Smart Check Valve for Drilling Mud Pressure Stabilization

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

During drilling operations, the inertial effects of mud viscosity in the wellbore can lead to well control issues such as surging and swabbing, causing formation fracturing, lost circulation, and potential kicks due to changes in wellbore pressure and hydrostatic pressure reduction.

Innovation Solution

A system comprising a drill string with a near bit sub and a smart multi-directional two-way check valve, controlled by a controller, which applies suction or discharge flow to counteract the inertial effects of mud viscosity, thereby managing surging and swabbing effects during tripping phases.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If the drill string is pulled quickly during tripping, then equipment breakage and loss are prevented, but swab pressures increase which can induce kicks and well control issues

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetripping speedVSAvoidswab pressures

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system applies preliminary anti-action by using the smart check valve to generate counter-pressure (discharge flow) before swab pressures can significantly increase during quick tripping operations. The valve detects pressure changes and actively compensates by discharging mud into the annulus, preventing the harmful pressure drop that would normally occur during rapid drill string withdrawal.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

Solution Approach 2:

The smart check valve incorporates feedback mechanisms that continuously monitor wellbore pressure conditions and automatically adjust valve operation accordingly. When pressure sensors detect conditions indicating potential swabbing, the valve responds by modulating discharge flow to maintain pressure balance, enabling safe high-speed tripping operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Productivity

If the drill string is lowered into the well, then drilling operations continue, but surge pressures increase causing formation fracturing and lost circulation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedrilling continuityVSAvoidsurge pressures

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The smart check valve applies preliminary anti-action by detecting early signs of surge pressure buildup during drill string descent and actively counteracting by controlling mud flow through the valve. The system prevents surge pressures from reaching levels that would cause formation fracturing, allowing continuous drilling operations without interruptions for pressure management.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

Solution Approach 2:

The valve system uses feedback from pressure sensors to monitor wellbore conditions during drilling and tripping operations. When surge pressures are detected, the controller automatically adjusts valve opening to regulate mud flow and maintain pressure within safe limits, preventing formation damage while maintaining drilling productivity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Loss of substance

If the hydrostatic pressure is reduced through loss of drilling fluid to the formation, then the mud column height is shortened, but this decreases pressure on the bottom initiating a kick

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedrilling fluid lossVSAvoidkick risk

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of substanceVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The smart check valve system continuously monitors pressure and flow conditions to detect early signs of drilling fluid loss to formation. When fluid loss is detected, the valve automatically adjusts to maintain hydrostatic pressure balance, preventing the pressure reduction that would normally lead to kicks. This feedback control allows the system to respond dynamically to formation interactions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

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 effectively stabilizes wellbore pressure, preventing formation fracturing and lost circulation, and maintaining efficient drilling operations by actively managing mud viscosity inertial effects through controlled suction or discharge flows.

Implementation Method 1

Inertial effects of the mud viscosity in the wellbore are created by the surging and swabbing

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectInertial effects: Inertia

Implementation Method 2

Mud viscosity describes the resistance of flow for the substance

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectViscosity:

Implementation Method 3

The reduction of hydrostatic pressure through loss of drilling fluid to the formation

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHydrostatic pressure: Pressure Gradient

Data Source

PatentUS11982142B2Method and apparatus of smart pressures equalizer near bit sub

Publication Date: 2024.05.14 SAUDI ARABIAN OIL CO

AI summary

A system for well control during tripping phases in drilling operations in a wellbore, the system comprising: a drill string extending from an entry of the wellbore to a drill bit at a distal end of the drill string within the wellbore; a near bit sub mounted along the drill string adjacent to the drill bit; a first smart multi-directional two-way check valve mounted along the drill string adjacent to the near bit sub; and a controller configured to operate the valve. The controller controls the valve to apply suction or discharge flow to the near bit sub to counter inertial effects of drilling mud viscosity within the wellbore.