Rotary Steerable Tool Testing Bench for Horizontal Drilling

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Solution Overview

Problem

There is a lack of a mature apparatus for testing the function and performance of push-the-bit rotary steerable tools in a horizontal or inclined state, as existing testing apparatuses are limited to vertical or fully-rotary configurations, failing to simulate horizontal or directional drilling states effectively.

Innovation Solution

An apparatus comprising a rotary steerable tool testing bench that simulates horizontal or inclined states, equipped with a testing assembly for high-precision measurement of pushing force and real-time force signal feedback, and a low-speed rotation driving control assembly to test the performance of push-the-bit rotary steerable tools, including a servo motor, worm and gear reducer, and toothed pulley system for accurate speed control.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If existing testing apparatuses are used for vertical or fully-rotary configurations, then testing can be performed in those specific states, but the apparatus cannot simulate horizontal or directional drilling states

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetesting state adaptabilityVSAvoidapparatus structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The testing apparatus employs a movable testing bench that can be adjusted between vertical and horizontal positions, allowing the system to dynamically adapt to different drilling states. This dynamic positioning capability enables testing of rotary steerable tools in both vertical and horizontal/inclined states without requiring multiple fixed apparatuses.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The testing apparatus is designed with universal functionality to test both push-the-bit and fully-rotary steerable tools in multiple drilling states (vertical, horizontal, and inclined). The system integrates multiple testing capabilities including pushing force measurement, rotation speed control, and directional drilling simulation into a single multi-functional platform.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If push-the-bit steerable tools are tested in horizontal or inclined states, then realistic drilling performance can be evaluated, but existing apparatuses lack the capability to simulate these states

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetesting accuracyVSAvoiddrilling state simulation capability
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The testing bench is designed with movable and adjustable components that can be positioned at various angles to simulate different drilling states. The bench can be tilted to create inclined states and positioned horizontally, enabling accurate simulation of real drilling conditions for reliable performance evaluation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The testing apparatus introduces an intermediary testing bench structure that mediates between the tool being tested and the measurement systems. This bench serves as a platform that can be configured in different states (vertical, horizontal, inclined) to accurately represent actual drilling conditions while allowing instrumentation to measure tool performance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Measurement precision

If high-precision measurement of pushing force is implemented, then accurate performance data is obtained, but the measurement system becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepushing force measurement precisionVSAvoidmeasurement system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The measurement system extracts and isolates the pushing force measurement function using dedicated force sensors positioned at specific locations. By separating the measurement function from the structural components, the system achieves high measurement precision while maintaining clear functional boundaries that simplify overall system understanding.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements real-time feedback of force measurement data through signal acquisition and processing systems. The force sensors continuously monitor pushing forces on the ribs, and the data is fed back to the control system for analysis, enabling accurate performance evaluation with automated monitoring and recording capabilities.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

4Manufacturing precision

If low-speed rotation control is implemented for non-rotary steering sleeve testing, then precise force vector following can be tested, but the control system becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverotation speed control precisionVSAvoidcontrol system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The control system introduces an intermediary low-speed rotation driving assembly that mediates between the power source and the non-rotary steering sleeve. This intermediate mechanism provides precise speed control and torque management, enabling accurate testing of force vector following at low rotation speeds while isolating the complexity of control from the basic rotation function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS10436009B2Apparatus for testing the function and performance of a rotary steerable tool in a horizontal or inclined state
Publication Date: 2019.10.08 INSTITUTE OF GEOLOGY AND GEOPHYSICS CHINESE ACADEMY OF SCIENCES
  • US10436009B2 patent drawing
  • US10436009B2 patent drawing
  • US10436009B2 patent drawing

AI summary

The present invention relates to the technical field of rotary steerable drilling, particularly to an apparatus for testing the function and performance of a rotary steerable tool in a horizontal or inclined state. The apparatus comprises a rotary steerable tool testing bench configured to provide a horizontal state and an inclined state for a rotary steerable tool so as to simulate a horizontal drilling state or a directional drilling state on the ground; and a rotary steerable tool function and performance testing unit disposed on the rotary steerable tool testing bench to test the function and performance of the rotary steerable tool in the horizontal drilling state or the directional drilling state. The apparatus in the present invention can test the function and performance of a push-the-bit rotary steerable tool under horizontal and inclined conditions on the ground in a lab.