Vibration Assembly Valve Positioning for Drill String Pulse Transmission
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional downhole drilling vibration tools face inefficiencies in transmitting pressure pulses to the drill string above due to the obstruction of the power section, which reduces the effectiveness of vibration in facilitating drill string movement through the wellbore.
Innovation Solution
A vibration assembly with a valve positioned above the power section, generating a pressure pulse or waterhammer that directly transmits upstream to the drill string, bypassing the power section and enhancing vibration efficiency, and optionally incorporating a shock assembly for additional axial movement facilitation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the valve is positioned below the rotor in conventional vibration tools, then the fluid flow can be restricted to create pressure pulses, but the power section obstructs the transmission of pressure pulses to the drill string, reducing vibration effectiveness
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional arrangement by positioning the valve above the rotor instead of below it. This inversion allows the pressure pulse to be generated upstream and transmitted directly to the drill string without being obstructed by the power section, thereby improving vibration transmission effectiveness and reducing energy losses in mechanical energy conversion.
2Power
If the power section is used to transmit pressure pulses, then the hydraulic power can be converted to mechanical motion, but the power section creates obstruction and energy conversion losses that reduce pressure pulse intensity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the pressure pulse generation function from the power section by positioning the valve above the rotor. This allows the pressure pulse to be generated and transmitted independently through the fluid passage without requiring conversion through the mechanical components of the power section, thereby maintaining pressure pulse intensity and reducing device complexity related to energy conversion mechanisms.
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 vibration assembly efficiently transmits pressure pulses to the drill string above, reducing friction and facilitating easier movement through the wellbore, outperforming conventional tools by maintaining the intensity of the pressure pulse and reducing mechanical energy conversion losses.
Implementation Method 1
the valve periodically restricts fluid flow through the vibration tool, which creates a pressure pulse or waterhammer that is transmitted through the power section and up through the portion of the drill string above the vibration tool
Data Source
AI summary
A vibration assembly includes a valve above a rotor and stator. The rotor rotates within the stator as fluid flows therethrough. The valve includes a rotating valve segment, which rotates with the rotor, and a non-rotating valve segment each including at least one fluid passage. In an open position, the fluid passages of the valve segments are aligned and a fluid flows through the valve. In a restricted position, the fluid passages of the valve segments are partially or completely unaligned, thereby creating a pressure pulse that is transmitted through the drill string or coiled tubing above the valve. The valve may further include an inner sleeve and an outer sleeve surrounding the non-rotating valve segment. The inner and outer sleeves allow axial sliding but prevent rotation of the non-rotating valve segment. The assembly may further include a lower thrust bearing at a lower end of the rotor.