Removable Drill Bit Nozzle for LCM Circulation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current drill bit nozzles are insufficient for efficiently pumping heavy lost circulation materials (LCM) to cure fluid losses during drilling operations, leading to time and resource wastage, as they often require tripping out of the hole to adjust the nozzle or use excessive drilling fluid volumes.
Innovation Solution
A wellbore drill bit nozzle with a removable material that dissolves or erodes in contact with drilling fluid additives, allowing for adjustable flow dimensions without tripping the drill bit, enabling efficient circulation of LCM without the need for frequent nozzle adjustments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a traditional fixed nozzle is used in the drill bit, then the nozzle structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the nozzle cannot efficiently pump heavy lost circulation materials (LCM) and requires tripping out of the hole to adjust, leading to time and resource wastage
Solution Approach 1:
The nozzle incorporates a movable plug that can shift position within the nozzle body in response to changes in drilling fluid properties. This dynamic element allows the nozzle to adapt its flow characteristics without requiring complete nozzle replacement or tripping operations, thereby improving LCM pumping efficiency while maintaining reasonable structural complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The nozzle design allows for changing flow parameters by moving the plug to different positions, which alters the effective flow area and velocity characteristics. This enables the same nozzle structure to handle different LCM concentrations and viscosities efficiently without requiring multiple fixed nozzles or complex adjustment mechanisms
2Ease of operation
If the nozzle is made of removable material that dissolves or erodes, then the flow path can be adjusted in situ without tripping the drill bit, but the nozzle material selection and manufacturing become more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The nozzle utilizes materials with specific erosion or dissolution properties that allow controlled modification of the flow path geometry. By selecting materials that respond predictably to drilling fluid exposure, the system enables in-situ flow adjustment through material degradation rather than mechanical movement, simplifying operation while managing manufacturing complexity through material science
Solution Approach 2:
The nozzle employs a disposable or partially consumable material approach where the nozzle body or specific sections are designed to erode or dissolve under controlled conditions. This allows the flow path to be adjusted by material removal rather than mechanical means, making operation easier while the manufacturing complexity is offset by using relatively simple erosion-prone materials
3Reliability
If heavy LCM is pumped through a conventional nozzle, then the nozzle may become blocked or require frequent adjustments, but using a removable material nozzle allows continuous circulation without blocking
Solution Approach 1:
The removable material nozzle changes its flow parameters dynamically as the material erodes or dissolves in response to heavy LCM passage. This adaptive behavior prevents blocking by automatically adjusting the flow path geometry to accommodate varying LCM concentrations and viscosities, ensuring continuous circulation while minimizing drilling fluid losses
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
Enables efficient circulation of lost circulation materials by adjusting the nozzle's flow path in situ, reducing operational time and fluid usage while maintaining drilling efficiency without the need for frequent nozzle changes or tripping the drill bit.
Implementation Method 1
at least a portion of the nozzle including a removable material configured to dissolve or erode in contact with a drilling fluid additive
Implementation Method 2
at least a portion of the nozzle including a removable material configured to dissolve or erode in contact with a drilling fluid additive
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3A~3C
AI summary
A wellbore drill bit assembly includes a drill bit that includes a drilling fluid pathway that has an inlet fluidly connected to a drilling fluid entrance of the drill bit and an outlet fluidly connected to a drilling fluid exit of the drill bit; and a nozzle positioned in the drilling fluid pathway, where at least a portion of the nozzle includes a removable material configured to dissolve or erode in contact with a drilling fluid additive.