Piezoelectric Actuator Drill Bit Stick-Slip Mitigation

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Stick-slip phenomenon in drilling leads to torsional vibrations, unwanted wear, and premature failure of drill bits and motor devices, and existing solutions require custom drill bits or advanced control algorithms that are costly and require expert operation.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating piezoelectric actuators into the drill string or drill bit to generate high-frequency vibrations, which can be placed in various locations such as near the top drive, within the drill bit, or between the top drive and the Bottom Hole Assembly, to prevent stick-slip by introducing low-magnitude, high-frequency chattering that breaks static friction.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If Weight on Bit (WOB) is reduced to avoid stick-slip, then stick-slip occurrences are minimized, but Rate of Penetration (ROP) decreases and non-productive time increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestick-slip mitigationVSAvoidRate of Penetration (ROP)

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies mechanical vibration through piezoelectric actuators that generate high-frequency vibrations (20-20,000 Hz) at the drill bit. These vibrations disrupt the static friction between the drill bit and rock formation, preventing stick-slip phenomenon while allowing normal drilling operations to proceed at optimal WOB and ROP without the harmful torsional vibrations associated with reduced WOB drilling

Inventive Principle:

Principle #18Mechanical vibration

2Reliability

If custom made drill bits and advance control algorithms are used to solve stick-slip, then stick-slip problems are addressed, but device complexity and operational difficulty increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestick-slip mitigationVSAvoiddrill bit complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces complex mechanical drill bit designs and sophisticated control algorithms with piezoelectric actuators that convert electrical signals directly into mechanical vibrations. This substitution simplifies the overall drilling system by eliminating the need for custom-made drill bits with internal mechanisms while providing effective stick-slip mitigation through electronically controlled vibrations

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the operational parameters by introducing high-frequency vibrations (20-20,000 Hz) into the drilling process. This parameter change allows the system to operate at standard WOB and ROP levels while preventing stick-slip, avoiding the need for complex control algorithms to adjust drilling parameters dynamically

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If piezoceramic actuators with limited force generation are used, then stick-slip is addressed, but drilling effectiveness is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestick-slip mitigationVSAvoidforce generation capacity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSForce

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple piezoceramic actuators into a coordinated system that works together to generate sufficient vibrational force. By combining the output of multiple actuators and coupling them to the drill bit through a mechanical interface, the system achieves the necessary force generation capacity to effectively mitigate stick-slip while maintaining adequate drilling performance

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 piezoelectric actuator system effectively reduces or eliminates stick-slip, minimizing wear and failure, and does not require manipulation of loading parameters or expert operation, maintaining high energy efficiency and scalability.

Implementation Method 1

In one embodiment, piezoelectric actuator(s) may be incorporated into a drill string in one or more locations... The piezoelectric actuators may be incorporated in some or all of the openings in the bit body... generate high-frequency vibrations

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPiezoelectric effect: Piezoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentUS11028659B2Systems and method utilizing piezoelectric materials to mitigate or eliminate stick-slip during drilling

Publication Date: 2021.06.08 HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES INC

AI summary

Improved drilling systems and methods may include piezoelectric actuator(s) in a drill string at one or more locations to minimize or eliminate stick-slip while drilling. For example, piezoelectric actuators may be incorporated into the rock bit or drill bit in the openings in the bit body for receiving the cutters. As another example, the piezoelectric actuators may be incorporated into an independent module that is place on or in the drill string. The independent module may be placed between the top drive and the drill bit or at the top of the drill string near a top drive.