Downhole Pressure Pulse Steering for Dogleg and Tool Release
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing downhole drilling systems face challenges in maintaining the desired dogleg severity and efficiently communicating with downhole tools due to limitations in drilling fluid pressure and steering pad force, which can lead to inefficiencies and potential tool sticking issues.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a pressure pulse generator and rotary steerable system (RSS) that modulates drilling fluid pressure and actuates steering pads in a pattern to encode data, allowing for improved communication and increased pad force to achieve target dogleg severity without exceeding safe operating pressures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If drilling fluid pressure is increased to increase steering pad force for achieving target dogleg severity, then steering capability is improved, but risk of tool sticking and unsafe operating conditions increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses periodic pressure pulses instead of continuous high pressure to actuate steering pads. The pressure pulse generator delivers short-duration pressure increases that provide sufficient steering pad force for dogleg severity control, then releases pressure to prevent tool sticking. This periodic action allows the system to achieve high steering capability when needed while maintaining reliability by avoiding sustained high-pressure conditions that cause tool sticking.
2Loss of information
If drilling fluid pressure is increased to improve communication with downhole tools, then signal transmission is improved, but operating safety deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system transmits communication signals using periodic pressure pulses through the drilling fluid. These pulsed pressure changes carry encoded information to downhole tools effectively, while the intermittent nature of the pulses avoids the continuous high-pressure conditions that would compromise operating safety. The pressure pulses are timed and modulated to provide sufficient signal strength for reliable communication without maintaining elevated pressure levels.
3Ease of operation
If continuous high pressure is applied to maintain steering capability, then dogleg severity control is improved, but energy consumption increases and tool sticking occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces continuous high-pressure application with periodic pressure pulses for steering pad actuation. The pressure pulse generator delivers brief, high-intensity pressure increases only when steering adjustments are needed, then reduces pressure to maintenance levels. This periodic approach maintains adequate dogleg severity control capability while dramatically reducing average energy consumption compared to continuous high-pressure operation.
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
This approach enhances the ability to maintain the target dogleg severity and effectively communicate with downhole tools, reducing drilling costs and preventing tool sticking, thereby optimizing drilling efficiency and safety.
Implementation Method 1
A pressure pulse generator may generate periodic changes in the drilling fluid pressure to transmit a signal encoded in the pattern of pressure pulses
Implementation Method 2
A rotary steerable system may use drilling fluid pressure to extend steering pads to a wellbore wall, which may change the directory of a bit
Data Source
AI summary
A pressure pulse generator and an RSS may change the pressure of a fluid flow through a BHA. If the dogleg at the BHA is less than a target dogleg, then the pressure pulse generator goes into pass-through mode to increase the pressure at the RSS and thereby increase a pad force of the RSS steering pads, increasing the severity of the dogleg. If a downhole tool is stuck, then the pressure pulse generator and the RSS are simultaneously actuated to unstick the downhole tool. The RSS is used to generate and transmit pressure pulses to a downhole tool.