Variable Gap Flow Restriction Device for Drilling Pulser Jamming
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pulser devices in drilling assemblies are prone to jamming due to debris in the drilling fluid, leading to failure in generating pressure pulses, requiring costly and time-consuming tripping of the drill string for maintenance.
Innovation Solution
A flow restriction device with a channeling element and a restriction element that adjusts the gap between them in response to pressure changes, using an activation device to increase or decrease the gap based on pressure thresholds, preventing jamming and ensuring consistent pressure pulse generation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If a fixed small gap is used between rotor and stator to generate pressure pulses, then pressure pulse generation is effective, but debris causes jamming and blocks fluid flow
Solution Approach 1:
The gap between the rotor and stator is made variable rather than fixed. The rotor is positioned such that the gap can change dynamically during operation, allowing it to be small for effective pressure pulse generation and large for debris passage, thus resolving the contradiction between power generation effectiveness and jamming resistance
Solution Approach 2:
The physical parameter of the gap size is changed from a constant value to a variable value. By adjusting the rotor position, the gap dimension can be optimized for different operational conditions - small when pressure pulse generation is needed and large when debris removal is prioritized
2Reliability
If the drill string is tripped out to fix or replace the pulser, then the jamming problem is resolved, but drilling operations are shut down for extended time periods
Solution Approach 1:
The system is designed to clear its own blockages without external intervention. When debris causes jamming, the increased fluid pressure automatically moves the rotor to increase the gap, allowing debris to pass through and clearing the blockage autonomously, thus maintaining reliability without time loss
3Reliability
If a variable gap is used to prevent jamming, then reliability is improved, but the complexity of the device increases
Solution Approach 1:
The gap adjustment mechanism utilizes the existing drilling fluid pressure rather than requiring an external actuator or complex mechanical system. The fluid pressure itself moves the rotor to adjust the gap, leveraging the operational environment to provide the adjustment force and thereby limiting the increase in device complexity
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 solution effectively prevents jamming and maintains consistent pressure pulse generation, reducing downtime and operational costs by automatically adjusting the gap between the channeling and restriction elements in response to pressure changes.
Implementation Method 1
relative movement between the restriction element and the channeling element obstructs flow of a fluid flowing through the flow passage to increase pressure in the fluid across the device
Implementation Method 2
an activation device displaces one of the channeling elements and the restriction element to adjust or alter gap in response to certain changes in the pressure across the restriction device
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for use in a wellbore is disclosed that in one non-limiting embodiment includes a flow restriction device that that contains a channeling element having a fluid flow passage, a restriction element spaced from the channeling element defining a gap between the restriction element and the channeling element, wherein relative movement between the restriction element and the channeling element obstructs flow of a fluid flowing through the flow passage to increase pressure in the fluid across the device. In one embodiment an activation device displaces one of the channeling element and the restriction element to adjusts or alter gap in response to certain changes in the pressure across the restriction device.