Magnetic Coupling Oscillation Absorber for Drilling Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Magnetic couplings used in drilling systems experience rotational variations due to self-oscillations, leading to potential damage and inefficiencies, particularly in harsh down-hole environments, where existing solutions are complex and ineffective for high-power applications.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating an oscillation absorber with a magnetic coupling that includes a separator layer and an outer housing with magnets, along with an electrical damping circuit to cancel oscillations at the self-excitation frequency, and using conductive layers to oppose rotational rate variations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an oscillation absorber is added to the magnetic coupling, then rotational variations are reduced and system stability is enhanced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The oscillation absorber is nested within the magnetic coupling structure, with the absorber shaft positioned within the enclosed area formed by the outer layer and separator layer. This nesting approach allows the oscillation absorber to be integrated into the existing magnetic coupling without requiring separate external components, thereby reducing overall system complexity while maintaining the stability-enhancing function.
Solution Approach 2:
The oscillation absorber acts as an intermediary element between the rotor and the outer housing. It absorbs and dampens oscillations through its magnetic interaction with the rotor, preventing these oscillations from being transmitted to the outer housing and alternator. This mediator approach stabilizes the system by isolating and dissipating harmful vibrations.
2Reliability
If conductive layers are added to oppose rotational rate variations, then voltage fluctuations are canceled, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The conductive layers are positioned between the inner magnets and separator layer, and between the separator layer and outer magnets. These conductive layers create eddy currents that generate opposing magnetic fields to counteract oscillations. By changing the electrical parameter (adding conductivity) to specific regions, the system cancels voltage fluctuations without requiring complex mechanical control systems.
3Reliability
If an electrical damping circuit is added to cancel oscillations, then self-excitation oscillations are reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The electrical damping circuit replaces complex mechanical oscillation control mechanisms with an electrical solution. The circuit is coupled in parallel with the alternator output and uses electrical components to generate damping currents that counteract self-excitation oscillations. This substitution of electrical for mechanical control simplifies the overall system architecture while achieving effective oscillation suppression.
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 solution effectively reduces rotational variations, enhances system stability, and prevents damage by canceling self-excitation oscillations and voltage fluctuations, ensuring reliable energy transfer in drilling systems.
Implementation Method 1
rotation of the absorber shaft causes the outer mover to rotate due to interaction of the inner absorber shaft magnets and the outer mover magnets
Implementation Method 2
rotation of the outer housing causes the rotor to rotate about an axis of rotation
Implementation Method 3
an electrical damping circuit coupled in parallel with the load and configured to cancel oscillations in the electricity at a self excitation frequency of the magnetic coupling
Data Source
AI summary
A drilling system includes a magnetic coupling and an oscillation absorber. The magnetic coupling has a rotor that rotates about an axis of rotation. The oscillation absorber is in operable communication with the magnetic coupling and includes an outer layer coupled to a separator layer of the magnetic coupling to form an enclosed area. An absorber shaft of the oscillation absorber is at least partially within the enclosed area and is coupled to the rotor. The absorber further includes an outer mover arranged such that rotation of the absorber shaft causes the outer mover to rotate due to interaction of inner absorber shaft magnets and outer mover magnets.