Rotary Steerable Drilling System with Bistable Actuators
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Rotary steerable drilling systems face high electrical power consumption due to traditional valve control mechanisms, necessitating the use of downhole generators or electromagnetically actuated valves, which are inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A rotary steerable drilling system with electrically controlled bistable actuators and a rechargeable battery powers the actuators, reducing power consumption and allowing for efficient steering and data transmission, incorporating a downhole drilling fluid motor for orientation and rotation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If traditional rotary control valves are used to control fluid supply to pistons, then steering control is achieved, but electrical power consumption is significant
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional rotary control valves with electrically controlled valves that use significantly less electrical power. The system substitutes mechanical valve actuation with electrical control mechanisms, achieving both reduced power consumption and maintained steering control capability through direct electrical actuation of the valves controlling fluid supply to the bias pads.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters of the valve control system by transitioning from mechanically actuated rotary valves to electrically controlled valves with bistable actuators. This parameter change reduces electrical power consumption while maintaining the ability to control fluid supply timing and pressure for effective steering control.
2Power
If downhole generators are used to provide necessary power levels, then power requirements are met, but system complexity and power efficiency deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the downhole generator component from the system by using a rechargeable battery as the power source. This extraction reduces system complexity while meeting power requirements through the battery's stored energy, which is recharged periodically through the drill string connection to the surface.
Solution Approach 2:
The rechargeable battery serves multiple functions: it provides power to the electrically controlled valves for steering, powers data transmission equipment, and can be recharged through the drill string. This multi-functionality replaces the single-purpose downhole generator while reducing overall system complexity.
3Use of energy by moving object
If electromagnetically actuated valves are used, then power consumption is reduced, but steering precision and reliability worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs bistable actuators that can be dynamically controlled to switch between two stable states (valve open/closed). This dynamic control mechanism ensures precise timing of fluid supply to the bias pads during housing rotation, maintaining steering precision while consuming minimal electrical power only during state transitions rather than continuous operation.
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
The system achieves efficient lateral force application for borehole steering with minimal electrical power usage, enabling prolonged operation and flexible power management through rechargeable batteries and wired drill pipe connections.
Implementation Method 1
a battery arranged to supply electrical power to the actuators
Implementation Method 2
a downhole drilling fluid operated motor, for example for driving the drill bit for rotation
Data Source
AI summary
A rotary steerable drilling system comprises a rotatable housing having a plurality of steering actuators mounted thereon and movable, individually, between retracted and extended positions, the actuators being electrically controlled, and a battery arranged to supply electrical power to the actuators.