Particle Concentrator Deflector Geometry for Abrasive Jet Drilling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing abrasive jet drilling systems face issues with wear of channels and high energy consumption due to inefficient particle concentration methods, and require complex mechanisms or magnetic properties in abrasive particles, limiting their applicability and effectiveness in directional drilling.
Innovation Solution
A particle concentrating device with deflecting surfaces and bypass openings is used to create a target stream part with high particle concentration and a remaining part with low concentration, reducing wear and energy consumption by directing particles radially towards a target cross-sectional area.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If multiple vibrating classifiers or centrifugal separation mechanisms are used to concentrate abrasive particles, then particle concentration increases, but device complexity and energy consumption increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical separation systems (vibrating classifiers, centrifugal separators) with a simple deflector plate that uses basic fluid dynamics and particle inertia to achieve concentration. The deflector creates a target stream with high particle concentration through geometric design rather than complex mechanical action, resolving the contradiction between concentration effectiveness and device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The deflector plate is a simple, inexpensive component with no moving parts that can be easily manufactured and replaced. This contrasts with expensive, complex separation mechanisms, providing a cost-effective solution that achieves particle concentration through simple geometry rather than elaborate mechanical systems.
2Quantity of substance
If centrifugal forces or vibrating classifiers are employed for particle separation, then abrasive particle concentration increases, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates energy-intensive mechanical separation systems and replaces them with a passive deflector plate that utilizes the natural inertia of abrasive particles and fluid dynamics. This substitution dramatically reduces energy consumption while maintaining particle concentration effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The deflector plate system is self-acting, using the kinetic energy already present in the moving abrasive-laden fluid to achieve separation. No additional energy input is required beyond what is already needed to transport the material, making the system energy-efficient compared to active separation mechanisms.
3Quantity of substance
If conventional separation methods are used, then particle concentration is achieved, but wear of channels and components increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts abrasive particles from the main fluid stream using a deflector plate and directs them into a separate target stream. This separation removes highly abrasive particles from channels and components that would otherwise suffer wear, while concentrating them in the target stream where their erosive action is desired.
Solution Approach 2:
The deflector plate acts as an intermediary element that redirects particles without requiring them to pass through complex mechanical separation mechanisms. This intermediate geometric structure achieves particle concentration while minimizing contact between abrasive particles and vulnerable channel surfaces.
4Quantity of substance
If ferromagnetic particles and magnetic separators are used, then particle concentration and directional control improve, but adaptability decreases due to requirement of magnetic properties
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the separation mechanism from magnetic field interaction to geometric fluid dynamic interaction. This parameter change allows the system to work with any abrasive particle material regardless of magnetic properties, significantly improving adaptability while maintaining concentration effectiveness through the deflector's geometric design.
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 device effectively increases particle concentration in a target area while minimizing wear and energy use, allowing for modulated erosive power in abrasive jet drilling, particularly suitable for abrasive particles with a diameter of 0.8-1.2 mm, and is applicable in abrasive jet drilling systems.
Implementation Method 1
The deflecting surfaces are arranged about an axis, slanting in a flow direction from a circumference of the stream towards a target cross-sectional area, for directing a part of the particles radially inwards towards the axis
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to increasing a concentration of particles (92) in a circumferentially enclosed stream (90) of a fluid mixed with the particles in a target area (90ct) of a cross-section (90c) of the stream transverse to a flow direction (90f) of the stream. Deflecting surfaces (31.1, 31.2, 31.3) are arranged in the stream to extend over respective angular zones (30α1, 30α2, 30α3) with respect to an axis (1a) through the target part. The deflecting surfaces slant in the flow direction in a direction from the circumference of the stream towards the target area, and define angularly in between them multiple bypass openings (32.1, 32.2, 32.3) which extend over angular zones complementary (30β1, 30β2, 30β3) to the angular zones over which the deflecting surfaces extend, and which are larger than the particles. The deflecting surfaces deflect at least a part of the particles inwardly towards the axis. A target part (90t) of the stream with the target cross-section around the axis is discharged through an outlet (20), and a remaining part (90r) is discharged through the openings, between the target part and the circumference of the stream, such as to discharge the stream as composed of the target part and the remaining part. The invention relates to an assembly comprising a circumferential enclosure and a particle concentrating device, a particle concentrating device, a concentrator element, a method for increasing a concentration of particles, a method for directional drilling and the use of the assembly.