Helix Oscillating Delivery System for Extended Reach Tool
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing downhole vibrator devices are prone to clogging and are expensive due to the use of diverging diffuser legs, which are also negatively affected by elevated temperatures and contaminants in wellbore drilling fluids.
Innovation Solution
A helix oscillating delivery system that creates an erratic helical pulsating stream within a circular cylindrical structure using multiple flow paths with constricted and expanded chambers, eliminating the need for external excitation and moving parts, and reducing fabrication costs and clogging risks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If diverging diffuser legs are used to create oscillating flow, then oscillation is achieved, but the device becomes expensive to fabricate and prone to clogging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the diverging diffuser legs from the oscillator design, extracting the problematic component that caused clogging and fabrication difficulties. The oscillation is achieved through a different mechanism using oscillating flow restrictors and check valves, eliminating the need for the problematic diffuser leg structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces expensive, complex diffuser legs with simpler, more affordable flow restrictors and check valves. These alternative components are easier to manufacture, less prone to clogging, and more reliable in harsh downhole conditions, effectively substituting expensive parts with cheaper, more durable alternatives.
2Power
If Moineau power sections with rubber seals are used, then downhole power transmission is achieved, but the seals are negatively affected by elevated temperatures, pressures, and chemicals
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameters of the seals from rubber elastomers to ceramic or metal materials. These material substitutions maintain the seal's functional capability while providing resistance to elevated temperatures, pressures, and chemical environments, directly addressing the reliability issues with traditional rubber seals.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite seal designs combining ceramic or metal materials with appropriate mounting structures. These composite seals integrate the wear and chemical resistance of ceramics/metals with the mechanical compatibility needed for downhole power transmission, creating a seal system that outperforms traditional rubber seals in harsh environments.
3Productivity
If reciprocating impact elements are used to induce vibration, then drilling rate increases, but the device complexity and potential for failure increase
Solution Approach 1:
The oscillator is designed to be self-exciting, using the oscillating flow itself to drive the impact elements without requiring external power sources or complex control systems. The flow oscillation automatically drives the impact elements to strike the drill string, simplifying the overall device while maintaining effective vibration for improved drilling rates.
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 system effectively vibrates and pulsates drill strings and bottom hole assemblies, reducing friction and allowing for deeper drilling by creating a strong, erratic helical flow without external excitation or moving parts, thus enhancing reliability and longevity.
Implementation Method 1
Two fluidic oscillators are achieved by employing wedge-shaped splitters to route the flow of a fluid down diverging diffuser legs. The oscillators connect to a source of fluid flow, provide a mechanism for oscillating the fluid flow between two different locations within the oscillator, and emit fluid pulses downstream of the source of the fluid flow.
Implementation Method 2
it is common to use a downhole system which provides a percussive or hammer effect to the drill string to increase drilling rate... mechanisms for vibrating the drill pipe during drilling in order to convert static frictional forces on the drill pipe to dynamic frictional forces
Implementation Method 3
Each of the flow paths has multiple hollow chambers connected in series. Each of the hollow chambers comprises a first constricted chamber with a fluid entry, a first expansion chamber located adjacent to the lower end of the first constricted chamber
Data Source
AI summary
An extended reach tool includes two or more separate flow paths, wherein each of the flow paths has multiple hollow chambers connected in series. Each of the hollow chambers includes a first constricted chamber with a fluid entry, a first expansion chamber located adjacent to the lower end of the first constricted chamber, and a second constricted chamber with the upper end of connected to the lower end of the first expansion chamber. A separate second expansion chamber is connected to the lower end of a plurality of the second constricted chambers. A single port is located adjacent to the lower end of the second expansion chamber.