Variable Flow Bore Drill Bit Actuating Member

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional drilling operations require frequent changes, replacements, and repairs of drill bits, leading to increased time and costs due to the need for tripping the drill string, which is time-consuming and expensive, especially when drilling fluid flow restrictions occur, affecting drilling efficiency and downhole component performance.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of a drill bit with selectively engageable variable flow bores that can adjust fluid communication based on pressure differentials or flow rates, allowing for optimized fluid flow and pressure management during drilling operations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If drill bits are changed, replaced, or repaired frequently, then cutting effectiveness is maintained, but drilling time and operational costs increase due to required drill string trips

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecutting effectivenessVSAvoiddrilling time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the flow parameters of drilling fluid by providing multiple selectively engageable flow bores with different flow rates. This allows optimization of fluid flow to maintain cutting effectiveness and bit cooling without requiring frequent bit changes, thereby reducing trip frequency and time loss.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces dynamically adjustable flow bores that can be selectively opened or closed during drilling operations. This dynamic adjustment capability allows the drill bit to adapt to varying drilling conditions, maintaining optimal performance without requiring physical replacement of the bit.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Stress or pressure

If drilling fluid flow is restricted, then pressure drop across the drill bit increases, but drilling efficiency and downhole component performance deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepressure dropVSAvoiddrilling efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Stress or pressureVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent provides multiple flow bores with different flow rates that can be selectively engaged to change the overall flow parameters. When pressure drop becomes excessive, additional flow bores can be opened to increase fluid flow and reduce pressure drop, thereby maintaining drilling efficiency while managing pressure conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The selectively engageable flow bores allow dynamic adjustment of fluid flow rates in response to changing drilling conditions. This enables real-time optimization of pressure drop and fluid flow to maintain both drilling efficiency and component performance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Reliability

If drill string trips are performed frequently, then drill bit issues are addressed, but operational costs and time consumption increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedrill bit performanceVSAvoidoperational complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent enables the drill bit to self-adjust its fluid flow characteristics through the selectively engageable flow bores in response to changing drilling conditions. This self-service capability allows the bit to maintain optimal performance without requiring external intervention or frequent trips to the surface.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system incorporates feedback mechanisms where drilling conditions are monitored and flow bore engagement is adjusted accordingly. This feedback loop allows automatic adaptation to maintain drill bit performance without requiring frequent operational interruptions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

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 solution reduces the frequency of drill string trips, enhances drilling efficiency by maintaining optimal pressure drops across the drill bit, and accommodates varying drilling fluid flow rates, thereby reducing operational costs and improving drilling performance.

Implementation Method 1

The actuating member is configured to move axially relative to the bit body between a first position restricting fluid communication between the throughbore and the borehole through the fluid flow port and a second position allowing fluid communication between the throughbore and the borehole through the fluid flow port

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPressure differential: Pressure Gradient

Data Source

PatentUS9845648B2Drill bits with variable flow bore and methods relating thereto

Publication Date: 2017.12.19 NAT OILWELL VARCO LP

AI summary

A drill bit is disclosed for drilling a borehole. In an embodiment, the bit includes a bit body having a central axis, a first end, a second end opposite the first end, and a radially outer surface. The bit body includes a flow passage extending axially from the first end, and a cutting structure disposed at the second end. In addition, the bit includes an actuating member disposed within the flow passage. The actuating member includes a throughbore, a radially outer surface, and a fluid flow port extending radially from the throughbore to the radially outer surface of the actuating member. The actuating member is configured to move axially relative to the bit body between a first position restricting fluid communication between the throughbore and the borehole through the fluid flow port and a second position allowing fluid communication between the throughbore and the borehole through the fluid flow port.