Three-Axis Vibratory Tool for Downhole Friction Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing downhole vibratory tools are limited in their ability to reduce frictional forces along the drill string, leading to increased drilling time and costs due to reduced weight on the drill bit and high pressure drop across the tool.
Innovation Solution
A three-axial vibratory tool that uses shock pressure changes from variable fluid flow through opening and closing valves to create z-axis vibrations, and an internal eccentric mass to generate x- and y-axis vibrations, thereby reducing friction and enhancing weight transfer to the drill bit.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If existing vibratory tools are used to reduce frictional forces, then drilling time is reduced, but pressure drop across the tool increases excessively
Solution Approach 1:
The tool segments the vibration generation into three independent axes (x, y, z) with separate mechanisms: axial vibration from valve-induced pressure changes, and lateral vibrations from an eccentric mass rotated by the motor. This segmentation allows optimized control of each vibration component to reduce friction effectively while minimizing overall energy loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The tool employs dynamic control of vibration characteristics through variable frequency operation and adjustable eccentric mass positioning. The motor speed can be varied to change vibration frequency, and the eccentric mass can be repositioned to adjust vibration amplitude, allowing optimization of friction reduction while minimizing pressure drop at different drilling conditions.
2Force
If vibratory tools are placed on the drill string to reduce friction, then weight on drill bit is improved, but the tools have limited range of motion and interfere with monitoring equipment
Solution Approach 1:
The tool generates vibrations in three spatial dimensions (x, y, z axes) simultaneously. The axial vibration (z-axis) directly affects weight on bit, while lateral vibrations (x and y axes) from the eccentric mass provide additional friction reduction capability and help navigate complex wellbore geometries, expanding the operational range beyond single-axis tools.
Solution Approach 2:
The tool combines multiple functions in a single device: friction reduction through three-axis vibration, weight transfer enhancement to the drill bit, and compatibility with monitoring equipment through strategic placement and vibration control. The motor-driven eccentric mass system provides universal applicability across different drilling scenarios including horizontal and angled wellbores.
3Productivity
If existing vibratory tools are used to reduce friction, then drilling speed is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The tool merges the functions of axial vibration generation (through valve-controlled pressure changes) and lateral vibration generation (through motor-driven eccentric mass) into a single integrated device. This consolidation achieves three-axis vibration capability while avoiding the complexity of multiple separate vibration generators, maintaining relatively simple construction for the enhanced functionality.
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 tool effectively reduces friction between the drill string and the formation, increases drilling speed, and minimizes pressure drop across the tool, leading to faster target depth reach and reduced drilling costs.
Implementation Method 1
a rotor-stator assembly that derives its power from drilling fluid or any other suitable fluid forced along the assembly causing the rotor to rotate within the stator
Implementation Method 2
the tool is vibrated through shock pressure changes caused by variable fluid flow through opening and closing valves
Implementation Method 3
an internal eccentric mass is rotated accelerating the tool along those axes as the mass rotates
Implementation Method 4
causing vibrations in three axes to help overcome static and dynamic friction
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a downhole vibrating tool comprising an interconnected power section, axial shock assembly and lateral vibration assembly wherein the power section comprising a rotor and a stator, the rotor comprising a plurality of lobes and the stator comprising a second plurality of recesses adapted to receive the plurality of lobes, the number of recesses greater than the number of lobes; the axial shock assembly comprising a valve assembly, the axial shock assembly adapted to vary fluid flow therethrough; and the lateral vibration assembly comprising an eccentric mass; wherein the power section, the axial shock assembly and the lateral vibration assembly are aligned linearly.