Fluid Placement Tool with Check Valves for Drilling Fluid Loss
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Solution Overview
Problem
In diamond drilling, fluid loss in porous or fractured rock formations leads to reduced lubrication, cuttings transport, and rate of penetration, necessitating stabilizing agents like cement slurries and Lost Circulation Materials (LCM) to prevent fluid loss from the borehole.
Innovation Solution
A fluid placement tool is designed to introduce a discrete quantity of cement slurry, resin, or LCM at a specified depth below the drill bit, using a connecting section for conveyance and an actuating section with check valves to ensure controlled fluid delivery into the wellbore, maintaining pressure and preventing fluid re-entry.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If drilling fluid is used for lubrication and cuttings transport in porous or fractured rock, then drilling operations can proceed, but fluid is lost to the formation reducing lubrication and rate of penetration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by placing stabilizing agents (cement slurry or LCM) into the formation before continuing drilling operations. This preventive measure seals the porous or fractured zones in advance, preventing subsequent fluid loss and maintaining drilling efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses stabilizing agents as intermediary materials between the drilling fluid and the formation. These agents (cement slurry or LCM) act as mediators that seal the formation zones, preventing direct contact and fluid loss between the drilling fluid and porous/fractured rock.
2Reliability
If stabilizing agents are placed into the formation to seal zones, then fluid loss is prevented, but additional materials and operations are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a universal approach by using a single placement tool that can handle multiple types of stabilizing agents (cement slurry and LCM) through the same mechanism. The tool's check valve system and displacement mechanism work universally for different materials, reducing the need for separate specialized equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The placement tool utilizes the existing drilling fluid system and formation conditions to perform the stabilization function. The tool self-regulates fluid placement using check valves that automatically prevent re-entry, and uses the formation's own geometry to contain and distribute the stabilizing agents without requiring additional complex control systems.
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 tool effectively stabilizes the formation, seals zones to prevent fluid loss, and enhances lubrication and cuttings transport, thereby improving drilling efficiency and maintaining fluid pressure within the wellbore.
Implementation Method 1
an actuating section with check valves to ensure controlled fluid delivery into the wellbore
Implementation Method 2
fluid lubrication may be required to maintain bit life, stabilize formation and remove cutting from the hole
Implementation Method 3
stabilizing agents, such as cement slurries and or Lost Circulation Materials (LCM), may be placed into the formation to seal the zones of the formation to stabilize and/or prevent loss of the drilling fluid from the borehole
Data Source
AI summary
Systems, methods, and apparatuses of the present disclosure generally relate to fluid placement tools. A fluid placement tool includes a connecting section at a proximal end of the fluid placement tool for coupling the fluid placement tool to a conveyance. The fluid placement tool also includes an actuating section coupled to the connecting section, wherein the actuating section comprises a first check valve and a piston, wherein the first check valve is positioned to allow fluid flow through the actuating section and into engagement with the piston. The fluid placement tool also includes a fluid containment section, wherein the fluid containment section comprises a fluid reservoir and a second check valve, wherein the fluid reservoir is disposed between the first check valve and the second check valve, wherein the second check valve is position to only allow flow out of the fluid containment section. The actuating section is operable to drive the piston through the fluid reservoir for displacement of a fluid from the fluid reservoir and into a wellbore.