Geostationary Steering Device for Deviated Wellbore Drilling

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Solution Overview

Problem

Drilling deviated wellbores requires precise control of the drill bit's direction and tilt, which existing systems struggle to achieve effectively, especially when using a steering device inside the drilling assembly.

Innovation Solution

A steering device is integrated within the drilling assembly, featuring a force application mechanism that tilts the drive shaft by applying radial force, maintained geostationary through a rotational drive, allowing for precise control of the drill bit's direction and tilt.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a steering device is placed inside the drilling assembly to tilt the drill bit, then directional control capability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedirectional control capabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The steering device is nested within the drilling assembly, with the force application device positioned inside the drill collar and the drive shaft coupled to the drill bit. This nested configuration allows the steering functionality to be integrated within the existing drilling structure, achieving directional control without adding external complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The steering device is segmented into distinct functional components: a force application device for tilting, a drive shaft for rotation, and a rotational drive for maintaining geostationary position. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently while simplifying the overall system architecture

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Manufacturing precision

If a force application device is used to tilt the drive shaft, then drilling direction precision is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedrilling direction precisionVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The force application device applies tilt to the drive shaft before the drilling operation begins, pre-positioning the drill bit at the desired angle. This preliminary action ensures that the drilling direction is established with high precision from the start, avoiding the need for complex real-time adjustment mechanisms during drilling

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces complex mechanical steering mechanisms with a simpler force application system that uses radial forces to tilt the drive shaft. This substitution reduces mechanical complexity while maintaining high directional precision through the geostationary maintenance feature

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Stability of the object's composition

If the force application device is maintained geostationary through rotational drive, then directional stability is improved, but energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedirectional stabilityVSAvoidenergy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The rotational drive operates periodically to maintain the force application device in a geostationary position relative to the drill axis. By rotating the drive shaft and synchronizing the force application timing, the system achieves directional stability through periodic reinforcement rather than continuous energy input, reducing overall energy consumption

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

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

Enables precise and controlled drilling of deviated wellbores by maintaining the force application device geostationary relative to the drill axis, allowing for accurate directional control of the drill bit, enhancing the ability to drill along desired paths.

Implementation Method 1

a rotational drive that rotates a force application device counter to the drill collar rotation to maintain the force application device geostationary

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCounter-rotation mechanism:

Implementation Method 2

applying force radially on the drive shaft by the force application device to tilt the drive shaft by a selected angle along a selected direction

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRadial force application: Mechanical Force

Data Source

PatentUS9371696B2Apparatus and method for drilling deviated wellbores that utilizes an internally tilted drive shaft in a drilling assembly

Publication Date: 2016.06.21 BAKER HUGHES CO

AI summary

In one aspect, an apparatus for use in a wellbore is disclosed that in one embodiment includes a tool having a rotating member adapted to be coupled to a drill bit and a steering device that includes a force application device that tilts the drive member and a rotational drive that maintains the force application device geostationary.