Steerable Boring Assembly Orientation Sleeve Precession
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current drilling systems face challenges in efficiently forming deviated wellbores in subterranean formations, as they often require complex setups and limited directional control, especially when transitioning between vertical and horizontal sections.
Innovation Solution
A steerable earth boring assembly comprising an annular collar, a drive shaft, a drill bit, and an orientation sleeve with a bore oblique to its axis, allowing for rotational coupling and independent orientation of the drive shaft, enabling precise directional control and formation of deviated wellbores by rotating the collar and orientation sleeve in synchronized or opposing directions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If rotary steerable systems are used to form deviated wellbores, then directional control is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into distinct functional segments: a collar that rotates with the drill string, an orientation sleeve that can rotate independently, and a drive shaft connecting them. This segmentation allows independent control of each component to achieve complex directional changes while maintaining manageable system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The orientation sleeve is designed to rotate dynamically during drilling operations, allowing the drive shaft to assume different orientations relative to the collar. This dynamic adjustment capability enables continuous directional control without requiring complex fixed-position mechanisms
2Adaptability or versatility
If mud motors with fixed or adjustable bent sub housings are used, then deviated wellbores can be formed, but adaptability is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The drive shaft is designed to dynamically change its orientation angle relative to the collar axis during rotation. The orientation sleeve enables the drive shaft to pivot between different angles, providing adaptability for various wellbore trajectories without requiring multiple fixed-angle motors
Solution Approach 2:
The single steerable assembly can perform multiple functions by adjusting the orientation sleeve rotation. The same basic structure can create different deviation angles and wellbore paths, replacing the need for multiple specialized motors with different fixed orientations
Data Source
AI summary
A steerable earth boring assembly which includes an annular collar and a drive shaft with a drill bit, where the shaft pivots with respect to the collar. An upper portion of the shaft inserts into an orientation sleeve which resides in the collar. An axial bore is obliquely formed through the sleeve, and in which the upper portion inserts. Rotating the sleeve causes precession of the upper portion, thereby pivoting the drill bit obliquely to the collar. Selective rotation of the sleeve orients the drill bit into a designated orientation for forming a deviated wellbore. Included in the assembly is a flow tube with an end in sealing contact with the drive shaft.