Pulsed Power Drill Bit with Conducting Loop for Formation Evaluation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current electrocrushing drills face challenges in efficiently transferring energy into rock substrates due to impedance issues and require improved methods for directional control and debris management during drilling.
Innovation Solution
The development of a pulsed power system with a command charge switch and non-rotating drill bits that utilize capacitors and high-voltage electrodes, along with a drill pipe design for efficient current conduction and directional control, and a method for imaging the formation ahead of the drill bit using a conducting loop to generate a pulsed magnetic field.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If conventional electrocrushing drills are used, then rock fracturing can be achieved, but energy transfer efficiency is poor due to impedance issues
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the electrical parameters of the drilling system. It uses pulsed power delivery with variable frequency and amplitude to optimize energy transfer, changes the dielectric properties of the formation through fluid injection, and adjusts the electrode geometry and spacing to minimize impedance and maximize coupling efficiency between the power source and the rock substrate.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary substance (dielectric fluid) between the electrodes and the rock formation. This fluid acts as a mediator to improve electrical coupling, reduce impedance losses, and enhance energy transfer efficiency. The fluid fills the gaps and provides a controlled electrical pathway that reduces direct impedance issues between the power delivery system and the target formation.
2Manufacturing precision
If traditional drilling methods are used, then hole creation is possible, but directional control is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms through downhole sensors that monitor the drilling process in real-time. These sensors detect parameters such as electrical resistance, fluid flow, and drill bit position, and feed this information back to the surface control system. The feedback enables dynamic adjustment of power delivery parameters and drilling direction to achieve precise control and maintain the desired trajectory.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies dynamics by making the drilling system adjustable and adaptive. It uses variable frequency and amplitude pulsed power delivery that can be dynamically changed based on real-time conditions, and employs movable or adjustable electrode configurations that can be repositioned to steer the drill bit and control the direction of hole creation.
3Productivity
If electrocrushing drilling is performed, then rock can be fractured, but debris management becomes problematic
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses hydraulic principles by injecting dielectric fluid into the formation during drilling. This fluid serves multiple functions: it cools the electrodes and drill bit, carries debris away from the drilling zone, maintains electrical insulation, and controls the electrical field distribution. The fluid flow system effectively manages debris by transporting it out of the hole or stabilizing it in the formation.
Solution Approach 2:
The dielectric fluid acts as an intermediary substance that facilitates debris management. It separates and transports rock debris from the drilling zone, provides a medium for electrical energy transfer, and serves as a cooling agent. The fluid's dielectric properties allow it to work with the electrical components while its fluidity enables effective debris removal.
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
Enhances energy transfer efficiency, improves directional control during drilling, and effectively manages debris, leading to faster and more precise rock fracturing and hole creation.
Implementation Method 1
utilizes an electric spark, or plasma, within a substrate to fracture the substrate
Implementation Method 2
utilizes an electric spark, or plasma, within a substrate to fracture the substrate
Implementation Method 3
imaging the formation ahead of the drill bit using a conducting loop to generate a pulsed magnetic field
Data Source
AI summary
Electrocrushing drills and methods for operating electrocrushing drills. Electrocrushing drill bits comprise one or more high voltage electrodes surrounded by a ground or current return structure, which can be a ring or a comprise rod shaped electrodes. Openings in the rim of the current return structure facilitate removal of drilling debris and bubbles created by the electrocrushing process out from the bottom face of the bit and up the wellbore. The high voltage electrodes can be arranged in a circle. The current return structure may partially cover the bottom face of the drill bit, thereby enclosing the high voltage electrodes in openings that may be sector shaped. The drill may comprise one or more conducting loops, in each of which pulsed current creates a pulsed magnetic field. The loops can be oriented in particular directions to provide a pulsed magnetic field with the desired configuration and orientation in space. The formation ahead of the drill can then be evaluated with the appropriate sensors.