Fluid-Driven Jarring Device With Deformable Sphere
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing jarring devices used in oil and gas drilling, particularly those employing a deformable sphere to block fluid flow, do not generate sufficient jarring impact to effectively release stuck equipment or tubing due to limited potential energy storage and shock absorption at friction fittings.
Innovation Solution
A jarring device that compresses a spring by obstructing the flow path with a deformable sphere, which deforms and ejects, causing rapid decompression and a stronger second jarring impact, and optionally uses a series of deformable spheres for repeated impacts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a deformable sphere is used to block fluid flow in a jarring device, then the device structure is simple and ease of manufacture is improved, but the potential energy storage is limited and the jarring impact is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The hammer assembly is segmented into multiple components (hammer head, piston, spring mechanism) that work together to amplify the jarring impact. The deformable sphere is segmented into a blocking phase and an ejection phase, creating a two-stage impact mechanism that overcomes the limitation of simple sphere-based designs.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring is pre-compressed during the sphere blocking phase, storing potential energy that is then released during sphere ejection. This preliminary action of compressing the spring while the sphere blocks flow path enables the generation of stronger jarring impact when the sphere is ejected, resolving the contradiction between simple structure and sufficient impact force.
2Force
If stretch or compression forces are exerted on a mandrel using mechanical friction, then potential energy can be stored, but the drill string may be affected or damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical friction-based mandrel stretching/compression system with a fluid-driven system. Pressurized fluid is used to move the deformable sphere and actuate the hammer assembly, eliminating the need to apply mechanical forces to the drill string itself. This substitution maintains jarring impact capability while preserving drill string integrity.
3Stability of the object's composition
If friction fittings are used to hold equipment together, then equipment assembly is secure, but shock absorption occurs and jarring impact is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The jarring device employs periodic action by using a series of deformable spheres that are sequentially ejected. Each sphere ejection creates a discrete jarring impact pulse, delivering repeated high-force impulses to overcome the shock absorption effect of friction fittings. This periodic high-force action gradually overcomes the frictional holding forces without requiring continuously high force.
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 device generates stronger and more effective jarring impacts, capable of overcoming friction and liberating stuck equipment by leveraging the sudden pressure changes and spring decompression, enhancing the efficiency of equipment retrieval in deep wells.
Implementation Method 1
compressing a spring by obstructing the flow path of pressurized fluid using a deformable sphere, and then causing rapid spring decompression
Implementation Method 2
The fluid flow is initially blocked by a deformable sphere, and released when the sphere deforms and travels through the blocked channel in the device
Implementation Method 3
uses the principle of sudden release of pressurized fluid to generate mechanical movement and a striking impact
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosed jarring device generates two jarring impacts at the end points of a reciprocating hammer assembly. Initially, flow of pressurized fluid through the jarring device is obstructed by a deformable member. The resulting increase in fluid pressure upstream of the deformable member causes compression of a spring and downstream movement of the hammer assembly to generate a first jarring impact. A further increase in fluid pressure beyond a threshold, causes a release of the obstruction by either deforming the member or by slicing it by pushing it through a slicer. Releasing of the obstruction causes decompression of the spring, and upstream sliding of the hammer assembly to generate a second jarring impact.