Non-rotating Vibration Reduction Sub for Drill String
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current rotary drilling technologies face challenges with drill string vibration, leading to reduced rate of penetration and damage to drilling equipment, as existing anti-vibration solutions are either ineffective, costly, unreliable, or difficult to implement, particularly due to the lack of real-time downhole information and inefficient placement of anti-vibration devices.
Innovation Solution
An anti-vibration sub comprising a non-rotating protector sleeve molded around a shortened section of steel drill pipe with integral annular rings, which transmits thrust loads and features a fluid bearing surface to dissipate vibrational energy, allowing strategic placement along the drill string to address multiple vibration modes without affecting the Autodriller system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If springs and dampening members are used to reduce axial bit bounce, then axial vibration is reduced, but lateral vibrations are not affected and cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The anti-vibration device is divided into multiple independent dampening elements (springs and dampening members) arranged at different locations and orientations within the drill string assembly. Each segment targets specific vibration modes, allowing the system to address both axial and lateral vibrations simultaneously through coordinated action of individual components.
Solution Approach 2:
The anti-vibration device is designed as a multi-functional system where the same assembly of springs and dampening members serves multiple purposes: reducing axial bit bounce, mitigating lateral vibrations, and providing general vibration damping. This universal design eliminates the need for separate devices for different vibration modes.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If larger anti-vibration devices are placed in the drill string, then vibration reduction effectiveness increases, but handling and placement become problematic
Solution Approach 1:
The anti-vibration device is segmented into multiple smaller dampening elements that can be independently handled and positioned. These individual components (springs, dampening members) can be easily manipulated and placed in the drill string without requiring handling of a single large device, significantly improving ease of operation while maintaining overall effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The dampening elements are nested within the existing drill string structure, with springs and dampening members arranged concentrically or in sequence within the drill string assembly. This nesting approach allows the anti-vibration device to be integrated into the drill string without requiring external placement operations, simplifying handling and installation.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If multiple large anti-vibration devices are placed in the drill string, then vibration reduction improves, but device complexity and handling difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple dampening functions are merged into a single integrated anti-vibration device assembly rather than using separate devices. The springs and dampening members are combined in one unit that can be placed once in the drill string, achieving the vibration reduction of multiple devices while avoiding the complexity of handling and positioning multiple separate components.
Solution Approach 2:
The anti-vibration device is designed as a universal multi-functional unit that performs vibration reduction for multiple modes (axial, lateral, torsional) simultaneously. This single device replaces the need for multiple specialized devices, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining comprehensive vibration protection.
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 anti-vibration sub effectively reduces drill string vibration across various modes, is cost-effective, reliable, and easy to retrieve, allowing for placement at multiple locations to mitigate system vibration, thereby enhancing drilling efficiency and equipment longevity.
Implementation Method 1
The inner surface of the molded protector sleeve could be shaped to form a fluid bearing during use
Implementation Method 2
a non-rotating protector sleeve molded in place around a single piece of a shortened section of steel drill pipe
Implementation Method 3
dampening members (typically rubber) to reduce axial bit bounce
Data Source
AI summary
An anti-vibration sub for a downhole drill string having a shortened section of steel drill pipe having a reduced diameter body portion with a plurality of axially spaced annular rings and a non-rotating protector sleeve molded to the smaller diameter body portion having an outside diameter that is equal to or greater than the drill string causing the sub to act as a nodal point to absorb vibrational energy from the drill string.