Shock Wave Reflector for Electro-Hydraulic Drilling
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Solution Overview
Problem
In electro-hydraulic drilling, a significant number of electrical sparks form only in the fluid rather than extending into the rock body, resulting in less efficient compression waves for rock destruction, whereas tension waves are more effective for breaking up rock.
Innovation Solution
A system with two electrodes and a shock wave reflector at the drill head that forms a spark and passes a pulse of electricity to create a primary shock wave, which is then reflected and concentrated to a focal region within the rock body, converting the wave from compression to tension for enhanced rock destruction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If electrical sparks are formed in the fluid, then shock waves can be generated, but the shock waves are compression waves which are less efficient at breaking up rock
Solution Approach 1:
A reflector is introduced as an intermediary component between the spark source and the rock body. The reflector intercepts compression waves generated in the fluid and redirects them toward the rock, converting them into tension waves that are more effective at rock fragmentation. This mediator transforms the nature of the shock wave action without changing the spark generation process.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the wave type parameter from compression wave to tension wave by using the reflector. This parameter change fundamentally alters the mechanism of rock destruction, as tension waves are significantly more effective at causing rock fracture and fragmentation compared to compression waves.
2Productivity
If sparks are formed primarily in the fluid, then the drilling process can continue, but the destruction rate across the rock-fluid interface is uneven
Solution Approach 1:
The reflector creates a localized concentration of shock wave energy at the rock-fluid interface. By directing reflected waves specifically toward this region, the system achieves more uniform energy distribution and rock destruction across the interface, while maintaining continuous drilling operation elsewhere.
3Productivity
If tension waves are used for rock destruction, then drilling efficiency increases, but the waves must be converted from compression waves
Solution Approach 1:
The reflector serves as a passive intermediary that automatically converts compression waves to tension waves through geometric reflection. This passive conversion mechanism avoids the need for active wave conversion devices, maintaining relatively simple system architecture while achieving the desired wave type transformation.
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 conversion of shock waves to tension waves within the rock body increases drilling efficiency by utilizing the rock's weaker response to tension waves, leading to more effective rock destruction and a more even destruction rate across the rock-fluid interface.
Implementation Method 1
an electrical spark is typically created between electrodes at a drill head. A pulse of electricity at high peak power is then passed through the spark. This forms a rapidly expanding plasma that creates a shock wave.
Implementation Method 2
This forms a rapidly expanding plasma that creates a shock wave. These shock waves can be so powerful they can crush rock.
Implementation Method 3
The shock wave reflector is configured to reflect a portion of the primary shock wave that emanated from the spark path such that the reflected shock wave is concentrated to a focal region within the rock body.
Implementation Method 4
reflect a portion of the primary shock wave such that the reflected shock wave is concentrated to a focal region
Implementation Method 5
The reflected shock wave is converted from a compression wave to a tension wave when the reflected shock wave propagates beyond the focal region.
Data Source
AI summary
Shock waves produced during electro-hydraulic drilling can be reflected into a rock body where the reflected shock waves are converted from compression waves to tension waves, which are more efficient at breaking down the rock body. A system configured for electro-hydraulic drilling where shock waves produced during drilling are reflected into the rock body includes two electrodes and a shock wave reflector disposed at an electro-hydraulic drill head. The two electrodes are configured to (1) facilitate formation of a spark along a spark path spanning the two electrodes and (2) facilitate a pulse of electricity being passed through the spark to form a primary shock wave emanating from the spark path. The shock wave reflector is configured to reflect a portion of the primary shock wave such that the reflected shock wave is concentrated to a focal region within the rock body.