Vibration Sub Mitigates Drill Bit Stick-Slip

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Solution Overview

Problem

Drill string behaviors such as stick-slip and bit whirl cause excessive vibrations and premature wear of drill bits during wellbore drilling, leading to inefficiencies and equipment failure.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating vibration subs with piezoceramic actuators in the drill string to introduce high-frequency vibrations, mitigating stick-slip and backward whirl by generating specific vibrational frequencies that counteract these unwanted motions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If high-frequency vibrations are introduced via piezoceramic actuators, then stick-slip and bit whirl are mitigated, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedrill bit performanceVSAvoiddrill string structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical vibration generation systems with piezoceramic actuators that use piezoelectric effect to generate high-frequency vibrations. This substitution reduces mechanical complexity while achieving the desired vibration control to mitigate stick-slip and bit whirl phenomena

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the operational parameters of the drill string by introducing controlled high-frequency vibrations at specific frequencies that counteract the unwanted stick-slip and bit whirl motions. This parameter change transforms the drilling system's dynamic behavior to eliminate harmful vibrations

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Object-affected harmful factors

If vibration subs are added to the drill string, then excessive vibrations are reduced, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovevibrationsVSAvoiddrill string assembly

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the drill string into modular segments with vibration subs positioned at specific locations. Each vibration sub is an independent module containing piezoceramic actuators, allowing for standardized manufacturing and simplified assembly while effectively reducing excessive vibrations at critical locations

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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 implementation of vibration subs effectively reduces stick-slip and bit whirl, leading to reduced drill bit wear, improved drilling efficiency, and extended equipment lifespan by minimizing excessive vibrations.

Implementation Method 1

vibration subs with piezoceramic actuators to introduce high-frequency vibrations

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPiezoelectric effect: Piezoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentUS9982487B2Wellbore drilling systems with vibration subs

Publication Date: 2018.05.29 HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES INC

AI summary

A bottom-hole assembly includes a drill string extendable within a wellbore and a drill bit positioned at a distal end of the drill string. A vibration sub is positioned in the drill string axially adjacent the drill bit and includes one or more vibratory devices that impart vibration to the drill bit.