Steerable Drill Valve System for Trajectory Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing directional drilling systems face challenges in precisely controlling the trajectory of wellbores, leading to increased wear on drilling components and reduced efficiency due to unpredictable formation deviations and varying drilling forces.
Innovation Solution
A steerable system with a valve system that controls the delivery of actuating fluid to selectively actuated pads, allowing for precise steering by controlling the flow of pressurized fluid to specific angular positions, enabling both curved and straight trajectory drilling by automatically shutting off fluid flow when necessary.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a steerable system with selectively actuated pads is used to control wellbore trajectory, then directional drilling capability is improved, but device complexity increases due to the valve system required to control fluid delivery to individual pads
Solution Approach 1:
The steerable system is divided into multiple independent pads that can be selectively actuated. Each pad can be controlled individually through the valve system, allowing precise directional control by activating specific pads at specific angular positions around the drill bit circumference.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve system dynamically controls the delivery of pressurized actuating fluid to different pads based on the desired drilling trajectory. The system can switch between different pad configurations in real-time, enabling the drill bit to follow curved or straight paths as needed.
2Reliability
If pressurized actuating fluid is continuously delivered to pads for steering control, then directional control capability is maintained, but wear on drilling components increases due to constant fluid flow and pad actuation
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of continuous fluid delivery, the valve system provides periodic or intermittent actuation of pads only when directional adjustment is required. The system can switch between active steering mode and passive drilling mode, reducing wear during straight drilling segments while maintaining control capability when trajectory adjustment is needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve system extracts or removes the actuating fluid flow path to specific pads when steering is not required. By closing valve passages, the system prevents unnecessary fluid flow and pad actuation, thereby reducing wear on pads and associated components during periods when straight drilling is sufficient.
3Manufacturing precision
If the valve system controls fluid flow to specific pads at specific angular positions for curved trajectory drilling, then manufacturing precision of wellbore path is improved, but device complexity increases due to precise flow control requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The valve system acts as an intermediary between the pressurized fluid source and the individual pads. It provides precise control by opening or closing specific flow passages to deliver fluid to selected pads at controlled pressures, enabling accurate directional control without requiring complex modification of the drill bit or pad structures themselves.
4Productivity
If the valve system prevents exposure of pads to pressurized actuating fluid for straight trajectory drilling, then productivity is improved by reducing side forces, but directional control responsiveness may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The valve system enables rapid switching between active steering mode (fluid delivered to pads) and passive drilling mode (fluid flow prevented). This periodic action allows the system to maintain high productivity during straight drilling by preventing pad exposure to fluid, while preserving the ability to quickly resume directional control when trajectory adjustment is required.
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 reduces wear on drilling components and improves drilling efficiency by allowing precise control over wellbore trajectories, enhancing access to subterranean hydrocarbon reservoirs and reducing side forces during straight drilling.
Implementation Method 1
A valve system is positioned to control delivery of actuating fluid under pressure to individual pads
Implementation Method 2
A steerable system is designed with a plurality of pads which may be selectively actuated in a lateral direction to apply a side force with respect to the steerable system
Data Source
AI summary
A technique facilitates drilling of wellbores with a steerable system having a plurality of pads which may be selectively actuated in a lateral direction to apply a side force. Application of the side force is used to steer a drill bit. A valve system is positioned to control delivery of actuating fluid under pressure to individual pads in a manner that enables steering of the drill bit. The valve system allows drilling along a desired curve by controlling the flow of actuating fluid under pressure to specific steering pads at specific angular positions. The valve system also allows drilling along a desired trajectory by preventing exposure of the pads to the pressurized actuating fluid.