Leaf Spring Inertia Ring Damping for Downhole Torsional Vibration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Hydrocarbon drilling operations face issues such as reduced drill bit effectiveness, damage to bottom hole assembly (BHA) components, and interference in drilling parameter measurement due to undesirable effects from forces and moments applied during directional drilling, which existing technologies fail to adequately address.
Innovation Solution
A vibration damping device is equipped with an inertia ring and leaf springs that convert vibration energy into heat energy, utilizing fluid and elastomer in chambers to absorb rotational vibrations, with a stop mechanism limiting relative rotation and bearings for enhanced damping efficacy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If directional drilling using rotary steerable system is implemented, then drilling capability in directional wells is improved, but torsional vibrations and moments increase causing damage to BHA components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies mechanical vibration principles by using an inertia ring that rotates in response to torsional vibrations, converting vibrational energy into rotational motion. The leaf springs are pre-loaded to create a friction interface that engages during vibration, transforming mechanical vibration energy into heat through friction, thereby damping the harmful torsional vibrations that damage BHA components during directional drilling operations
2Reliability
If damping system with inertia ring and leaf springs is added, then torsional vibration damping is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple damping mechanisms into a single integrated device. The inertia ring, leaf springs, fluid chambers, and elastomeric members are combined into one compact assembly that fits within the BHA. The leaf springs serve dual purposes: providing mechanical friction damping through their friction interface and acting as flexible connectors that engage the inertia ring to the drill string component, thereby reducing overall device complexity while maintaining vibration damping effectiveness
Solution Approach 2:
The damping system employs a nested structure where the inertia ring is rotatably mounted on the drill string component, fluid chambers are disposed within the inertia ring structure, and elastomeric members are positioned within the chambers. This nested arrangement minimizes the overall footprint of the damping device, allowing it to be integrated into the limited space available in the BHA without significantly increasing device complexity
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 damping device effectively reduces torsional vibrations, increasing the reliability of drilling systems by mitigating the negative effects on BHA components and improving drilling efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
relative rotation between the inertia ring and the drill string component distorts the leaf spring
Implementation Method 2
Two or more leaf springs may be constructed so as to include a friction interface such that deformation of the two or more leaf springs results in friction at the friction interface
Implementation Method 3
A fluid may be disposed in the chamber and a leaf spring may be disposed in the chamber. Relative rotation between the inertia ring and the drill string component may distort the leaf spring so as to vary the volumes of the first and second chamber portions
Implementation Method 4
The leaf spring may include at least one fluid flow passage therethrough, the fluid flow passage providing fluid communication between the first and second chamber portions. At least one end of the leaf spring may be supported in an elastomeric member
Data Source
AI summary
A vibration damping device for use with a downhole tool having a tool axis and a drill string component (DSC), may comprise an inertia ring rotatably mounted on the DSC and including at least one cutout defining a chamber therein such that the DSC forms an end wall of the chamber, and a leaf spring disposed in the chamber, the leaf spring having first and second spring ends, the first end being attached to the inertia ring or the DSC such that relative rotation between the inertia ring and the DSC distorts the leaf spring. The second spring end may engage the other of the inertia ring or the DSC. A fluid may be included in the chamber and the spring may divide the chamber into two portions, so that relative rotation between the inertia ring and the DSC distorts the leaf spring and varies the volumes of the portions.