Downhole Hammer Drill Percussion Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
In the drilling of oil and gas wells, particularly in deviated and horizontal wells, downhole percussion tools face challenges due to the complexity and sensitivity of bottom hole assemblies, limiting their effectiveness in enhancing the rate of penetration.
Innovation Solution
A downhole apparatus connected to a workstring within a wellbore, comprising a power mandrel, an anvil member, a radial bearing housing unit, a spring saddle, a spring spacer, and a hammer member with cam faces, which imparts a percussion force to the bit by engaging and disengaging the cam surfaces, optionally using a spring to periodically accelerate the hammer, enhancing drilling efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If downhole percussion tools are used to enhance drilling rate, then penetration speed improves, but device complexity increases due to sensitivity of bottom hole assemblies
Solution Approach 1:
The hammer mechanism is nested within the bottom hole assembly, with the hammer member positioned inside the bearing housing unit. The anvil member is integrated with the bit member, creating a compact nested structure that reduces overall complexity while maintaining percussion functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The bottom hole assembly is segmented into distinct functional modules: the motor means for rotation, the hammer member for percussion, the anvil member for force transmission, and the bearing housing unit for support. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently while simplifying the overall system architecture.
2Productivity
If hammer member is added to provide percussion force, then drilling efficiency improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The hammer member is designed to move dynamically between engaged and disengaged positions relative to the anvil member. The spring means provides dynamic cushioning that allows the hammer to reciprocate automatically during operation, creating a simple yet effective percussion mechanism without complex control systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring means automatically cushions the hammer member during engagement with the anvil, and the cam surfaces automatically control the timing and force of hammer strikes based on rotational position. This self-regulating mechanism eliminates the need for external control systems, reducing overall device complexity.
3Force
If spring means is used to accelerate hammer, then impact force increases, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The spring means is positioned to cushion the hammer member before impact with the anvil, storing energy during the approach phase and releasing it at the moment of impact. This beforehand cushioning maximizes impact force while using a simple spring mechanism rather than complex energy storage systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring means creates periodic acceleration of the hammer member through repeated compression and expansion cycles during rotation. This periodic action generates consistent impact forces with each revolution, eliminating the need for complex continuous force application mechanisms.
4Productivity
If cam surfaces are engaged for hammering, then penetration rate improves, but operational flexibility decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The cam surfaces are designed with varying profiles that dynamically adjust the hammer engagement timing and force based on rotational position. This dynamic cam design allows the hammering action to be automatically optimized for different drilling conditions without requiring manual intervention, maintaining operational flexibility while maximizing penetration rate.
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 apparatus effectively increases the drilling rate of penetration by combining static weight with oscillating forces, improving the bit's interaction with subterranean formations, and allowing simultaneous rotation and hammering during drilling operations.
Implementation Method 1
a spring having a first end and a second end, with the first end abutting the spring saddle; a hammer member slidably attached to the spring saddle, and wherein the hammer member abuts the second end of the spring
Implementation Method 2
The anvil member contains a radial cam face having an inclined portion and a upstanding portion. The hammer member contains a radial cam face having an inclined portion and a upstanding portion
Data Source
AI summary
A downhole apparatus connected to a workstring within a wellbore. The workstring is connected to a bit member. The apparatus includes a mandrel operatively connected to a downhole motor mechanism, an anvil member operatively formed on the bit member, the anvil member being operatively connected to the mandrel, a radial bearing housing unit operatively connected to the workstring, with the radial bearing housing unit being disposed about the mandrel, and a hammer member slidably attached to the radial bearing housing unit.