Mechanical Hydraulic Torque Converter With Differential Pressure Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Horizontal well drilling faces challenges such as high frictional force, severe back pressure, and low directional drilling efficiency, which are not effectively addressed by existing mechanical drag reduction technologies.
Innovation Solution
A mechanical hydraulic torque converter for horizontal wells, utilizing a differential-pressure control mechanism, is designed to reduce drilling friction and enhance directional operation efficiency by adjusting parameters based on weight on bit-rotating speed-output torque, incorporating a nozzle-hole type differential pressure controller to avoid electrical failures and corrosion issues.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If electrical components are used to control working mode switching, then the control precision is improved, but the reliability deteriorates due to potential electrical failure in complex downhole environment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces electrical control components with a mechanical differential pressure control system. The differential pressure controller uses mechanical elements (spring, piston, valve) to respond to pressure differences generated by drilling fluid flow, eliminating electrical components and their associated failures in the downhole environment.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the drilling fluid's own pressure differential to automatically control the working mode switching. The differential pressure controller responds autonomously to pressure changes without requiring external electrical signals or control systems, making the system self-regulating and more reliable.
2Ease of operation
If spring piston is used as switch assembly, then the ease of operation is improved, but the reliability deteriorates due to spring rusting and failure from drilling fluid corrosion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a disposable seal ring instead of a reusable spring mechanism. The seal ring is made of corrosion-resistant material that can be easily replaced if needed, eliminating the problem of spring rusting and corrosion from drilling fluid exposure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the material parameter of the switch assembly components to be corrosion-resistant. The seal ring and other components are made from materials that do not rust or corrode in the drilling fluid environment, significantly improving reliability.
3Force
If mechanical drag reduction technology is used, then the frictional force is reduced, but the directional drilling efficiency deteriorates due to varying drag reduction performance under different well conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic working mode switching mechanism that adapts to different well conditions. The differential pressure controller automatically switches between different working modes (e.g., directional drilling mode, drag reduction mode) based on real-time pressure differential changes, allowing the system to optimize performance for each specific condition.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters dynamically by switching working modes. The differential pressure controller adjusts the flow distribution and torque transmission characteristics based on the current drilling conditions, enabling optimal directional drilling efficiency while maintaining drag reduction benefits.
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 converter ensures drag reduction and stable directional operation by mechanically controlling rotating speed and fluid flow, providing a cost-effective and efficient means for extracting oil and gas resources.
Implementation Method 1
a nozzle-hole type differential pressure controller is adopted
Implementation Method 2
Mechanical hydraulic torque converter for horizontal well
Implementation Method 3
the pressure of the drilling fluid is used for driving a switch of the spring piston
Data Source
AI summary
This invention relates to a mechanical hydraulic torque converter for horizontal well drilling, and belongs to the technical field of oil and gas drilling tools. The hydraulic torque converter includes a driving shaft, an upper-shell, a driving shaft positioning shell, a TC bearing assembly, a universal shaft shell, a universal shaft assembly, a stator shell, a hollow rotor, a middle-shell, a torque separation assembly, a lower connector, and a confluence assembly. The universal shaft assembly is mounted in the universal shaft outer shell, and two ends of the universal shaft assembly are respectively connected with the driving shaft and the hollow rotor. One end of the confluence assembly is connected with the torque separation assembly, and the other end of the confluence assembly is communicated with an outlet of the lower connector. The tool is jointly driven by the rotating speed of upper drill string and drilling fluid displacement.