Vibrating Diffuser Screen for Drilling Fluid LCM Aggregation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Lost circulation during oil and gas drilling operations leads to fluid losses, formation damage, and increased costs due to aggregations of lost circulation materials (LCM) obstructing fluid flow, necessitating effective diffusion and dislodgement of these clumps.
Innovation Solution
A diffuser assembly with a resilient member connecting the upper and lower sections, allowing the diffuser screen to vibrate and featuring multiple sets of diffusing members at various heights, both internal and external to the screen, to efficiently break down and dislodge LCM aggregations within the drilling fluid.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If LCM aggregations are used to fill fractures and heal loss zones, then lost circulation is resolved, but fluid flow becomes obstructed by LCM clumps
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a vibration source that generates mechanical vibrations to disrupt and diffuse LCM aggregations within the drill string. The vibrations cause the LCM clumps to break apart and redistribute, preventing them from forming obstructive blockages while maintaining their function of filling fractures and sealing loss zones in the formation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from a static LCM placement approach to a dynamic one by continuously vibrating the drill string. This dynamic action allows the LCM to remain in a dispersed, mobile state rather than settling into fixed aggregations, enabling it to effectively seal loss zones while preventing flow obstructions through continuous movement and redistribution.
2Object-generated harmful factors
If diffusing members are placed in the fluid path to break down LCM clumps, then fluid flow obstruction is reduced, but proper fluid flow to the loss zone may be decreased
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical diffusing members (such as screens or devices with physical structures) with a vibration-based system. The vibration source generates mechanical oscillations that diffuse LCM aggregations without requiring physical barriers or structures that could impede fluid flow to the loss zone.
Solution Approach 2:
The system utilizes fluid dynamics and hydraulic principles by generating vibrations that propagate through the drilling fluid column. The vibrational energy transfers through the fluid to disrupt LCM aggregations, leveraging the fluid's own motion and properties rather than introducing separate mechanical diffusion devices.
3Reliability
If LCM is added to drilling fluids to seal loss zones, then formation damage is prevented, but LCM aggregations form and increase operational costs
Solution Approach 1:
The vibration source is activated during the drilling operation to preemptively diffuse LCM aggregations before they can form large obstructive clumps. By continuously applying vibrational energy, the system prevents aggregation formation rather than addressing it after it occurs, maintaining optimal fluid flow conditions throughout the operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system maintains continuous vibrational action throughout the drilling operation to continuously diffuse LCM aggregations. This ongoing process ensures that LCM remains effectively dispersed and distributed, preventing formation damage while avoiding the need for operational interruptions to address aggregation-related flow problems.
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 diffuser assembly effectively prevents fluid flow obstructions by diffusing LCM clumps, reducing formation damage and operational costs by ensuring continuous fluid circulation and efficient drilling operations.
Implementation Method 1
A resilient member is connected between the upper member and the lower section, wherein the resilient member enables the diffuser screen to vibrate relative to the upper member
Data Source
AI summary
A filter assembly is provided having a resilient member connected between an upper member and a lower section, wherein the resilient member enables the filter screen to vibrate relative to the upper member. A centralizing member is positioned above the filter screen having a diameter greater than the filter screen, wherein the filter screen is a cylinder having a plurality of filter apertures formed therein, and wherein the filter apertures extend substantially parallel to the central axis.