Upper Head Assembly Fluid Bypass for Faster Core Barrel Descent
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current core barrel systems face delays in lowering the inner tube assembly due to fluid resistance, which restricts the flow of fluids and increases the time required to reach the bottom of the well during the drilling process.
Innovation Solution
The upper inner tube head assembly incorporates a fluid control system with a main body, valve component, and support component that allows for increased fluid flow through a rapid lowering area, enhancing the area of fluid passage and reducing resistance by allowing fluid flow when the valve component is not in contact with the support component, thus facilitating faster lowering.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the inner tube assembly uses a conventional fluid bypass channel with a ball valve and bushing, then the fluid flow can be controlled, but the minimum inside diameter of the bushing restricts the fluid flow and increases the lowering time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the restrictive bushing component from the fluid bypass channel design. By eliminating the bushing that previously constrained the ball valve diameter, the system allows for a larger diameter ball valve (0.870") compared to the bushing inside diameter (0.850"), thereby increasing fluid flow capacity and reducing lowering time while maintaining reliable fluid flow control through the ball valve mechanism
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the critical dimension parameter by increasing the ball valve diameter relative to the bushing inside diameter. This parameter change allows the ball valve to provide adequate sealing and control function while permitting greater fluid flow through the bypass channel, thus resolving the contradiction between flow control reliability and lowering speed
2Productivity
If the inner tube assembly is lowered through fluid-filled drilling pipe, then the core sample can be extracted, but the fluid resistance generates pressure that slows down the lowering process
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes hydraulic principles by designing an optimized fluid bypass channel that leverages fluid pressure to accelerate the lowering process. The enlarged ball valve diameter and removed bushing restriction allow fluid pressure to more effectively drive the ball valve through the channel, converting hydraulic pressure into mechanical motion that speeds up lowering while maintaining the ability to extract core samples efficiently
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
This design significantly reduces the lowering time of the inner tube assembly by increasing fluid flow rates and minimizing resistance, enabling more agile and efficient extraction of core samples without delays caused by fluid pressure.
Implementation Method 1
a ball valve, a bushing through which the ball valve can be forced by fluid pressure action
Data Source
AI summary
The upper head assembly includes a main body, a retractable body, a support element and a rear element. A fluid control means is provided for increasing the passage of fluid during the descent into the well are disposed on the main body and comprise a closure/opening body that selectively permits fluid to pass through a bypass chamber inside the main body, in a working position, or through an area of rapid descent that facilitates the passage by following a path, during descent. The fluid bypass chamber is formed by a central chamber with inlet ports and outlet ports that allow a connection of fluid between the central chamber and the outside of the main body. The closure/opening body blocks the flow through the area of rapid descent when the working position is reached.