological formation that may contain desirable hydrocarbons. This system may also be used in other types of drilling or fracturing operations, whether to unclog arteries or to open formations for underground storage in conjunction with pulsing/fracturing. Alternately, this system could be used to create large pulses downhole for seismic purposes in that they are of such magnitude that they could be readily received in nearby wells or several of uphole locations. The system and method comprises several pulse generating devices longitudinally and axially positioned within an annular drill collar flow channel or PIM such that the PFD medium flows through the annular drill collar flow channel and the PFD medium is guided into one or more sets of selectively reversible flow, upper and lower flow connecting channels, wherein the connecting channels are connected to an inner flow channel and the annular drill collar flow channel, and wherein the annular drill collar flow channel is acted upon by one or more flow throttling devices. In one of the devices listed, the device utilizes one or more turbines residing near and within proximity of a flow diverter that diverts drilling mud into and away from turbine blades such that the force of the PFD medium causes the turbine blades and the turbine to rotationally spin around a coil assembly for power.