Shock Absorbing UBHO Sub Assembly for MWD Vibration Protection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing subterranean drilling technologies fail to effectively protect Measurement-While-Drilling (MWD) equipment from axial and lateral shock and vibration during horizontal drilling, leading to potential damage and increased maintenance costs, while also complicating the steering of well paths due to the need for longer shock subs that move sensors further from the bit.
Innovation Solution
A shock absorbing Universal Bore Hole Orientation (UBHO) sub with a shock sleeve and springs that dampen vibrations, combined with a customized mud pulse transmitter valve and optional mud filter, maintains the MWD system's proximity to the bit and provides axial and lateral shock protection, ensuring effective telemetry and reducing the risk of damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If axial excitation tools are used to reduce torque and drag in horizontal drilling, then drilling efficiency is improved, but MWD systems suffer damage from shock and vibration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies beforehand cushioning by installing shock-absorbing elements (elastomeric material and spring mechanism) within the UBHO sub assembly before the MWD system is exposed to axial excitation during horizontal drilling. These pre-installed cushioning elements absorb shock and vibration generated by axial excitation tools, protecting the MWD system while allowing drilling efficiency to improve.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses an intermediary approach by introducing a shock-absorbing UBHO sub assembly that acts as a mediator between the axial excitation tools and the MWD system. The elastomeric material and spring mechanism within the UBHO sub serve as intermediary elements that isolate the MWD system from harmful vibrations while transmitting necessary operational forces.
2Reliability
If longer shock subs are used to protect MWD systems, then shock protection is improved, but steering capability deteriorates due to increased distance from the bit
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the shock protection function with the existing UBHO sub assembly by integrating elastomeric material and spring mechanisms into the standard UBHO sub design. This combination allows the same component to provide both orientation functionality and shock protection, eliminating the need for longer shock subs that would compromise steering capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs flexible shells and thin films by using elastomeric material as a shock-absorbing element within the UBHO sub assembly. The elastomeric material provides flexible shock protection that absorbs vibrations while maintaining a compact profile, avoiding the need for extended sub lengths that would interfere with steering operations.
3Loss of information
If mud pulse transmitter valve is added to UBHO sub, then telemetry capability is improved, but susceptibility to mud debris obstruction increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses an intermediary approach by introducing a mud filter screen as a mediator between the drilling fluid and the mud pulse transmitter valve. The filter screen captures mud debris before it reaches the valve, allowing telemetry capability to function reliably while protecting against obstruction from harmful particles.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary action by filtering mud debris through a screen before the debris can reach and obstruct the mud pulse transmitter valve. This preliminary filtration action prevents potential problems before they occur, ensuring continuous telemetry operation during drilling.
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 shock absorbing UBHO sub effectively reduces axial and lateral shocks, protecting MWD systems and maintaining their proximity to the bit, while the optional mud filter enhances drilling fluid clarity, reducing the risk of obstruction and improving drilling efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
upper and lower compression springs that engage in reciprocating compression and release so as to allow the shock sleeve dampened reciprocating displacement
Implementation Method 2
helical lower shock spring interposed between the first end of the shock sleeve and the second end of the UBHO sleeve such that the shock sleeve is in compression spring bias
Implementation Method 3
An optional mud filter received over the shock sleeve removes particulate matter from drilling fluid before it encounters the shock sleeve
Data Source
AI summary
A shock sleeve is positioned above a UBHO sleeve, and both are received inside a substantially tubular sub collar. The shock sleeve is free to reciprocate with respect to the UBHO sleeve and sub collar. A mud pulse transmitter valve is received into the shock sleeve. The shock sleeve is interposed between upper and lower shock springs, which provide compensating compression spring bias to dampen the transmitter valve (as received in the shock sleeve) from vibration or shock forces experienced by the sub collar. At least one shock absorbing compression ring interposed between mating portions of the shock sleeve and transmitter valve also dampens the transmitter valve against vibration or shock. An optional mud filter received over the shock sleeve removes particulate matter from drilling fluid before it encounters the shock sleeve.