Vacuum-Assisted Aerated Drilling Fluid Circulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional deep well drilling technologies face challenges in maintaining fast drilling fluid circulation to prevent fluid and contaminant movement between the borehole and formation, particularly in geothermal reservoirs, where high borehole pressure can lead to loss of circulation and contamination of aquifers.
Innovation Solution
A vacuum-assisted aerated drilling system that uses at least one air compressor to create a jet vacuum effect at the borehole head, accelerating fluid circulation and incorporating a separator to distinguish between drilling fluid and cuttings, with air compressors positioned to optimize circulation and separation efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If conventional pumps and boosters are used to circulate drilling fluid, then drilling fluid circulation is maintained, but the circulation rate is insufficient to prevent fluid movement between borehole and formation
Solution Approach 1:
A jet vacuum device is introduced as an intermediary component to assist the conventional pump system. The jet vacuum creates a suction effect at the borehole outlet that works in conjunction with the pump pressure to accelerate drilling fluid circulation, enabling the system to achieve higher circulation rates necessary to prevent fluid movement between the borehole and formation.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention utilizes pneumatic principles by employing a jet vacuum device that operates on the Venturi effect. Compressed air or gas is injected through a nozzle to create a low-pressure region that draws drilling fluid upward, supplementing the hydraulic pump system and enhancing overall circulation efficiency to maintain the required speed for formation protection.
2Reliability
If high borehole pressure is applied to prevent formation fluid entry, then borehole stability is improved, but loss of circulation occurs and aquifer contamination is caused
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the pressure distribution parameters along the borehole by introducing a vacuum assistance system. Instead of uniformly high pressure throughout, the system creates a pressure gradient with vacuum suction at the outlet and controlled pressure at the injection point. This parameter change allows borehole stability to be maintained while preventing excessive pressure that would cause circulation loss and contamination.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from a static high-pressure system to a dynamic pressure distribution system. The vacuum assistance creates a moving pressure gradient that adapts to drilling conditions, allowing the system to maintain borehole stability through controlled pressure differentials rather than sustained high pressure, thereby preventing circulation loss and environmental contamination.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If aerated drilling fluid is used in geothermal drillings, then reservoir pollution is reduced, but drilling fluid circulation speed decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The jet vacuum device serves as a mediator that compensates for the reduced circulation speed caused by using aerated drilling fluid. By providing additional suction force at the borehole outlet, the vacuum system offsets the lower density and reduced flow velocity of the aerated fluid, maintaining adequate circulation rates to prevent reservoir pollution while preserving the environmental benefits of aerated drilling.
4Speed
If jet vacuum is added to accelerate drilling fluid circulation, then circulation rate is improved, but compressor power requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The jet vacuum device is designed to perform multiple functions: it accelerates drilling fluid circulation, separates cuttings from drilling fluid, and can operate with different types of drilling fluids (conventional or aerated). This multi-functionality justifies the energy investment by providing circulation enhancement and solids separation capabilities in a single integrated system, reducing the need for separate equipment and optimizing overall system efficiency.
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
Enhances drilling fluid circulation rate, reduces compressor power requirements, and effectively separates cuttings from fluid, preventing borehole contamination and preserving reservoir integrity.
Implementation Method 1
The at least one air compressor is used for creating a jet vacuum effect to suck the drilling fluid pumped out of the drilling bit near the bottom of the borehole from a head of the borehole
Implementation Method 2
incorporating a separator to distinguish between drilling fluid and cuttings
Data Source
AI summary
A system and methods of using air compressors to create a jet vacuum to accelerate the drilling fluid circulation, which is located on the surface, or down the hole through passages along the well casings or drilling pipes. The jet vacuum is applied to help suck up the drilling fluids with cuttings. They are used in addition to the pumps and boosters to push and circulate the drilling mud or aerated-compound fluid. The invention accelerates the drilling fluid circulation and reduces the number of pumps and boosters.