Variable Amplitude Shock Wave Tool for Extended Reach Drilling
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Solution Overview
Problem
In subterranean horizontal drilling operations, friction between the drill string and well sides impairs advancement, particularly with coiled tubing, which is susceptible to buckling and requires extended reach tools to overcome friction, but these tools generate detrimental shockwaves that reduce equipment life.
Innovation Solution
A fluid-driven multi-mode vibration tool that selectively provides vibrations of different amplitudes by controlling the flow of pressurized fluid through a mechanism involving a slot piston, ratchet rings, and opposed ejection paths, allowing for high, low, and off modes of vibration to reduce friction without damaging equipment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If extended reach tools generate continuous shock waves to overcome friction, then the string can advance forward, but the large amplitude vibrations are detrimental to BHA and string life
Solution Approach 1:
The vibration tool transitions from continuous high-amplitude shock wave generation to variable amplitude operation. The system dynamically adjusts vibration intensity by switching between high, low, and off modes based on operational needs, allowing advancement when necessary while preserving equipment during other phases.
Solution Approach 2:
The tool employs periodic alternating action between high-amplitude and low/zero-amplitude vibration modes. Rather than continuous operation, the system cycles between vibration states, applying shock waves only when friction overcome is needed, thereby reducing cumulative damage to equipment while maintaining drilling progress.
2Ease of operation
If high amplitude shock waves are used to prevent lock-up during extended reach drilling, then friction is overcome, but equipment life is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes the amplitude parameter of vibration over time, switching between high, low, and off states. This parameter variation allows the tool to maintain drilling continuity when high amplitude is needed while minimizing damage by reducing amplitude during periods when full vibration power is not required.
Solution Approach 2:
The vibration tool transitions from static continuous high-amplitude operation to dynamic variable amplitude operation. The system adapts vibration intensity to actual operational requirements, applying high amplitude only when friction overcome is necessary and using low or zero amplitude otherwise.
3Length of moving object
If coiled tubing is used in horizontal wells, then the string can reach the bottom, but the tubing is more susceptible to buckling and friction
Solution Approach 1:
The tool applies mechanical vibration to the coiled tubing string to counteract friction and prevent buckling. By generating controlled shock waves and vibrations, the system maintains tubing stability during advancement through horizontal sections, enabling extended reach while mitigating the inherent flexibility-related problems of coiled tubing.
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 during drilling while minimizing the adverse effects of shockwaves on equipment life by allowing controlled vibration amplitudes, enabling efficient advancement of coiled tubing without the need for continuous high-amplitude vibrations.
Implementation Method 1
changes in fluid pressure cause axial and rotational movement of the slot piston and opening and closing of different pairs of ejection paths
Implementation Method 2
A spring which is configured to resist downward movement of the slot piston
Implementation Method 3
shock waves generated by a downhole motor or other tool
Implementation Method 4
fluid-driven multi-mode vibration tool which is operated by blocking then reinstating the flow of pressurized fluid through it
Implementation Method 5
A ratchet sleeve, including a pair of mating ratchet rings, wherein each ratchet ring has an opposed irregular edge with peaks and valleys
Implementation Method 6
A spring which is configured to resist downward movement of the slot piston is held in place between these wells
Data Source
AI summary
A fluid-driven multi-mode extended reach vibration tool is selectively operable to control generating shock waves of different amplitudes by a downhole motor or shock-wave generating tool. Interrupting and then reinstating flow of pressurized fluid through the tool enables switching between different shock wave amplitudes, as such causes rotation of a slot piston to successive positions and enables it to unblock designated fluid ejection paths, while blocking others. Blocking different flow paths and unblocking others allows generating different internal pressures and shock wave amplitudes under the externally-applied fluid pressure downhole. There is also an “off” mode with no vibration, while maintaining well control and fluid pressure at the BHA.