Variable Geometry Drill Bit Nozzle for Remote Flow Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current drilling systems face challenges in efficiently adjusting drill bit nozzle geometry without removing the tubular string from the wellbore, leading to suboptimal drilling efficiency and increased costs due to fixed flow restrictors and nozzles, which result in overdrilling or inefficient cutting removal.
Innovation Solution
A variable geometry nozzle system that allows for remote adjustment of the nozzle's flow geometry in response to changing borehole conditions, using movable elements and sensors to detect environmental changes and actuate the nozzle geometry, powered by energy harvesting from fluid flow or pressure differences.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If fixed flow restrictors and nozzles are used in the drill bit, then the device complexity is reduced and manufacturing is easier, but the adaptability to changing borehole conditions deteriorates, leading to overdrilling or inefficient cutting removal
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the nozzle geometry adjustable and variable rather than fixed. The system includes movable elements that can change the nozzle orifice area in response to borehole conditions, allowing the drill bit to adapt its flow characteristics dynamically during drilling operations without requiring multiple fixed nozzle configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements parameter changes by enabling modification of the nozzle geometric parameters (orifice area, flow profile) through movable elements actuated by sensors detecting borehole conditions. This allows continuous adjustment of flow rates and jet velocities to match changing formation conditions, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and complexity.
2Manufacturing precision
If the tubular string is pulled out of the wellbore to adjust nozzle geometry, then the manufacturing precision and adaptability are improved, but the loss of time and productivity deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables dynamic adjustment of nozzle geometry while the tubular string remains in the wellbore through movable elements actuated by sensors. This eliminates the need to pull the string out for adjustments, maintaining continuous drilling operations while achieving precise nozzle configuration changes.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-adjustment through sensors that detect borehole conditions and automatically actuate movable elements to modify nozzle geometry. This self-service capability eliminates manual intervention and string removal, preserving both time and precision.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple fixed nozzles with different sizes are used, then the adaptability to different flow rates is improved, but the device complexity and loss of time increase due to frequent replacements
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using multiple fixed nozzles, the patent employs a single dynamic nozzle system with movable elements that can adjust the orifice area continuously. This eliminates the need to replace multiple fixed nozzle configurations, maintaining high productivity while achieving adaptability through real-time geometric modification rather than discrete replacements.
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
Enables efficient and cost-effective drilling by maintaining optimal flow rates and reducing suspended solids and formation collapse risks, allowing for real-time adjustment of nozzle geometry without the need to pull the tubular string out of the wellbore.
Implementation Method 1
a cam and a latch to hold the at least one movable element in a position resulting in the desired change of the geometry of the at least one fluid passage
Implementation Method 2
a resilient element attached to the movable element
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus and method for remotely adjusting the hydraulic horse power per square inch (HSI) of a drill bit. The apparatus and method may allow the nozzle geometry to be varied remotely without the need to pull the drill string outside the hole. This nozzle may include a body configured to be secured within the rotary drill bit, and a fluid passage within that body that leads to an orifice. The geometry of the fluid passage may be variable, and varying it may result in a change in the nozzle HSI; this may allow drilling different rock formations to be optimized in different drilling environments. Different placements of the nozzle, such as within the inner flow passage or between the inner flow passage and annular flow passage for controlling flow profile within a wellbore, a tubular string or a flow conduit, may be envisioned.