Pulsating Water Hammer Tool for Deep Well Stuck Pipe
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Solution Overview
Problem
Deep well bore operations face challenges with drill strings and coiled tubing binding due to significant subterranean pressures, requiring stronger, longer, and more frequent shock waves to free stuck equipment, which existing tools fail to provide effectively.
Innovation Solution
A pulsating water hammer tool utilizing a poppet valve and sliding valve assemblies with selective flow paths and vents to generate constructive interference and increase shock wave amplitude, frequency, and duration by controlling valve lengths and fluid pressure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If conventional jars or hammering tools are used to free stuck drill string, then some shock waves are generated, but the shock waves are insufficient in amplitude, duration and frequency for deep or extended reach drilling operations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple water hammer generators (poppet valve, inner sliding valve, outer sliding valve) into a single integrated tool assembly. The shock waves generated by each valve are synchronized to produce constructive interference, creating much stronger combined shock waves that can effectively free stuck drill strings in deep well operations where conventional single-valve tools fail
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs periodic opening and closing of multiple valves in a coordinated sequence. The poppet valve, inner sliding valve, and outer sliding valve are actuated in alternating fashion to generate successive shock waves at optimized intervals. This periodic action maintains continuous high-frequency shock wave output, preventing the drill string from re-binding between impacts
2Adaptability or versatility
If coiled tubing is used as drill string, then flexibility is improved, but shock wave transmission is dampened requiring stronger shock waves
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements continuous operation of multiple water hammer generators in sequence, ensuring that shock wave generation never ceases. The coordinated cycling of the poppet valve, inner sliding valve, and outer sliding valve creates an unbroken series of shock waves that continuously propagate through the coiled tubing, compensating for the damping effect of the flexible tubing and maintaining effective force transmission to the stuck section
Solution Approach 2:
By merging the output of three valve systems into a single tool assembly, the patent amplifies the shock wave force to overcome the dampening effect of coiled tubing. The constructive interference of waves from multiple sources creates peak amplitudes that are substantially higher than what any single valve could generate, ensuring sufficient force penetrates the flexible coiled tubing to free stuck equipment
3Stress or pressure
If subterranean pressure increases beyond 17,000 feet depth, then drilling capability is maintained, but binding of BHA or drill string increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies shock waves proactively to prevent binding before it occurs, or at the earliest signs of sticking. The continuous high-frequency shock wave generation creates periodic release of built-up friction and pressure between the drill string and wellbore, preventing the progressive binding that would otherwise occur at depths beyond 17,000 feet where subterranean pressure is significant
Solution Approach 2:
The coordinated periodic actuation of multiple valves generates shock waves at optimized frequencies that match the natural release cycles of bound drill string sections. This periodic impact rhythmically breaks the static friction bonds formed by high subterranean pressure, maintaining drill string mobility in deep well conditions where continuous binding would otherwise occur
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 tool continuously produces strong, long, and frequent shock waves, effectively addressing the binding issues in deep well operations by enhancing wave amplitude and frequency, improving the efficiency of drilling operations.
Implementation Method 1
When pressurized fluid flow is suddenly obstructed, e.g., by valve closure, the kinetic energy of the fluid causes the fluid to be compressed in the immediate vicinity of the obstruction. The local expansion of the fluid which follows the maximum compression appears as a reversely directed pressure or shock wave that then propagates through the fluid, as a series of high and low pressure zones. This phenomenon is commonly referred to as a water hammer
Implementation Method 2
Some of the shock waves generated by the two sliding valves and the lower flow regulator also combine with the fluid shock waves generated by the upper poppet valve resulting in constructive interference, and form waves with increased amplitude
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a fluid driven pulsating, hammering tool operational when pressurized fluid is pumped into the tool's upper sub, having a poppet valve which can seal the upper end of a slidable outer valve assembly when closed; an inner valve assembly slidable within the outer valve assembly; wherein the inner and outer valve assemblies remain in selective fluid communication with the poppet valve even when the poppet valve is closed, wherein interruption of said fluid communication occurs from movement of the inner and/or outer valve assemblies to particular positions along their sliding paths; and further including a lower valve which is preferably a Tesla valve having channels which are also in fluid communication with the poppet valve.