Rotational Vibration Absorber with Tangential Dampers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Hydrocarbon drilling operations face issues with undesirable effects such as reduced drill bit effectiveness, damage to bottom hole assembly (BHA) components, and interference in drilling parameter measurement due to torsional vibrations and rotational oscillations during directional drilling.
Innovation Solution
A vibration damping device is integrated into the BHA, comprising a body with lateral bores and an inertial mass, utilizing a damping cartridge and biasing means to convert vibration energy into heat through fluid flow and friction, thereby damping rotational vibrations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a vibration damping device is integrated into the BHA, then torsional vibrations are reduced and drilling system reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The damping cartridge is nested within the BHA assembly, with the inertial mass contained within the cartridge housing. The cap encloses the bore opening and defines a bore chamber that contains the inertial mass and biasing means. This nested configuration integrates the damping function into the existing BHA structure without requiring separate external components.
Solution Approach 2:
The damping device merges multiple functional elements into a single integrated cartridge: the inertial mass for vibration absorption, the biasing means for restoring force, the fluid medium for energy dissipation, and the cap for sealing and structural support. This combination reduces the number of separate components and simplifies installation while maintaining vibration damping effectiveness.
2Loss of energy
If an inertial mass is added to the damping device, then vibration energy conversion to heat is enhanced, but weight of the drilling system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The damping device utilizes a fluid medium (liquid or gas) contained within the bore chamber to facilitate energy dissipation. As the inertial mass moves in response to vibrations, it displaces the fluid, creating flow resistance that converts mechanical vibration energy into thermal energy through fluid friction and viscous heating. This hydraulic mechanism enhances energy conversion efficiency without requiring additional heavy structural components.
Solution Approach 2:
The effectiveness of vibration energy conversion is controlled by adjusting parameters such as the mass of the inertial element, the viscosity of the fluid medium, the volume of the bore chamber, and the stiffness of the biasing means. By optimizing these parameters, the device achieves effective energy dissipation while minimizing the weight penalty of the inertial mass.
3Reliability
If multiple lateral bores are included in the body, then vibration damping coverage is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The damping device is segmented into multiple identical or similar cartridges, each containing an inertial mass and biasing means within a standardized housing. Each cartridge can be manufactured independently using the same tooling and processes, then assembled into the BHA in a co-planar arrangement. This segmentation allows for modular manufacturing, quality control, and easier assembly while providing comprehensive vibration damping coverage through multiple distributed damping elements.
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 damping device effectively reduces torsional vibrations, enhancing the reliability of the drilling system by minimizing damage to BHA components and improving drilling parameter measurement accuracy.
Implementation Method 1
convert vibration energy into heat through fluid flow and friction
Implementation Method 2
convert vibration energy into heat through fluid flow and friction
Implementation Method 3
a first biasing means positioned between one end of the inertial mass and the lateral bore and a second biasing means positioned between another end of the inertial mass and the cap
Data Source
AI summary
A vibration damping device for use with a downhole tool having a tool axis may comprise a body coupled to a drill string component. The body may include a longitudinal bore therethrough and at least one lateral bore, the lateral bore having a bore opening and an end wall; an inertial mass slidably disposed in the lateral bore; and a cap mechanically coupled to the lateral bore. The lateral bore may be orthogonal to a radius of the body and may lie in a plane normal to the tool axis. The body may include a plurality of lateral bores, which may be in a co-planar arrangement. Each lateral bore may be blind hole positioned in the body so that it does not intersect the longitudinal bore or another lateral bore. A cap may enclose a lateral bore and fluid may be contained in the bore by the cap.