Pulsed Power Drill Bit Electrode Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrocrushing drill technologies 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, utilizing capacitors and diode-resistor sets to control voltage and current delivery, along with a drill pipe design for efficient current conduction and directional control through varying pulse repetition rates and energies across electrode sets.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If conventional electrocrushing drill technologies are used, then drilling capability is achieved, but energy transfer efficiency into rock substrates is poor due to impedance issues
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by varying the repetition rate and energy levels of pulsed electrical discharges to optimize energy transfer efficiency. The system adjusts these parameters dynamically to overcome impedance issues and enhance coupling between the power source and the rock substrate, thereby improving overall energy transfer efficiency during drilling operations.
2Ease of operation
If pulsed power systems with command charge switches are used, then directional control is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the drill bit into multiple electrode sets arranged in specific patterns, allowing independent control of each set through the command charge switch. This segmentation enables directional control by selectively activating different electrode sets, while the modular design helps manage system complexity through standardized components.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs dynamic control through the command charge switch, which can be fired at variable intervals to control the timing and sequence of electrical discharge to different electrode sets. This dynamic operation enables precise directional control of the drilling path by adjusting the temporal pattern of energy delivery to specific electrode configurations.
3Use of energy by moving object
If non-rotating drill bits are used, then energy transfer efficiency is enhanced, but debris management becomes more challenging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates pneumatic and hydraulic systems that generate controlled fluid flows around the non-rotating drill bit to facilitate debris removal. These fluid streams carry rock cuttings and debris away from the drilling site, enabling effective debris management while maintaining the energy transfer advantages of non-rotating electrode configurations.
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 into rock substrates, improves directional control during drilling, and effectively manages debris through controlled voltage and current delivery and directional electrode activation.
Implementation Method 1
utilizing an electric spark, or plasma, within a substrate to fracture the substrate
Implementation Method 2
utilizing an electric spark, or plasma, within a substrate to fracture the substrate
Implementation Method 3
utilizing capacitors and diode-resistor sets to control voltage and current delivery
Implementation Method 4
an electrical potential is impressed across the electrodes which contact the rock from a high voltage electrode to a ground electrode. At sufficiently high electric field, an arc or plasma is formed inside rock
Data Source
AI summary
Electrocrushing drill bits comprising one or more high voltage electrodes surrounded by a ground or current return structure, which can be a ring or a comprise rod shaped (i.e. cylindrical) 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. Also a method and apparatus for dividing a flow of drilling fluid both to sweep drilling debris and bubbles out of the drill bit and hole and to cool high power electrical components.