CN101492999B - Use of Hydrostatic Bearings for Downhole Applications - Google Patents

Use of Hydrostatic Bearings for Downhole Applications Download PDF

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CN101492999B
CN101492999B CN200810008511.2A CN200810008511A CN101492999B CN 101492999 B CN101492999 B CN 101492999B CN 200810008511 A CN200810008511 A CN 200810008511A CN 101492999 B CN101492999 B CN 101492999B
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bearing
hydrostatic bearing
pressure
parts
hydrostatic
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CN101492999A (en
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约阿西姆·西勒尔
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Prad Research and Development Ltd
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Abstract

The invention provides a fluid hydrostatic bearing used for stabilizing a drilling string and operating bottom drilling tool components. The fluid hydrostatic bearing adopts the existing mud stream as bearing fluid. For operation, the bearing can be used between a moveable recoilless pad and stratum to decrease friction. Different fluid hydrostatic bearing pressure can be used for operation selectively. With the same and different fluid hydrostatic bearing pressure selectively adopted, multi-mode (nonlinearity and linearity) operation can be provided. With a plurality of pressure cavities adopted, the bearing can be more resistant against defects in the stratum.

Description

用于井下应用的流体静压轴承的使用Use of Hydrostatic Bearings for Downhole Applications

技术领域technical field

本发明通常涉及钻井领域,并且更具体地涉及钻柱稳定和井底钻具组件操纵。The present invention relates generally to the field of drilling, and more particularly to drill string stabilization and bottom hole assembly handling.

背景技术Background technique

利用当前技术钻探的油井深度能够达到几万英尺。该井可以是非线性的,以增加生产层的曝露量。最大深度受钻杆的机械强度限制。具体地,该深度受到产生钻孔所需的钻杆承受压缩、拉伸、扭转、弯曲和压差力的能力限制。由于需要克服相对地层的摩擦的扭矩和旋转钻头的扭矩,该钻杆受到扭转力。由于钻柱在深井中的延伸长度和对地层的摩擦,扭矩刚度的减小甚至会导致粘滑(stick-slip)效应,在极端情况中,这能够导致钻杆接头自旋开、钻头损坏、BHA振动和其它不期望的结果。在其中地面或中间套管已就位的情况中,在弯曲的压力点处,套管与钻柱之间的摩擦会磨穿套管,导致或者地层流体进入井或失去循环。该钻杆相对于泥饼壁的广延力会导致压差卡钻和设备损失。Wells drilled with current technology can reach depths of tens of thousands of feet. The well can be non-linear to increase the exposure of the producing zone. The maximum depth is limited by the mechanical strength of the drill pipe. Specifically, this depth is limited by the ability of the drill pipe to withstand compression, tension, torsion, bending and differential pressure forces required to create the borehole. The drill pipe is subjected to torsional forces due to the torque required to overcome friction against the formation and to rotate the drill bit. Due to the extended length of the drill string in deep wells and the friction against the formation, the reduction in torsional stiffness can even lead to a stick-slip effect which, in extreme cases, can lead to spin-off of the drill pipe joint, damage to the drill bit, BHA vibrations and other undesired outcomes. In situations where the surface or intermediate casing is in place, friction between the casing and the drill string can wear through the casing at the pressure point of the bend, causing either formation fluids to enter the well or loss of circulation. The extensive force of the drill pipe against the mudcake wall can cause differential pressure sticking and equipment loss.

已知通过使用具有不旋转的套筒的稳定器分段减小钻柱摩擦。该套筒与钻杆之间的承载表面包括一组滑动或滚动件轴承。虽然这种稳定器分段减小了摩擦,它们相对复杂并且成本较高。因为复杂性,这种稳定器分段与较简单的设备相比,更容易出故障。例如,在井下环境中,滚珠轴承组件特别地受到降级和故障。因为轴承本身禁止使用扭转施加力以使套筒自由运动,当它们卡在地层钻井时,不旋转套筒也是有问题的。由于它是稳定器分段的单位成本和所需分段的数目的乘积,这种分段的总使用成本会相当大。在30,000英尺钻柱上,如果它们每60英尺使用一个,则需要500个这种稳定器分段。It is known to reduce drill string friction by using stabilizer segments with non-rotating sleeves. The load bearing surface between the sleeve and the drill pipe comprises a set of sliding or rolling element bearings. While such stabilizer segments reduce friction, they are relatively complex and costly. Because of the complexity, such stabilizer segments are more prone to failure than simpler devices. For example, ball bearing assemblies are particularly subject to degradation and failure in downhole environments. Not rotating the sleeves is also problematic when they are stuck in formation drilling because the bearings themselves prohibit the use of torsion to apply force to free the sleeves to move. Since it is the product of the unit cost of a stabilizer segment and the number of segments required, the total cost of using such a segment can be considerable. On a 30,000 foot drill string, 500 of these stabilizer segments would be required if they were used every 60 feet.

J.G.Boulet,J.A.Shepherd,J.Batham描述了减小钻柱摩擦的另一方法:Improved Hole Cleaning and Reduced Rotary Torque by New ExternalProfile on Drilling Equipment,IADC/SPE Drilling Conference,New Orleans,Louisiana.No.59143,Feb 2000(“Boulet”),其通过参考并入这里。根据Boulet,外部钻柱分段轮廓包括液体动压轴承。该轴承提供钻柱与钻孔之间的受压流体膜。然而,动压分段的形状需要极复杂和昂贵的机加工,利用当前制造技术,实现这种解决方案不经济并且不实际。此外,Boulet液体动压分段设计仅减小钻柱旋转时的摩擦,并且因此,它不会对在地面增加钻杆的新接头后重新开始旋转提供帮助。J.G.Boulet, J.A.Shepherd, J.Batham describe another approach to reduce drill string friction: Improved Hole Cleaning and Reduced Rotary Torque by New External Profile on Drilling Equipment, IADC/SPE Drilling Conference, New Orleans, Louisiana.No.59143, Feb 2000 ("Boulet"), which is hereby incorporated by reference. According to Boulet, the outer drill string segment profile includes hydrodynamic bearings. The bearing provides a pressurized fluid film between the drill string and the borehole. However, the shape of the hydrodynamic segments requires extremely complex and expensive machining, making such a solution uneconomical and impractical to achieve with current manufacturing techniques. Furthermore, the Boulet hydrodynamic segment design only reduces friction as the drill string rotates, and therefore, it does not assist in restarting rotation after adding a new joint of drill pipe at the surface.

发明内容Contents of the invention

根据本发明的一个实施例,用于方便钻井操作的设备包括:适合插入钻井的钻柱部件,并包括:能够运送加压流体的空腔,该钻柱部件包括:至少一个流体静压轴承件,能够使用加压流体以提供流体静压轴承与诸如地下地层或套筒的承载表面之间的流体膜。According to one embodiment of the present invention, an apparatus for facilitating drilling operations includes: a drill string component adapted to be inserted into a well and comprising: a cavity capable of conveying pressurized fluid, the drill string component comprising: at least one hydrostatic bearing member , a pressurized fluid can be used to provide a fluid film between the hydrostatic bearing and a bearing surface such as a subterranean formation or sleeve.

根据本发明的另一个实施例,用于方便钻井的可操纵钻探的设备包括:底部钻具组件,包括:钻头和具有能够运送加压流体的空腔的主体,底部钻具组件包括:至少一个流体静压轴承,能够使用加压流体以提供流体静压轴承与承载表面之间的流体膜。According to another embodiment of the present invention, a steerable drilling apparatus for facilitating drilling a well includes a bottom hole assembly including a drill bit and a body having a cavity capable of delivering pressurized fluid, the bottom hole assembly including at least one Hydrostatic bearings can use a pressurized fluid to provide a fluid film between the hydrostatic bearing and the bearing surface.

根据本发明的另一个实施例,用于方便钻井操作的方法包括步骤:通过将至少一些加压流体引导到流体静压轴承件,在承载表面与钻柱部件的至少一个流体静压轴承件之间提供流体膜,钻柱部件包括能够运送受压流体的空腔,并适合插入钻井。According to another embodiment of the present invention, a method for facilitating drilling operations includes the step of: disabling a bearing surface between a load bearing surface and at least one hydrostatic bearing member of a drill string component by directing at least some pressurized fluid to the hydrostatic bearing member. To provide a fluid film between them, the drill string component includes a cavity capable of carrying fluid under pressure and is suitable for insertion into the well.

根据本发明的另一个实施例,用于方便钻井可操作钻探的方法包括步骤:利用底部钻具组件,包括:钻头和具有能够运送加压流体的空腔的主体,底部钻具组件包括至少一个流体静压轴承,使用加压流体以提供流体静压轴承与承载表面之间的流体膜。具体地,一个或多个流体静压轴承能够以大致相同的压力操作,以钻进线性钻井;和采用时间变化的方式,轴承的子集能够在比其它轴承相对更大的压力下操作,以提供侧向力以钻进非线性钻井。According to another embodiment of the present invention, a method for facilitating drilling operable drilling of a well comprises the steps of utilizing a bottom hole assembly comprising: a drill bit and a body having a cavity capable of carrying pressurized fluid, the bottom hole assembly comprising at least one Hydrostatic bearings use pressurized fluid to provide a fluid film between the hydrostatic bearing and the bearing surface. Specifically, one or more hydrostatic bearings can be operated at approximately the same pressure to drill a linear well; and in a time-varying fashion, a subset of the bearings can be operated at a relatively greater pressure than other bearings to Provides lateral force to drill non-linear wells.

使用流体静压轴承用于井底应用提供了比原有技术的优点。例如,稳定器分段中的流体静压轴承和操纵组件提供低磨损、低摩擦、高负载能力和简单、可靠的设计。此外,钻杆的内部与外部之间的压差能够用作驱动流体静压轴承的动力源。此外,多腔轴承能够用于提高耐地层中的表面缺陷性。The use of hydrostatic bearings for downhole applications offers advantages over prior art. For example, hydrostatic bearings and steering components in the stabilizer sections provide low wear, low friction, high load capacity and a simple, reliable design. Additionally, the pressure differential between the inside and outside of the drill pipe can be used as a source of power to drive the hydrostatic bearings. Additionally, multi-cavity bearings can be used to increase resistance to surface imperfections in formations.

附图说明Description of drawings

图1显示了钻井设备的元件。Figure 1 shows the elements of the drilling equipment.

图2和3显示了单腔流体静压轴承。Figures 2 and 3 show a single cavity hydrostatic bearing.

图4和5显示了多腔流体静压轴承。Figures 4 and 5 show multi-cavity hydrostatic bearings.

图6和7显示了多腔流体静压轴承,其中节流器直径等于腔直径。Figures 6 and 7 show a multi-chamber hydrostatic bearing where the restrictor diameter is equal to the chamber diameter.

图8和9显示了多孔节流器流体静压轴承。Figures 8 and 9 show a multi-hole restrictor hydrostatic bearing.

图10更详细地显示了钻井设备的稳定器短节。Figure 10 shows the stabilizer sub-section of the drilling rig in more detail.

图11显示了沿10-10的图10的稳定器短节中的流体静压轴承的横截面视图。Figure 11 shows a cross-sectional view of the hydrostatic bearing in the stabilizer sub-section of Figure 10 along 10-10.

图12显示了流体静压轴承用在沿A-A的图1的钻井设备的BHA中的操纵反冲垫中。Figure 12 shows a hydrostatic bearing used in a steering recoil pad in the BHA of the drilling rig of Figure 1 along A-A.

图13和14显示了液体静压偏压的操纵系统。Figures 13 and 14 show the hydrostatic bias manipulation system.

图15和16显示了具有操作作为偏压操纵件的液体静压腔的钻头,其中:图16是沿B-B的图15的钻头的横截面视图。Figures 15 and 16 show a drill bit with a hydrostatic chamber operating as a bias control, wherein: Figure 16 is a cross-sectional view of the drill bit of Figure 15 along B-B.

具体实施方式Detailed ways

图1显示了钻井设备。该钻井设备包括:地面组件(100);多个稳定器短节,其中:稳定器短节(或接头)(102)是示例的;和底部钻具组件(“BHA”)(104)。诸如钻杆(112)、稳定器分段(102)和BHA(104)的钻井设备的非静止地下部件典型地称作“钻柱”。该BHA包括钻头(106)和至少一个操纵部件(108),其可设置在钻头中或在BHA上更高。该钻头可操作以磨损地层(110),以形成钻孔。具体地,钻头可形成比钻杆(112)更大直径的钻孔,钻杆占钻柱大部分长度。Figure 1 shows the drilling equipment. The drilling apparatus includes: a surface assembly (100); a plurality of stabilizer subs, of which: stabilizer subs (or subs) (102) are exemplary; and a bottom hole assembly ("BHA") (104). Non-stationary subterranean components of drilling equipment such as drill pipe (112), stabilizer sections (102), and BHA (104) are typically referred to as "drill strings." The BHA includes a drill head (106) and at least one handling member (108), which may be located in the drill head or higher on the BHA. The drill bit is operable to abrade the formation (110) to form a borehole. In particular, the drill bit can form a larger diameter borehole than the drill rod (112), which accounts for most of the length of the drill string.

为了有效操作,通过强制高压水(“泥浆流”)经过钻头中的开口,由钻头产生的岩屑被从钻井去除,从而在钻柱外部但在钻井内部的环状泥浆返回流中,将岩屑推到表面。然后,该返回泥浆流可被过滤,以分离岩屑,并且产生的泥浆再用于循环。为了驱动泥浆流并将岩屑带到地面,钻柱内部的泥浆流压力比钻柱外部的泥浆压力更大。To operate effectively, cuttings produced by the drill bit are removed from the wellbore by forcing high-pressure water ("mud flow") through openings in the drill bit, thereby trapping the rock in an annular mud return flow outside the drill string but inside the wellbore. Crumbs are pushed to the surface. This return mud flow can then be filtered to separate cuttings and the resulting mud reused for circulation. To drive the mud flow and bring cuttings to the surface, the mud flow pressure inside the drill string is greater than the mud pressure outside the drill string.

通过在BHA的选定段与地层之间产生力,实现操纵。典型地,BHA在钻探期间旋转。在其中包括多个圆周操纵部件(108)的一个实施例中,仅一个部件(108)在任何给定时间启动,以在钻探时操纵。在其中包括单个操纵部件(108)的情况中,随着BHA旋转,该单个部件被周期地启动。在任一种情况中,结果是在BHA与地层的不同部分之间,产生了力的相对失衡,也叫作侧向力。在钻探期间的侧向力的施加导致偏离的钻井。该BHA还将包括方位传感器,用于提供对地静止参考并操纵部件的启动,以在钻井的轨迹中实现期望的结果,即沿期望的方向操纵。Manipulation is achieved by generating a force between selected segments of the BHA and the formation. Typically, the BHA is rotated during drilling. In an embodiment in which multiple circumferential steering members (108) are included, only one member (108) is activated at any given time to steer while drilling. Where a single steering member (108) is included, the single member is periodically activated as the BHA rotates. In either case, the result is a relative imbalance of forces, also known as lateral forces, between the BHA and different parts of the formation. The application of lateral force during drilling results in deviated drilling. The BHA will also include orientation sensors to provide a geostationary reference and to steer the activation of components to achieve the desired outcome in the trajectory of the well, ie steer in the desired direction.

该稳定器短节(102)减轻了由于与地层接触对钻柱的损坏的可能性。多个稳定器短节部件(114)确定了大于钻杆或钻柱的直径。结果,该稳定器短节部件防止或至少减轻了钻柱的附近短节接触地层的可能性。该钻柱将典型地包括沿钻柱等距间隔开的多个稳定器短节。The stabilizer sub (102) reduces the possibility of damage to the drill string due to contact with the formation. A plurality of stabilizer sub components (114) define a diameter larger than the drill pipe or drill string. As a result, the stabilizer sub component prevents, or at least mitigates, the possibility of adjacent subs of the drill string contacting the formation. The drill string will typically include a plurality of stabilizer subs spaced equidistantly along the drill string.

本发明的一个方面是使用液压静压轴承以提高钻井设备的多个部件的性能。具体地,由于压膜效应,流体静压轴承能够被用于减小稳定器中的摩擦,以提供固有的润湿旋转支持,或为BHA和钻头提供操纵力。然而,在描述那些钻探设备改进的实施例前,适合描述可用于井下应用的流体静压轴承的几个实施例。One aspect of the present invention is the use of hydrostatic bearings to enhance the performance of various components of drilling equipment. Specifically, hydrostatic bearings can be used to reduce friction in stabilizers due to the compression film effect, to provide inherently wetted rotational support, or to provide steering forces for the BHA and drill bit. However, before describing those improved embodiments of drilling equipment, it is appropriate to describe a few embodiments of hydrostatic bearings that may be used in downhole applications.

图2和3显示了单腔流体静压轴承(200)。该单腔流体静压轴承包括:具有供应压力ps的供应管线(202);具有阻力R1的节流器(204);具有腔压力p1的轴承压力腔(206);和轴承封油面(208),其与在所示实例中是地层壁或套管的承载表面(210)形成细间隙(阻力R2)。该轴承有利地具有高负载能力。例如,具有500psi的腔压力和2”×2”的面积的轴承能够潜在地支持超过2000lbs的负载。这种能力潜在地足以沿方向壁支撑和悬挂钻杆的弯曲和水平部分。此外,钻柱的内部与外部之间的泥浆流压差能够足以实现流体静压轴承的操作。以下将描述轴承的特定用途。Figures 2 and 3 show a single cavity hydrostatic bearing (200). The single chamber hydrostatic bearing comprises: a supply line (202) having a supply pressure ps; a restrictor (204) having a resistance R ; a bearing pressure chamber (206) having a chamber pressure p ; and a bearing seal surface ( 208 ), which forms a fine clearance (resistance R 2 ) with the bearing surface ( 210 ), which in the example shown is the formation wall or casing. The bearing advantageously has a high load capacity. For example, a bearing with a cavity pressure of 500 psi and an area of 2" x 2" can potentially support loads in excess of 2000 lbs. This capability is potentially sufficient to support and suspend curved and horizontal sections of drill pipe along the directional walls. Furthermore, the mud flow pressure differential between the inside and outside of the drill string can be sufficient to enable hydrostatic bearing operation. Specific uses of the bearings will be described below.

图4和5显示了多腔流体静压轴承(400)。代替单个压力腔,使用更小压力腔(402)的排列。排列的单个压力腔至少部分地独立。具体地,每个腔具有单独的节流器(404)。该节流器在公共的间隙(406)中终止。因为单个压力腔至少部分独立,多腔轴承对承载表面(210)中的缺陷(408)不很敏感。例如,当钻探入岩石中时,在钻井壁中出现破裂物和冲刷物的可能性相对较高。这种缺陷趋向于暂时增加间隙(406)部分,或者否则通过减小流阻R2而损害封油面的压差。在单一腔设计的情况下,受压流体会经扩大间隙(304,图3)更容易地溢出,因此当出现充分大的表面破裂时,压力腔放松压力,并且轴承失去其整体负载能力。然而,利用多腔轴承,负载能力的损失受限于直接位于缺陷(408)上的承载部分,即限于承受放大间隙的单个腔。不在缺陷上的腔相对不受影响,并且仍能够承载负载。Figures 4 and 5 show a multi-chamber hydrostatic bearing (400). Instead of a single pressure chamber, an array of smaller pressure chambers (402) is used. The individual pressure chambers of the array are at least partially independent. Specifically, each chamber has a separate restrictor (404). The restrictors terminate in a common gap (406). Because the individual pressure chambers are at least partially independent, the multi-chamber bearing is less sensitive to imperfections (408) in the load bearing surface (210). For example, when drilling into rock, the likelihood of fractures and scours in the wellbore wall is relatively high. Such imperfections tend to temporarily increase the clearance (406) portion, or otherwise compromise the pressure differential across the oil seal by reducing the flow resistance R2. In the case of a single chamber design, the pressurized fluid escapes more easily through the enlarged gap (304, Fig. 3), so when a sufficiently large surface rupture occurs, the pressure chamber relaxes and the bearing loses its overall load capacity. However, with multi-cavity bearings, the loss of load capacity is limited to the load-bearing portion directly over the defect (408), ie to a single cavity bearing the enlarged gap. Cavities that are not on the defect are relatively unaffected and are still able to carry the load.

图6和7显示了多腔流体静压轴承(600),其中节流器直径等于腔直径(602)。虽然因为腔与节流器并无明显差别,本实施例似乎是无腔的,但轴承可被模制为多腔轴承,其中节流器直径等于腔直径。如对于前面描述的实施例,使用了小压力腔(602)排列,并且排列的各个压力腔至少部分独立。因为单个压力腔至少部分独立,多腔轴承对承载表面(210)中的缺陷更不敏感。Figures 6 and 7 show a multi-chamber hydrostatic bearing (600) where the restrictor diameter is equal to the chamber diameter (602). Although the present embodiment appears to be cavityless since the cavity and the restrictor are not significantly different, the bearing could be molded as a multi-cavity bearing where the restrictor diameter is equal to the cavity diameter. As for the previously described embodiments, an array of small pressure chambers (602) is used, and each pressure chamber of the array is at least partially independent. Because the individual pressure chambers are at least partially independent, multi-chamber bearings are less sensitive to imperfections in the bearing surface (210).

图8和9显示了多孔节流器流体静压轴承(800)。在这个实施例中,多孔材料(802)被使用以替代节流器和腔。因为材料是多孔的,大量用作节流器的路径提供用于流体从供应源运动到轴承与地层之间的间隙。因此,该实施例仍可被认为是多腔轴承的极端情况。Figures 8 and 9 show a multi-hole restrictor hydrostatic bearing (800). In this embodiment, a porous material (802) is used in place of the restrictor and cavity. Because the material is porous, a number of paths that act as chokes provide for fluid movement from the supply source to the gap between the bearing and the formation. Therefore, this embodiment can still be considered an extreme case of a multi-cavity bearing.

参照图2到9,单一腔和多腔轴承的机械属性由节流器(202)的流阻、轴承腔的尺寸和轴承封油面与表面之间的间隙(304)确定。对于钻井应用,存在对于这种设备的机械设计的特定限制条件。如果钻井泥浆被用作轴承流体,系统必须足够坚固以应付给定的颗粒尺寸。优选地,颗粒尺寸限制能够由可选的泥浆过滤系统调节容纳。对于可靠平滑操作,节流器和轴承封油面间隙应比颗粒尺寸更大,以减小阻塞的可能性。此外,为了减小轴承垫相对表面的摩擦的可能性,轴承间隙或浮动高度应比钻井壁的表面粗糙度更大。流体静压轴承支持设备的设计也必需考虑泥浆循环,以便:给泥浆流一些环形区域,用于传送来自钻头的岩石岩屑。多腔流体静压轴承可能对经消耗/磨损的损坏不太敏感,因为如果一些轴承垫材料由于与钻井壁的摩擦磨损掉,唯一的效果将是在节流器孔的长度的略微减小。由于这将仅对节流器的流阻具有线性影响,它很可能容忍,并且不会减小轴承的功能。Referring to Figures 2 to 9, the mechanical properties of single-chamber and multi-chamber bearings are determined by the flow resistance of the restrictor (202), the size of the bearing chamber and the clearance (304) between the bearing seal surface and the surface. For drilling applications, there are certain constraints on the mechanical design of such equipment. If drilling mud is used as the bearing fluid, the system must be robust enough to handle the given particle size. Preferably, particle size restrictions can be accommodated by an optional mud filtration system. For reliable smooth operation, the restrictor and bearing seal face clearance should be larger than the particle size to reduce the possibility of clogging. Furthermore, to reduce the possibility of friction of the bearing pads against the surfaces, the bearing clearance or fly height should be greater than the surface roughness of the well wall. The design of hydrostatic bearing support equipment must also consider mud circulation in order to: Give the mud flow some annular area for conveying rock cuttings from the drill bit. Multi-cavity hydrostatic bearings may be less sensitive to damage by wear/wear because if some of the bearing pad material wears away due to friction with the well wall, the only effect will be a slight reduction in the length of the choke bore. Since this will only have a linear effect on the flow resistance of the restrictor, it is likely to be tolerated and will not reduce the functionality of the bearing.

现在参照图1,10和11,单腔和多腔流体静压轴承可以被用作钻柱的部分外部表面和部分稳定器短节(102)。在为简单起见显示单腔轴承的所示实例中,4个轴承腔(1100)被流经稳定器的中心(1102)的钻井泥浆(“中央泥浆流”)馈送。具体地,该流体经集成在稳定器肋中的节流器(1104)馈送入轴承腔中。或者地层(110)本身或中间套管(1106)的内部表面提供轴承能够运行依靠的支撑表面。由于稳定器部件将在由轴承腔(1100)和轴承封油面(1108)形成的受压泥浆的膜上滑动,而不是光的金属表面,因此对套管的摩擦减小。结果,对套管以及稳定器短切的摩擦与磨损将减小。在其中生产区域钻探处的阶段,该轴承尤其有用,因为此时钻柱在其最长和最细处,并且需要最大量的支撑和摩擦减小。Referring now to Figures 1, 10 and 11, single and multi-chamber hydrostatic bearings can be used as part of the outer surface of the drill string and as part of the stabilizer sub (102). In the illustrated example showing a single chamber bearing for simplicity, the 4 bearing chambers (1100) are fed by drilling mud ("central mud flow") flowing through the center (1102) of the stabilizer. Specifically, the fluid is fed into the bearing cavity via a restrictor (1104) integrated in the stabilizer rib. Either the formation (110) itself or the internal surface of the intermediate casing (1106) provides a support surface against which the bearings can operate. Friction against the casing is reduced because the stabilizer components will slide on the film of pressurized mud formed by the bearing cavity (1100) and bearing seal face (1108), rather than a bare metal surface. As a result, friction and wear on the bushing and stabilizer chopping will be reduced. This bearing is especially useful at the stage where the production area is drilled, as the drill string is at its longest and thinnest and requires the greatest amount of support and friction reduction.

现在参照图1和图12,单腔和多腔流体静压轴承也可用于减小旋转可操纵系统中的摩擦。在这个实施例中,该操纵部件(108)包括可操作以将BHA(104)的前面推入规定的方向的液压致动的反冲垫(kickpad)(1200),即“推动钻头”系统。每个反冲垫(1200)围绕铰链(1202)旋转,并且具有由垂直于由BHA定义的轴的平面中的弧确定的角度范围的运动。该反冲垫随着钻柱旋转,并且以协调的方式致动,以产生相对更大的力进入通常垂直于钻探方向的选择方向,以操纵BHA。因为特别地当提供操纵力时,轴承封油面(1204)与轴承腔(1206)在反冲垫与地层之间保持受压流体膜,所以地层与反冲垫之间的摩擦被减小。如已提及,用于操作流体静压轴承的受压流体可以是与用于致动反冲垫的相同的流体,例如中央泥浆流。Referring now to Figures 1 and 12, single and multi-chamber hydrostatic bearings can also be used to reduce friction in rotationally steerable systems. In this embodiment, the maneuvering member (108) includes a hydraulically actuated kickpad (1200), a "push bit" system operable to push the front of the BHA (104) into a prescribed direction. Each recoil pad (1200) rotates about a hinge (1202) and has an angular range of motion determined by an arc in a plane perpendicular to the axis defined by the BHA. The recoil pads rotate with the drill string and are actuated in a coordinated manner to generate relatively greater force into a selected direction, generally perpendicular to the drilling direction, to maneuver the BHA. Friction between the formation and the recoil pad is reduced because the bearing land (1204) and bearing cavity (1206) maintain a pressurized fluid film between the recoil pad and the formation, particularly when a steering force is applied. As already mentioned, the pressurized fluid used to operate the hydrostatic bearing may be the same fluid used to actuate the recoil pads, eg a central mud flow.

图13和14显示了液体静压偏压的操纵系统。该液体静压偏压操纵系统(1300)使用可变液体静压力,以操纵BHA,而不是可活动反冲垫。该操纵部件(1302)不相对于BHA运动。更确切地,操纵部件在所示实例中是流体静压轴承(在所示实例中多腔轴承,但能够使用单腔轴承),通过改变流体静压轴承的压力腔中的液体静压,适合相对对地层(110)施加彼此不同的力。Figures 13 and 14 show the hydrostatic bias manipulation system. The hydrostatic bias steering system (1300) uses variable hydrostatic pressure to steer the BHA instead of movable recoil pads. The manipulation member (1302) does not move relative to the BHA. More precisely, the manipulating member is in the example shown a hydrostatic bearing (in the example shown a multi-chamber bearing, but a single-chamber bearing could be used), by changing the hydrostatic pressure in the pressure chamber of the hydrostatic bearing, suitable Relatively different forces are applied to the formation (110).

通过为轴承提供经可变节流器单元(1304)的轴承流体,可实现变化的液体静压。在这个实例中,可变节流器单元包括节流器杆(1306),其可以被离心地放置在外部圆筒(1308)内部,具有每个流体连接到其对应的轴承垫的三个径向钻孔。该径向钻孔相对于彼此等距。该节流器杆沿与由外部圆筒确定的轴平行的轴定向,以便:杆与外部圆筒的任何给定部分之间的流体流空间的体积取决于并随着外部圆筒相对于节流器杆的旋转变化。流体流空间体积的差别导致流阻的不同。在操作中,在节流器杆部件随着偏置单元旋转的同时,可变节流器单元的圆柱部分保持偏心并且对地静止。由于这种几何结构,在每个旋转期间,应用于每个轴承的流阻平滑和连续改变,从而提供更平滑的操纵。通过修改圆柱部件的圆形形状,即,使圆柱的半径是圆周角的适合的函数,阻力的非线性或操纵特性(动态)的调节能够得以减小或消除。在可选实施例中,使用独立操作阀,而不是可变节流器单元。By providing the bearing with bearing fluid through a variable restrictor unit (1304), varying hydrostatic pressure can be achieved. In this example, the variable restrictor unit includes a restrictor rod (1306), which can be placed centrifugally inside an outer cylinder (1308), with three radial valves each fluidly connected to its corresponding bearing pad. drilling. The radial boreholes are equidistant relative to each other. The throttle rod is oriented along an axis parallel to the axis determined by the outer cylinder so that: the volume of fluid flow space between the rod and any given portion of the outer cylinder depends on and varies with the Rotational change of the diverter rod. The difference in volume of the fluid flow space results in a difference in flow resistance. In operation, the cylindrical portion of the variable throttle unit remains eccentric and geostationary while the throttle rod member rotates with the biasing unit. Thanks to this geometry, during each revolution, the flow resistance applied to each bearing changes smoothly and continuously, providing smoother maneuvering. By modifying the circular shape of the cylindrical part, ie making the radius of the cylinder a suitable function of the circumference angle, the non-linearity of the drag or the adjustment of the handling characteristics (dynamics) can be reduced or eliminated. In an alternative embodiment, independently operated valves are used instead of variable restrictor units.

应该认识到:流体静压偏压操纵系统(1300)可以是多形式的,即能够方向和线性操纵。通过相对于外部圆筒(1308)轴移动节流器杆(1306)的位置,实现了多模式操作。当节流器在外部圆筒的中心时,即当节流器杆和外部圆筒沿相对的轴定向时,流阻并且从而轴承垫压力在所有轴承上相同。结果,相同的压力被应用于每个承载表面,并且BHA将趋向于沿线性通路钻进。当圆柱轴相对于所示节流器杆轴位移时,节流器(1402)的流阻比节流器(1401)和(1403)的流阻更高。结果,由节流器(1402)供应的通向轴承垫的管线压力低于与节流器(1401)和(1403)相关的压力。这导致采用与已在上面描述的类似的方式用于非线性操纵的承载表面上的力的失衡。为了保持平衡,偏置单元将在钻井内部沿最低压力轴承垫的方向位移,在这种情况中,是与节流器(1402)相关的轴承垫。类似这个的系统能够产生强的偏压力,同时呈现极低的摩擦和磨损。It should be appreciated that the hydrostatic bias steering system (1300) may be multi-modal, ie capable of directional and linear steering. Multi-mode operation is achieved by axially shifting the position of the throttle rod (1306) relative to the outer cylinder (1308). When the restrictor is in the center of the outer cylinder, ie when the restrictor stem and the outer cylinder are oriented along opposite axes, the flow resistance and thus the bearing pad pressure is the same on all bearings. As a result, the same pressure is applied to each bearing surface and the BHA will tend to drill along a linear path. When the axis of the cylinder is displaced relative to the shaft of the throttle as shown, the flow resistance of the throttle (1402) is higher than that of the throttles (1401) and (1403). As a result, the line pressure supplied by restrictor (1402) to the bearing pads is lower than the pressure associated with restrictors (1401) and (1403). This results in an imbalance of forces on the load-bearing surface for nonlinear manipulation in a similar manner to that already described above. To maintain balance, the biasing unit will be displaced inside the wellbore in the direction of the lowest pressure bearing pad, in this case the bearing pad associated with the restrictor (1402). Systems like this one are capable of generating strong biasing forces while exhibiting extremely low friction and wear.

在所示实例中,液体静压偏压单元显示具有三个轴承垫和3路节流器单元。然而,该偏压单元可以具有任意数目的轴承垫,包括但不局限于单个轴承垫和超过三个轴承垫,用于更平滑的圆周转移。可以使用没有特殊垫的连续系统。In the example shown, the hydrostatic bias unit is shown with three bearing pads and a 3-way restrictor unit. However, the biasing unit may have any number of bearing pads, including but not limited to a single bearing pad and more than three bearing pads, for smoother circumferential transfer. Continuous systems can be used without special pads.

图15和16显示了具有操作作为偏压操纵件的液体静压腔(1502)的钻头(1500)。这种件以与图13和14的液体静压偏转操作系统实质相同的方式操作。然而,在这个实施例,液体静压腔被设置在钻头本身,而非在BHA上更高。该液体静压腔使用泥浆压力以在钻头的选定侧上产生升力,以沿期望的方向推动钻头。压力腔与地层之间的受压泥浆流体膜能够以很小或无磨损支持较大的力。在所示实施例中,该钻头包括三个压力腔(1502),然而可以使用仅一个压力腔。每个压力腔配备馈送管(1504),用于将泥浆导入腔。通过将单个、对地静止泥浆供应管线(1506)定位在钻头附近,可实现简单和坚固的操纵系统,以便:当钻头旋转时,供应管线按顺序给每个馈送管供应压力泥浆。由于泥浆供应管线是对地静止的,钻头将操作离开泥浆供应管线的流动方向。通过将泥浆供应线的旋转与钻头旋转同步,能够实现线性钻进。由于例如压膜润湿,该泥浆操作流体静压轴承能够另外提供润湿效果,导致更平滑的钻井操作。切掉的部件(1508)为具有岩屑的泥浆流提供了通路。Figures 15 and 16 show a drill bit (1500) with a hydrostatic chamber (1502) operating as a bias control. This member operates in substantially the same manner as the hydrostatic deflection system of FIGS. 13 and 14 . However, in this embodiment, the hydrostatic chamber is located on the bit itself rather than higher up on the BHA. The hydrostatic chamber uses mud pressure to generate lift on selected sides of the bit to push the bit in the desired direction. The pressurized mud fluid film between the pressure chamber and the formation is capable of supporting large forces with little or no wear. In the illustrated embodiment, the drill bit includes three pressure chambers (1502), however only one pressure chamber may be used. Each pressure chamber is equipped with a feed pipe (1504) for introducing mud into the chamber. A simple and robust steering system can be achieved by locating a single, geostationary mud supply line (1506) near the drill bit so that the supply line sequentially supplies each feed pipe with pressurized mud as the drill bit rotates. Since the mud supply line is geostationary, the drill bit will operate away from the flow direction of the mud supply line. Linear drilling is enabled by synchronizing the rotation of the mud supply line with the rotation of the drill bit. The mud operated hydrostatic bearing can additionally provide a wetting effect due to, for example, pressure film wetting, resulting in a smoother drilling operation. The cut away part (1508) provides a passage for the mud flow with debris.

虽然本发明通过上述典型实施例进行了描述,本领域的普通技术人员将理解到:在不背离这里公开的发明概念的情况下,可以进行对所示实施例的修改和改变。此外,虽然结合多种显示结构描述了优选实施例,本领域的技术人员将认识到:该系统可使用多种具体结果实现。相应地,除所附权利要求的范围和精神外,本发明是没有限制的。While the present invention has been described in terms of the foregoing exemplary embodiments, those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that modifications and changes to the illustrated embodiments can be made without departing from the inventive concepts disclosed herein. Furthermore, although the preferred embodiment has been described in connection with a variety of display configurations, those skilled in the art will recognize that the system can be implemented using a variety of specific results. Accordingly, the invention is not to be limited except by the scope and spirit of the appended claims.

Claims (26)

1. for being conducive to the device of drilling operation, wherein:
Described device comprises the drill string parts that are applicable to inserting drilling well, and described drilling well is limited with load-bearing surface;
Described drill string parts comprise the cavity that can transport pressure fluid, and at least one hydrostatic bearing, and this hydrostatic bearing can be used the gap of pressure fluid between hydrostatic bearing and described load-bearing surface that fluid film is provided.
2. device according to claim 1, wherein: drill string parts comprise drilling rod and stabilizer pipe nipple, stabilizer pipe nipple has at least one parts, when rotation, described at least one parts are determined the diameter that is greater than drill pipe diameter, and wherein: hydrostatic bearing is arranged on stabilizer pipe nipple parts.
3. device according to claim 1, wherein: hydrostatic bearing comprises single pressure chamber.
4. device according to claim 1, wherein: hydrostatic bearing comprises a plurality of pressure chambers.
5. device according to claim 1, wherein: pressure fluid is provided by central slurry flows.
6. for being conducive to the equipment of the probing handled of drilling well, described drilling well is limited with load-bearing surface, and described equipment comprises:
Bottom drill tool assembly, described bottom drill tool assembly comprises: drill bit and the main body with the cavity that can transport pressure fluid, described bottom drill tool assembly comprises: at least one hydrostatic bearing, this hydrostatic bearing part can be used the gap of pressure fluid between hydrostatic bearing and load-bearing surface that fluid film is provided.
7. equipment according to claim 6, also comprises: with respect to mobilizable at least one kick-pad of bottom drill tool module body, hydrostatic bearing is arranged in kick-pad.
8. equipment according to claim 6, also comprises: at least one control member, comprising: described hydrostatic bearing; With for changing selectively the device of pressure in the chamber of bearing.
9. equipment according to claim 8, wherein: pressure change device comprises variable throttler, described variable throttler has the externally restriction choke parts of cylinder interior displacement prejudicially, and described outer cylinder has the radial bore that is fluidly connected to bearing.
10. equipment according to claim 9, comprising: a plurality of bearings, and wherein: restriction choke parts are applicable to by directed along the common axis with outer cylinder selectively, so that identical with respect to the flow resistance of each bearing.
11. equipment according to claim 6, wherein: hydrostatic bearing comprises single pressure chamber.
12. equipment according to claim 6, wherein: hydrostatic bearing comprises a plurality of pressure chambers.
13. equipment according to claim 6, wherein: pressure fluid is provided by central slurry flows.
14. 1 kinds of methods that are conducive to drilling operation, comprise the following steps:
The drill string parts that are applicable to inserting drilling well are provided, and described drill string parts comprise the cavity that can transport pressure fluid, and described drilling well is limited with load-bearing surface;
By at least some in pressure fluid are directed to hydrostatic bearing, the gap between load-bearing surface and at least one hydrostatic bearing of drill string parts provides fluid film.
15. methods according to claim 14, wherein: drill string parts comprise drilling rod and stabilizer pipe nipple, and stabilizer pipe nipple has a plurality of parts, when rotation, described parts are determined the diameter of the diameter that is greater than drilling rod, and wherein hydrostatic bearing is arranged on stabilizer pipe nipple parts.
16. methods according to claim 14, further comprising the steps of: to utilize hydrostatic bearing to form single pressure chamber.
17. methods according to claim 14, further comprising the steps of: to utilize hydrostatic bearing to form a plurality of pressure chambers.
18. methods according to claim 14, further comprising the steps of: by central slurry flows, to provide compression fluid.
19. 1 kinds of methods that are conducive to the probing handled of drilling well, described drilling well is limited with load-bearing surface, said method comprising the steps of:
Bottom drill tool assembly is provided, and described bottom drill tool assembly comprises drill bit and the main body with the cavity that can transport pressure fluid, and bottom drill tool assembly comprises at least one hydrostatic bearing;
Use pressure fluid to provide fluid film with the gap between described hydrostatic bearing and described load-bearing surface.
20. methods according to claim 19, further comprising the steps of: with respect to bottom drill tool module body, movably at least one kick-pad is to handle drill bit in use, and hydrostatic bearing is arranged in kick-pad.
21. methods according to claim 19, also comprise: comprise at least one control member of hydrostatic bearing, and comprise step: change selectively the pressure in the chamber of bearing.
22. methods according to claim 21, also comprise: variable throttler, has restriction choke parts and have the outer cylinder that fluid is connected to the radial bore of bearing, and comprise step: make the externally displacement prejudicially in cylinder of restriction choke parts.
23. methods according to claim 22, comprise a plurality of bearings, and comprise the following steps: along with the common axis of outer cylinder directed restriction choke parts selectively so that identical with respect to the flow resistance of each bearing.
24. methods according to claim 19, further comprising the steps of: to utilize hydrostatic bearing to form single pressure chamber.
25. methods according to claim 19, further comprising the steps of: to utilize hydrostatic bearing to form a plurality of pressure chambers.
26. methods according to claim 19, further comprising the steps of: by central slurry flows, to provide pressure fluid.
CN200810008511.2A 2008-01-23 2008-01-23 Use of Hydrostatic Bearings for Downhole Applications Expired - Fee Related CN101492999B (en)

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US6361217B1 (en) * 1999-06-22 2002-03-26 Thomas R. Beasley High capacity thrust bearing
US6662644B1 (en) * 2002-06-28 2003-12-16 Edm Systems Usa Formation fluid sampling and hydraulic testing tool
US6986282B2 (en) * 2003-02-18 2006-01-17 Schlumberger Technology Corporation Method and apparatus for determining downhole pressures during a drilling operation
US7339494B2 (en) * 2004-07-01 2008-03-04 Halliburton Energy Services, Inc. Acoustic telemetry transceiver

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