Downhole Pressure Pulse System Valve Assembly
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Friction between tool strings and wellbore walls in drilling systems limits the maximum reach and speed of tool strings, causing operational inefficiencies and potential damage due to variability in pressure pulse magnitude caused by manufacturing tolerances.
Innovation Solution
A pressure pulse system comprising a stator and rotor with a valve assembly that induces oscillating axial motion by generating pressure pulses, where the valve assembly's minimum flow area is defined by a smaller flow passage entirely encompassed within a larger one, reducing variability and ensuring consistent pulse magnitude.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single flow passage is used in the valve assembly, then the structure is simpler, but the pressure pulse magnitude varies due to manufacturing tolerances
Solution Approach 1:
The single flow passage is segmented into two separate flow passages (first flow passage and second flow passage) in the valve assembly. This segmentation allows the pressure pulse generation to be distributed across multiple passages, reducing the impact of manufacturing tolerances on the overall pressure pulse magnitude consistency while maintaining a relatively simple structure.
2Device complexity
If friction between tool string and wellbore wall is not addressed, then the system is simpler, but the maximum reach and speed of tool strings are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The valve assembly generates periodic pressure pulses by rotating the valve plate to alternately open and close the first and second flow passages. This periodic action creates oscillating fluid flow that reduces friction between the tool string and wellbore wall, enabling faster and longer tool string deployment without significant system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses hydraulic pressure pulses generated by the rotating valve assembly to reduce friction. The pressurized fluid creates a lubricating effect between the tool string and wellbore wall, allowing the tool string to move faster and reach greater distances without increasing mechanical system complexity.
3Device complexity
If pressure pulse magnitude is not controlled, then the system is simpler, but damage may occur due to excessive oscillation
Solution Approach 1:
The valve assembly uses a rotating valve plate mechanism that dynamically controls the opening and closing of flow passages during rotation. This dynamic control allows the pressure pulse magnitude to be regulated by the rotation speed and valve plate geometry, preventing excessive oscillation that could cause damage while maintaining system simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system controls pressure pulse magnitude by changing operational parameters such as rotation speed of the valve plate and the geometry of the flow passages. By adjusting these parameters, the pressure pulse magnitude can be optimized to prevent excessive oscillation and potential damage without adding complex control mechanisms.
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 solution reduces friction and increases the maximum reach and speed of tool strings while minimizing the risk of damage from excessive oscillation, providing a more precise and consistent pressure pulse independent of manufacturing tolerances.
Implementation Method 1
a rotor rotatably positioned in the stator and comprising a plurality of helical rotor lobes... configured to induce a pressure pulse in response to rotation of the rotor within the stator
Implementation Method 2
the valve assembly comprises a first valve plate coupled to one of the stator and the rotor and comprising a flow passage, and a second valve plate coupled to the other of the stator or the rotor... provides a first flowpath between the flow passage of the first valve plate and the second flow passage of the second valve plate
Data Source
AI summary
A pressure pulse system includes a stator, a rotor rotatably positioned in the stator, and a valve assembly configured to induce a pressure pulse in response to rotation of the rotor within the stator, wherein the valve assembly includes a first valve plate coupled to one of the stator and the rotor and including a flow passage, and a second valve plate coupled to the other of the stator or the rotor to which the first valve plate is not coupled and comprising a first flow passage and a second flow passage that is spaced from the first flow passage, wherein the valve assembly provides a first flowpath and a second flowpath between the flow passage of the first valve plate and the second flow passage of the second valve plate.