Rock Breaking Tools for Subterranean Debris Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional rock boring methods face challenges in efficiently removing rock debris from subterranean passageways due to larger particles slipping back down, forming cuttings beds, and reducing the pressure integrity of the strata, which hinders the removal process and increases the risk of stuck drill strings.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of rock breaking tools with adaptable apertures and motorized systems within conduit strings to break and reduce larger rock debris into smaller particles, enhancing the fluid slurry's ability to suspend and remove debris by increasing the frequency of impact and breakage, thereby improving the pressure integrity and removal efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional boring methods are used to remove rock debris, then the boring operation can proceed, but larger rock particles slip back down and form cuttings beds that reduce pressure integrity and hinder removal
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by introducing rock breaking tools with multiple apertures that divide and break large rock debris into smaller particles. The apertures create multiple breakage points simultaneously, segmenting the rock debris size distribution to prevent large particles from forming cuttings beds and compromising pressure integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary action by breaking rock debris into smaller particles before they can slip back down and form cuttings beds. The rock breaking tools are positioned to preemptively reduce particle size, preventing the harmful effect of large particles accumulating and reducing pressure integrity before it occurs.
2Productivity
If rock breaking tools with apertures are introduced to reduce particle size, then removal efficiency improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple functions into the conduit string by integrating rock breaking tools with apertures directly into the existing conduit system. This combination allows the conduit string to simultaneously serve as both the fluid circulation pathway and the rock breaking mechanism, reducing overall system complexity despite adding rock breaking capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The conduit string is designed with multi-functionality, serving both as the fluid circulation system and as the rock breaking apparatus. The apertures in the conduit string perform dual roles: allowing fluid passage while simultaneously creating rock breakage, thereby reducing the need for separate dedicated rock breaking equipment.
3Ease of manufacture
If larger rock particles are present in the passageway, then less rock breaking is needed, but they slip back down and form cuttings beds that trap drill strings
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by systematically altering the particle size parameter of rock debris through the apertures. By controlling the aperture dimensions and configuration, the system transforms the particle size distribution to ensure particles remain small enough to be suspended by fluid flow, preventing cuttings bed formation and maintaining drill string mobility.
4Productivity
If fluid slurry velocity is increased to prevent particle slippage, then removal efficiency improves, but pressure losses increase due to subterranean fractures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by reducing rock debris particle size before the debris enters the fracture zones. This pre-breakage ensures that even at lower velocities, the smaller particles remain suspended and do not settle in fractures, thereby reducing the pressure losses associated with high-velocity circulation through fractured formations.
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
This approach significantly increases the volume of usable, reduced particle size rock debris, improving the removal rate and pressure integrity, reducing the risk of debris accumulation and fracture initiation, and enhancing the overall efficiency of rock boring operations.
Implementation Method 1
The ability of the circulated fluid slurry to urge rock debris from the upper end of the passageway through subterranean strata
Implementation Method 2
circulating fluid slurry system and surface handling equipment used to remove rock debris from the subterranean passageway
Implementation Method 3
increasing the frequency of rock debris impact and breakage
Implementation Method 4
rock breaking tools within a conduit string, that can be used to circulate fluid slurry
Data Source
AI summary
A method for using or removing unused rock debris from a bored passageway through subterranean strata using at least one rock breaking apparatus engaged with a conduit string and placed within the subterranean passageway proximal region, using a member adapted to increase the volume of reduced particle size rock debris generated by increasing the frequency of impact and associated breakage of the rock debris inventory, per revolution of the conduit string and/or per volume of fluid slurry circulated. The used volume of rock debris inventory coats the unlined strata wall of said passageway to inhibit strata fracture initiation or propagation, and the unused rock debris inventory is urged from the passageway at an increased rate by the associated reduction in fluid slurry suspension or velocities needed to urge the rock debris through the unlined strata passageway of improved pressure integrity from inhibiting said initiation or propagation of strata fractures.