Tunable Pressure Pulse Downhole Vibration Tool

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional downhole vibration tools are limited in creating controlled, tunable pressure pulses, relying on fixed tool design and downstream pressure, which restricts the magnitude and frequency of vibrations, especially in low downstream pressure conditions.

Innovation Solution

A downhole vibration tool that modifies drilling fluid pressure by controllably restricting fluid flow through fixed or variable fluid restrictors and venting, allowing operators to dictate pulse amplitude and frequency without altering fluid flow rate or relying on downstream pressures.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If conventional vibration tools use fixed tool design and downstream pressure to create pressure pulses, then the tool structure is simple, but the magnitude and frequency of vibrations are limited and not tunable

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetunability of pressure pulse magnitude and frequencyVSAvoidtool design complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by making the fluid restriction and venting mechanisms adjustable rather than fixed. The fluid restrictor can be varied to change flow restriction, and the venting valve can be opened/closed at controlled rates, enabling operators to tune pressure pulse magnitude and frequency dynamically while maintaining a relatively simple overall tool structure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes physical parameters of fluid flow (flow rate restriction, venting rate, venting timing) to achieve tunable pressure pulses. By adjusting these parameters independently of downstream pressure, the tool can adapt to different drilling conditions and applications, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and device complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If conventional tools rely on downstream pressure losses to create vibrations, then the tool design is simple, but the vibrations are insufficient where downstream pressure is low

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevibration effectiveness in low downstream pressure conditionsVSAvoiddependence on downstream pressure conditions

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the vibration creation mechanism from dependence on downstream pressure by introducing upstream fluid restriction and controlled venting. This creates pressure pulses that are independent of downstream pressure conditions, ensuring reliable vibration effectiveness whether downstream pressure is high or low

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces fluid restriction and venting mechanisms as intermediary elements between the fluid supply and the drill string. These intermediaries create pressure pulses through controlled fluid management rather than relying on downstream pressure losses, enabling consistent vibration performance across varying downstream pressure conditions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Stress or pressure

If vibration tools modify fluid flow rate to create pressure pulses, then the pressure pulse magnitude can be increased, but the fluid flow rate to the drilling bit is altered

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepressure pulse magnitudeVSAvoidfluid flow rate to drilling bit

Core Design Contradiction:

Stress or pressureVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the fluid flow path into three distinct zones: (1) upstream restriction zone where pressure is built up, (2) venting zone where controlled pressure release occurs, and (3) downstream zone where fluid continues to the drill bit at normal flow rate. This segmentation allows pressure pulse generation without affecting the overall fluid flow rate to the drilling bit

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses periodic venting action to create pressure pulses. The venting valve opens and closes periodically to release built-up pressure in cycles, generating pressure pulses that vibrate the drill string while the overall fluid flow rate remains constant because the venting is periodic rather than continuous

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

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

Enables the creation of high-magnitude, tunable pressure pulses with adjustable frequency and intensity, enhancing drilling efficiency by maintaining constant fluid flow rate and independent of downstream pressures, suitable for various drilling applications.

Implementation Method 1

restricting the velocity of un-vented drilling fluid flowing through the tool

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPressure drop: Pressure Drop

Implementation Method 2

venting of drilling fluid from the tool to the annulus

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPressure release: Depressurisation

Implementation Method 3

impart a vibration or movement to the drill string

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectVibration: Vibration

Data Source

PatentUS10465464B2Apparatus and method for creating tunable pressure pulse

Publication Date: 2019.11.05 ANDERSON CHARLES ABERNETHY

AI summary

Embodiments disclosed herein relate to downhole tools capable of creating a vibration, and more particularly to methods and apparatus for creating tunable pressure pulses for imparting vibration to a downhole drill string.