Trajectory-Controlled Lateral Drilling Tool for Short-Radius Wellbores
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current directional drilling technologies face challenges in achieving accurate trajectory control and high curvature deflection for short to ultra-short radius wellbore drilling, leading to poor wellbore trajectory accuracy, increased operational difficulty, and economic inefficiencies in oil and gas reservoir exploitation.
Innovation Solution
A trajectory-controllable lateral drilling tool and method utilizing a high passage lateral drilling section with a transmission short pup joint array and steering short pup joint, enabling rotary drilling and precise trajectory control through a combination of mechanical and electrical actuation, and communication systems to manage torque, weight, and directional changes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If coiled tubing with bent joint screw motor is used for directional drilling, then medium and short radius trajectory control is achieved, but the drill string cannot rotate during directional operation and wellbore trajectory accuracy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The drill string is segmented into multiple short drill pipes (each less than 1.2 meters long) connected by universal joints, forming a flexible articulated structure that can navigate short radius wellbores while maintaining rotation capability and trajectory control accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The drill string transitions from a rigid structure to a dynamic articulated structure with universal joints that allow controlled deflection and rotation, enabling both short radius navigation and accurate trajectory control through active steering mechanisms
2Adaptability or versatility
If flexible drill rod with single short drill pipes is used for short to ultra-short radius lateral drilling, then rock breaking is achieved, but wellbore trajectory control is lost and bending becomes serious
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible drill rod is segmented into multiple short drill pipes with universal joints, creating a controllable articulated structure that maintains trajectory control while adapting to short radius wellbores
Solution Approach 2:
Steering mechanisms with control systems provide feedback-based trajectory control, adjusting the orientation of individual drill pipe segments to maintain accurate wellbore path even during rotation and in short radius configurations
3Ease of operation
If existing directional drilling technology is used, then drilling operation is simplified, but high curvature deflection and accurate trajectory control for short radius are not achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The drill string becomes a dynamic articulated system with universal joints that enable high curvature deflection while maintaining rotation capability, achieving both operational simplicity and adaptability to short radius wellbores
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the deflection angle parameter of each universal joint segment to achieve high curvature wellbore paths, with each joint capable of deflecting within a preset angle range to create the desired trajectory
Data Source
AI summary
A short radius drilling tool and a trajectory-controllable lateral drilling tool and method, including a lateral drilling section with high passing ability and a power transmission section, wherein the lateral drilling section with high passing ability can drill the extension well section of a short to ultra-short radius well section that extends laterally from a main wellbore. The designed trajectory-controllable lateral drilling tool allows a wellbore to be subjected to directional drilling with a short to ultra-short radius from a tail end or any position of the original wellbore trajectory, and then implements lateral extension drilling. Furthermore, the device has engineering feasibility and practical value for thin reservoir exploitation, remaining oil potential tapping, exploitation of horizontal wells in sub-salt reservoirs, combined exploitation of thin interbed, coalbed methane exploitation, underground gasification exploitation of coal mine, unconventional oil and gas exploitation, (seabed) shallow horizontal well drilling, and exploitation of other minerals.