Impactor Injection System Pressure Equalization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing subterranean excavation methods using impactors face challenges in pressure equalization between impactors and circulation fluid, leading to inefficiencies and potential damage to pressurizing systems.
Innovation Solution
A system where impactors are injected into a drilling fluid line at a pressure equal to the drilling fluid, using an impactor supply system in pressure communication with the drilling fluid line, eliminating the need for additional pressurization and reducing pressure differentials, allowing for efficient excavation by forming a mixture of drilling fluid and impactors that is directed into the wellbore.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If impactors are injected into pressurized circulation fluid using conventional methods, then impactors can be delivered to the drill bit, but the pressurizing system is damaged due to pressure differential
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies equipotentiality by pressure equalizing the impactor supply system with the circulation fluid system before impactor injection. A pressure equalization valve allows the impactor supply line to reach the same pressure as the circulation fluid line, eliminating the pressure differential that would otherwise damage the pressurizing system when impactors are injected.
2Ease of operation
If additional pressurization equipment is used to inject impactors into the circulation fluid, then impactor injection can be achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the impactor supply system with the circulation fluid system by connecting the impactor supply line to the circulation fluid line through a pressure equalization valve. This integration allows the circulation fluid system's existing pressurization capability to serve dual purposes: circulating drilling fluid and injecting impactors, thereby avoiding the need for separate pressurization equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The circulation fluid system performs the dual function of both circulating drilling fluid and injecting impactors into the wellbore. By pressure equalizing the systems and allowing the circulation fluid to carry the impactors, the system serves itself without requiring additional dedicated pressurization equipment for impactor injection.
3Productivity
If pressure equalization is implemented between impactor supply line and circulation fluid line, then impactor injection efficiency improves, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a pressure equalization valve as an intermediary device between the impactor supply line and the circulation fluid line. This valve serves as a simple mediator that allows pressure equalization and impactor injection without requiring complex control systems or additional equipment, maintaining system simplicity while improving injection efficiency.
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
This approach enhances the excavation process by ensuring consistent pressure and reducing the motive force required for impactor injection, thereby improving the efficiency and effectiveness of wellbore excavation and formation alteration.
Implementation Method 1
an impactor conveyer which moves impactors into the drilling fluid line. The impactor conveyer can be in pressure communication with the drilling fluid line so that impactors in the impactor conveyer are at substantially the same pressure as the drilling fluid line
Data Source
AI summary
An excavation system for forming a wellbore through a subterranean formation, the system employing pressurized drilling fluid with impactors mixed therein. The pressurized fluid with impactors is directed to a drill string having a drill bit with nozzles on its lower end. The fluid impactor mixture is discharged from the nozzles and against the formation, wherein the impactors contact, compress, and fracture the formation to excavate through the formation. The system includes an impactor injection system that injects impactors into a stream of pressurized drilling fluid to form the mixture. The injection system operates at substantially the same pressure as the pressurized drilling fluid.