Reverse Circulation Drill Channelling Device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Reverse circulation down-hole drills face challenges in effectively channeling solids and fluids, particularly in directing exhaust fluid to entrain and collect particles efficiently, which affects the collection of cuttings and debris during the drilling process.
Innovation Solution
A device with a casing and piston system that includes a material transport passage and a fluid passage to control the flow between the drive and valve chambers, allowing for the displacement of the valve between closed and open positions to facilitate the movement of solids and fluids, ensuring efficient collection of solids and fluid management within the drill.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a central throughbore is used to channel solids and fluids, then the structure is simple, but the efficiency of particle entrainment and collection is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The central throughbore is segmented into multiple sections with different functions: an upper section for fluid flow and particle entrainment, and a lower section for particle collection. This segmentation allows the single structure to perform multiple functions efficiently, resolving the contradiction between structural simplicity and collection efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention adds radial dimensionality to the throughbore by incorporating radial flow passages that extend from the central axis outward. This transforms the purely axial flow path into a multi-dimensional flow pattern, enhancing particle entrainment efficiency while maintaining the overall simplicity of the central throughbore structure.
2Length of stationary object
If exhaust fluid is directed downwardly and outwardly around the bit perimeter, then fluid flow path is extended, but particle entrainment efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of directing exhaust fluid purely outwardly away from the bit, the invention inverts part of the flow direction by introducing radial flow passages that direct fluid inwardly toward the central axis after the outward flow. This creates a recirculating flow pattern that enhances particle entrainment by exposing particles to multiple flow directions, resolving the contradiction between extended flow path and entrainment efficiency.
3Power
If fluid is directed to reciprocate the piston, then drilling action is achieved, but fluid leakage between piston and casing reduces efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The invention introduces an intermediary sealing mechanism in the form of a piston seal that interfaces between the piston and casing. This seal acts as an intermediary element that prevents direct fluid leakage while allowing the piston to reciprocate freely, thus maintaining drilling power while reducing energy loss from fluid leakage.
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 the collection of solids and fluids by providing a dedicated path for solid transport and fluid management, improving the efficiency of cuttings collection and reducing fluid leakage, thus optimizing the drilling process.
Implementation Method 1
the body fluid passage is configured to direct fluid from the drive chamber to the valve chamber such that the valve is displaced toward the closed position
Implementation Method 2
direct fluid from the valve chamber to one of the drive chamber and the piston bore to at least facilitate movement of the valve toward the open position
Implementation Method 3
solid particles (e.g., rock bits, soil, etc.) are entrained in the fluid flow, and are subsequently carried with the fluid flow as the flow enters a port(s) in the bit face
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
A device is for channeling solids and fluids within a reverse circulating, fluid operated drill (1) that has first and second ends (1a, 1b), an axis extending between the ends, a casing (2) and a piston (3). The casing (2) has a bore (2a) extending between the drill ends and drive (Cd) and valve (Cv) chambers defined within the bore, the piston being movably disposed within the bore. The channeling device includes an elongated body (12) disposeable within the casing bore so as to extend along the casing axis and through the piston. The body has a longitudinal axis, a first end (12a) locatable proximal to the drill first end, and a second end (12b) spaced from the first end and locatable proximal to the drill second end. A material transport passages (14) extends axially between the two body ends and provides a path for moving solid materials through the drill. A fluid passage (24) is configured to couple the valve and drive chambers.