Hydraulic Rotor Pulse Valve for Drilling Percussion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current downhole apparatuses for generating pressure pulses in drilling fluids are inadequate for effectively inducing a percussive effect at the drill bit, which is essential for reducing friction and advancing the drill string through the wellbore efficiently.
Innovation Solution
A downhole apparatus comprising a housing with a rotor, actuator valve assembly, and pulse valve assembly, where the rotor is actuated by hydraulic power to drive the actuator valve moving member, varying the actuator valve passage area and subsequently controlling the pulse valve moving member to create varying fluid pressure, which generates pressure pulses and induces a percussive effect at the drill bit.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If prior art downhole apparatuses are used to generate pressure pulses, then some pressure pulse generation capability is achieved, but the percussive effect at the drill bit is insufficient to effectively reduce friction and advance the drill string
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs periodic action by using a rotor with multiple lobes that rotates to periodically vary the actuator valve passage area, creating rhythmic pressure pulses in the drilling fluid. This periodic variation drives the pulse valve moving member to oscillate, generating the percussive effect needed to break rock and reduce friction during drilling operations
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies hydraulics by using drilling fluid as the working medium to transmit energy. The hydraulic system includes an actuator chamber that receives drilling fluid under pressure, which then actuates the pulse valve moving member through hydraulic pressure variations, converting fluid pressure into mechanical percussion at the drill bit
2Productivity
If a complex valve mechanism is used to generate pressure pulses, then pressure pulse generation is achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple functions into a single integrated housing structure that contains the rotor, actuator valve assembly, and pulse valve assembly. The housing collectively defines both the actuator chamber and pulse flow path, combining what could be separate components into one unified downhole apparatus, thereby reducing overall system complexity while maintaining pressure pulse generation capability
Solution Approach 2:
The rotor serves multiple functions: it acts as both the driving element that rotates in response to drilling fluid flow and the actuating mechanism that varies the actuator valve passage area. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate actuating mechanisms, simplifying the overall device structure while maintaining effective pressure pulse generation
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 reduces friction between the drill string and the wellbore by generating pressure pulses, enhancing drill bit performance and advancing the drill string through the wellbore with minimal energy input, thus improving drilling efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
the rotor (70) is actuated by hydraulic power flowing through a power flow path from a power flow path inlet (44) to a power flow path outlet (46)
Implementation Method 2
varying fluid pressure in the actuator chamber (49) actuates the pulse valve moving member (108) to move
Implementation Method 3
generating pressure pulses in a drilling fluid flowing through a drill string as the wellbore is being drilled. The pressure pulses may vibrate the drill string to reduce frictional forces
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for generating pressure pulses in a drilling fluid flowing through a bore of a downhole tubular. A housing containing a rotor is located in the bore. Drilling fluid flowing through the housing actuates rotation of the rotor relative to the housing, which in turn drives movement of an actuator valve assembly to vary flow of drilling fluid between the bore and an actuator chamber defined by the actuator valve assembly and the housing. The resulting variation in drilling fluid pressure within the actuator chamber actuates a pulse valve assembly to vary flow of drilling fluid through the housing and into the bore. The varying drilling fluid pressure may be used to induce a percussive effect in a drill bit assembly coupled to the downhole tubular.