Tri-Axial Shock Absorber Sub for Tunable Drillstring Vibration Damping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing drillstring vibration dampening tools are not effective in reducing vibrations in all dimensions and are not readily tunable to address the specific vibration modes of a particular drilling operation, leading to accelerated fatigue and sub-optimum drill rates.
Innovation Solution
A tri-axial shock absorbing sub with a tubular main stem and integrated axial, torsional, and lateral shock absorbing assemblies, utilizing spring systems and hydraulic dampening mechanisms to absorb vibrations in multiple directions, with tunable spring constants to match specific drilling conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If existing drillstring vibration dampening tools are used, then some vibration reduction is achieved, but they are not effective in reducing vibrations in all dimensions and are not readily tunable to address specific vibration modes
Solution Approach 1:
The shock absorbing sub is divided into three independent shock absorbing assemblies, each designed to address vibrations in a specific dimension (axial, lateral, and torsional). Each assembly contains its own spring system and damping mechanism, allowing them to function independently while collectively providing comprehensive multi-dimensional vibration protection.
Solution Approach 2:
The shock absorbing sub integrates multiple shock absorbing assemblies into a single device that can simultaneously dampen vibrations in all three principal dimensions. The device serves multiple functions (axial damping, lateral damping, torsional damping) within one unified structure, making it universally applicable to various vibration modes encountered in drilling operations.
2Adaptability or versatility
If traditional single-dimension dampening tools are used, then device complexity is low, but they cannot effectively reduce vibrations in multiple dimensions simultaneously
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines three separate shock absorbing assemblies (axial, lateral, and torsional) into a single integrated shock absorbing sub. The assemblies are positioned concentrically within the drillstring, with each assembly targeting a specific vibration dimension. This merging approach provides comprehensive multi-dimensional vibration protection while maintaining a compact, space-efficient design suitable for downhole deployment.
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
Effectively dampens vibrations across multiple axes, reducing drillstring fatigue and improving drilling efficiency by tailoring the shock absorbing sub to the specific vibration frequencies encountered during drilling operations.
Implementation Method 1
A spring system is positioned to resist movement of the reaction collars away from the activator ring, whereby lateral movement of the main stem causes the wedge inserts to move the reaction collars against the spring system.
Implementation Method 2
A spring system configured to resist axial movement of the load collar relative to the sub housing
Implementation Method 3
A spring system positioned to resist movement of the first and second helix sleeves away from one another; whereby rotational movement of the main stem causes the first and second helical cam surfaces to move (i) the first and second helix sleeves apart, and (ii) at least one of the first or second helix sleeves into engagement with the spring system.
Data Source
AI summary
A downhole shock absorbing sub which includes a tubular main stem extending through a sub housing and a lateral shock absorbing assembly positioned within the sub housing. The lateral shock absorbing assembly includes an activator ring positioned around the main stem, the activator ring including a plurality of wedge inserts positioned around a perimeter of the activator ring. A reaction collar is positioned on each side of the activator ring with the reaction collars including ramp surfaces engaged by the wedge inserts. A spring system is positioned to resist movement of the reaction collars away from the activator ring, whereby lateral movement of the main stem causes the wedge inserts to move the reaction collars against the spring system.