Nutating Fluid-Mechanical Energy Converter for Wellbore Drilling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices that convert hydraulic energy into mechanical energy, such as vane motors and positive displacement motors, face limitations in efficiently extracting and converting energy from fluids in challenging environments like commingled fluids and high-temperature applications, particularly in wellbore drilling operations.
Innovation Solution
A nutating fluid-mechanical energy converter is designed with a stator and rotor configuration, where a longitudinal guide within an annulus allows fluid flow to induce nutation of the rotor, which is then converted into rotary motion through a linkage mechanism, enabling efficient energy extraction and conversion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If vane motors or positive displacement motors are used to convert hydraulic energy into mechanical energy, then rotational energy can be obtained, but the efficiency of energy extraction is limited in challenging environments such as commingled fluids and high-temperature applications
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into distinct functional segments: a stator with stationary vanes, a rotor with movable vanes, and a fluid distribution system. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function, improving overall energy extraction efficiency while maintaining adaptability to challenging environments through modular design
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the operational parameters by using a nutating motion pattern instead of traditional rotation, and by adjusting vane angles and fluid pressure parameters to optimize performance in commingled fluids and high-temperature conditions, thereby improving energy extraction efficiency while maintaining environmental adaptability
2Adaptability or versatility
If traditional motor designs are used in wellbore operations, then rotational energy can be provided, but wear occurs and functional capabilities are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces traditional continuous rotation mechanical systems with a nutating motion system that reduces sliding friction and wear. The periodic motion pattern and alternating engagement of vanes with stator surfaces minimize contact wear, thereby improving reliability while providing versatile functional capabilities for wellbore operations
Solution Approach 2:
The rotor employs dynamic vanes that move and adjust during operation, allowing the system to adapt to varying load conditions and fluid properties. This dynamic design enhances functional versatility while distributing wear more evenly across components, improving overall reliability in wellbore applications
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 converter effectively transforms fluid flow energy into rotational kinetic energy, enhancing the capabilities of devices in wellbore operations by providing reliable rotational energy output while minimizing wear and allowing for additional functional capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
A vane motor, for example, can be used in applications involving commingled fluids (for example, nitrogen and drilling mud), high temperature applications and under-balanced wellbore drilling applications. Thus, such motors operate by converting a mechanical energy imparted by the flowing fluid into, e.g., a rotational energy of a motor
Data Source
AI summary
One example of a nutating fluid-mechanical energy converter includes a stator and a rotor. The stator includes an outer cylinder having a longitudinal passage 101 and an inner guide cylinder disposed longitudinally within the outer cylinder. The inner guide cylinder and outer cylinder are concentric and define an annulus for fluid flow. A longitudinal guide is attached to an outer surface of the inner guide cylinder and extending outwardly toward an inner surface of the outer cylinder. The rotor is positioned in the annulus to be eccentric relative to the outer cylinder. The rotor has a sidewall with a guide opening to receive the longitudinal guide. Fluid flowing through the annulus imparts a torque on the rotor causing the rotor to nutate within the annulus. The nutational motion of the rotor can be converted into a rotational motion using a suitable rotary output device.