US3746329A - Piston type shock absorbing and static load supporting drill string apparatus - Google Patents
Piston type shock absorbing and static load supporting drill string apparatus Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US3746329A US3746329A US00195999A US3746329DA US3746329A US 3746329 A US3746329 A US 3746329A US 00195999 A US00195999 A US 00195999A US 3746329D A US3746329D A US 3746329DA US 3746329 A US3746329 A US 3746329A
- Authority
- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- piston
- gas
- region
- liquid
- drill string
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Expired - Lifetime
Links
- 230000035939 shock Effects 0.000 title claims abstract description 25
- 230000003068 static effect Effects 0.000 title claims abstract description 13
- 239000007788 liquid Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 39
- 238000005553 drilling Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 23
- 238000000926 separation method Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 12
- 239000012530 fluid Substances 0.000 claims description 26
- 238000007789 sealing Methods 0.000 claims description 11
- 230000002706 hydrostatic effect Effects 0.000 claims description 7
- 239000002184 metal Substances 0.000 claims description 7
- 230000013011 mating Effects 0.000 claims description 2
- 238000011068 loading method Methods 0.000 abstract description 8
- 230000005012 migration Effects 0.000 abstract description 8
- 238000013508 migration Methods 0.000 abstract description 8
- 239000007787 solid Substances 0.000 abstract description 8
- 239000007789 gas Substances 0.000 description 46
- 230000001050 lubricating effect Effects 0.000 description 5
- 239000006096 absorbing agent Substances 0.000 description 4
- 239000000314 lubricant Substances 0.000 description 4
- 230000003247 decreasing effect Effects 0.000 description 3
- 230000000694 effects Effects 0.000 description 3
- 229920001971 elastomer Polymers 0.000 description 3
- 239000005060 rubber Substances 0.000 description 3
- IJGRMHOSHXDMSA-UHFFFAOYSA-N Atomic nitrogen Chemical compound N#N IJGRMHOSHXDMSA-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- 229910000831 Steel Inorganic materials 0.000 description 2
- 239000004809 Teflon Substances 0.000 description 2
- 229920006362 Teflon® Polymers 0.000 description 2
- 239000011521 glass Substances 0.000 description 2
- 238000005461 lubrication Methods 0.000 description 2
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 description 2
- 238000012986 modification Methods 0.000 description 2
- 230000004048 modification Effects 0.000 description 2
- 239000010959 steel Substances 0.000 description 2
- 238000009825 accumulation Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000000956 alloy Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229910045601 alloy Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 230000009286 beneficial effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000005540 biological transmission Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000000740 bleeding effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 125000004122 cyclic group Chemical group 0.000 description 1
- 230000007423 decrease Effects 0.000 description 1
- 229910052757 nitrogen Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 230000000717 retained effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 229920003051 synthetic elastomer Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 239000005061 synthetic rubber Substances 0.000 description 1
Images
Classifications
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
- F16F—SPRINGS; SHOCK-ABSORBERS; MEANS FOR DAMPING VIBRATION
- F16F9/00—Springs, vibration-dampers, shock-absorbers, or similarly-constructed movement-dampers using a fluid or the equivalent as damping medium
- F16F9/06—Springs, vibration-dampers, shock-absorbers, or similarly-constructed movement-dampers using a fluid or the equivalent as damping medium using both gas and liquid
- F16F9/066—Units characterised by the partition, baffle or like element
- F16F9/067—Partitions of the piston type, e.g. sliding pistons
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E21—EARTH OR ROCK DRILLING; MINING
- E21B—EARTH OR ROCK DRILLING; OBTAINING OIL, GAS, WATER, SOLUBLE OR MELTABLE MATERIALS OR A SLURRY OF MINERALS FROM WELLS
- E21B17/00—Drilling rods or pipes; Flexible drill strings; Kellies; Drill collars; Sucker rods; Cables; Casings; Tubings
- E21B17/02—Couplings; joints
- E21B17/04—Couplings; joints between rod or the like and bit or between rod and rod or the like
- E21B17/07—Telescoping joints for varying drill string lengths; Shock absorbers
Definitions
- ABSTRACT Apparatus for use in a drill string during rotary well drilling for supporting the static loads and for absorbing the shock loading imposed upon a drill bitv
- An improved separation element in the form of solid piston prevents migration of a shock absorbing gas into a liquid contained in the apparatus.
- the piston configuration and its annular seal arrangement solve a previously experienced gas migration problem. As a consequence, gas molecules are effectively excluded from regions where they otherwise interfere with normal operation of any components of the apparatus.
- shock absorbers have been developed for use in well drilling operations to prevent the upward transmission of shock loading through the drill string to the surface equipment used to rotate, as well as raise and lower, the drill string and bit.
- the advantages of decreasing shock loadings in a drill string during rotary well drilling are well known.
- shock absorbers utilizing steel springs, rubber, or wire mesh have been available to the drilling industry. Although such tools have performed creditably, objectionable kelly bouncing still occurs under some drilling conditions.
- Another object of the invention is to provide in static load supporting and shock absorbing drill string apparatus, improved means to separate a gas from a liquid used for lubricating purposes and to transmit to the gas the hydrostatic pressure of the fluid in a well bore.
- Another object of the invention is to provide a solid type liquid gas separator in a shock absorbing and static load supporting drill string apparatus, such separator being impervious 'to migration of gas molecules.
- sealing means including automatic lubrication of the sealing means used in combination with a solid, piston type separator for separating a gas and a liquid in a shock absorbing and static load supporting drill string apparatus.
- the invention may be summarized as an apparatus used for absorbing shock loadings generated during rotary well drilling, the apparatus employing an improved liquid-gas separation element having a solid, annular piston configuration.
- the piston confines on one side a gas and on the other side a liquid.
- the gas senses the hydrostatic pressure of the drilling fluid in the well bore and increases in the liquid pressure due to loads imposed upon the drill bit since the piston is free to move responsive to differential pressures.
- the preferred piston has seal rings that minimize exposure of any material through which gas molecules may migrate.
- the piston preferably includes wiper means on the end to prevent metalto-metal contact, and in addition, at least one passage is formed through the wall of the annular piston to provide access for a small amount of lubricant to the seal rings.
- FIGS. 1, 2 and 3 are fragmentary side elevational views in longitudinal section which show a preferred embodiment of the improved shock absorbing and static load supporting drill string apparatus.
- FIG. 4 is a side elevational view in longitudinal section showing a preferred embodiment of the improved separation element for the shock absorber.
- FIG. 5 is a plan view of a retaining ring used inside the apparatus, as seen looking along the lines VV of FIG. 2. i
- FIG. 6 is a fragmentary cross sectional view as seen looking along the line VIVI of FIG. 2.
- a threaded portion 11 protrudes from a top sub l3'that forms a portion of a tubular body A that is thus adapted for attachment to a drill string member such as a drill collar (not shown).
- An axial passage 15 extends through the top sub for transmitting a drilling fluid to a drill bit from suitable surface equipment (not shown).
- a charging port or valve means 17 is carried by the top sub 13 for introducing a gas under selected pressure into the apparatus.
- Such port may be similar to that shown in US. Pat. No. 3,382,936, and functions generally the same as the valve used in a conventional automobile tire.
- the valve means thus extends through the top sub, which forms one part of the tubular body A and into a subsequently described gas region to enable selective variation of the charging pressure.
- a passage 19 extends toward the interior of the sub 13. Threads 2] are utilized to secure the top sub 13 to an upper barrel 23 of tubular body A.
- a guide sleeve 25 Coaxially secured inside the upper barrel 23 to the top sub 13, and forming a part of the body, is a guide sleeve 25 retained by cap screws 27 that extend through a sealed ring 29 to the upper sub 13 and also through a flanged portion 31 of the guide sleeve. Passage 19 extends also through the metal ring 29 and flange 31. The purpose of the metal ring and its seals is to prevent leakage of fluid by the guide sleeve 25 and threads 21 associated with top sub 13. Axial passage also extends through the guide sleeve 25.
- An annular and sealed cavity B is formed between the exterior annular surface 33 of the guide sleeve 25 and the interior annular surface 35 of the upper barrel 23.
- the cavity B is divided between a gas region 37 and a liquid region 41 by an improved movable and annular piston type separation element 39.
- the piston 39 is adapted to move axially responsive to sensed pressure differential in gas region 37 and liquid region 41 for the purpose of equalizing the pressure in the gas region 37 and the liquid region 41.
- piston type separator 39 is constructed of a solid, fluid impervious metal of generally tubular configuration, with an enlarged region x, and an elongated region y.
- elongated region y is cylindrical with a wiper ring 43 that is preferably of Teflon received in a groove 45 and placed above an O- ring 47 in a groove 49, all of which are formed in a slightly enlarged portion 51 that extends inwardly beyond the inner wall 53 of region y.
- a plurality of radially drilled holes 55 are formed through region y adjacent the enlarged region x of the piston to permit the interchange of lubricant that may be placed on the gas side of the piston to effect better lubrication of the various seal rings.
- Enlarged region x has an inner seal means located in a groove 57 and comprises a pair of back-up rings 59 on either side of an O-ring 61.
- a similar seal arrangement 62 is on the exterior surface of the enlarged region x.
- a satisfactory O-ring 61 preferably may have, for example, a size of approximately inch thickness in the relaxed condition, a 70 Durometer, hardness, and be composed of a nitril rubber.
- the backup rings 59 may be formed of a nitril rubber having a 90 Durometer hardness.
- the piston itself may be formed of an alloy 8620 A.I.S.I. steel, while the wiper ring 43 may be of a glass impregnated Teflon", having 15 percent glass. The purpose of the wiper ring is to prevent metal-to-metal contact with the exterior annular surface 33 of guide sleeve 25 to lessen wear.
- a mandrel C has an end portion adapted for reciprocating movement along the interior cylindrical surface 60 of the guide sleeve 25. Seal 63 extends between the mandrel and the guide sleeve.
- the lower region of the guide sleeve 25 is held in position by rings 65 and 67, as well as cap screws 69. As shown in FIG. 5, the cap screws 69 fill only a small number of the apertures 71 such that fluid may'flow by the ring.
- the piston type separator 39 is adapted to float within cavity B responsive to sensed pressure differen tials, as previously explained.
- a lower shoulder 64 is sized to extend into an annular groove 66 (see FIG. 2)
- a bleeder port 73 extends radially through the upper barrel 23 for the purpose of bleeding air from inside the apparatus when a lubricating and pressure transmitting liquid is introduced into liquid region 41, as will be explained subsequently.
- a sealing plug 75 seals hole 73.
- a snap ring 77 and washer 79 confine one end of a coil spring 81, the other end of which is confined by a washer 83, fastener 85, ring 87, suitably sealed as indicated by outer and inner seals 89 and 91.
- Ring 87 is moved upward if the fluid pressure differential acting on ring 87 exceeds the downward pressure exerted by the spring 81. If inner seal 91 moves from engagement with shoulder 92, fluid flows by the seal in the clearance space between the ring 87 and the wall 94 of the mandrel C.
- the ring 87 and associated components form a valve means that can release liquid from region 41 when extension of ring 87 engages the top 98 of lower barrel 101 after the mandrel is unloaded and reaches its lowermost position.
- a passage 95 extends upward from a reservoir 97 and outward to the space between splines 99 and 102 (see FIG. 6), all of which cooperate to permit fluid to flow to or from region 41 when the valve means is opened.
- Threads 104 secure the upper barrel 23 to a lower barrel 101, which confines a drilling fluid in a space 103 inside a flexible pressure compensating bag 105.
- Lubricating and pressure transmitting liquid is introduced to the reservoir 97 around the bag 105 through a liquid charging hole 107 which is sealed with a plug 109.
- the mandrel C has an enlarged lower portion 108 having seal rings 110 that seal against the interior surface 1 11 of the lower barrel 101.
- the compensator bag 105 arrangement may be of the same type shown in US. Pat. No. 3,382,936, having a vent hole 113 through which the drilling fluid may flow.
- the hydrostatic pressure of the drilling fluid in the annulus of the well bore is transmitted through the compensator bag tothe liquid in reservoir 97, and thus, to the liquid region 41 below the piston separator 39 and ultimately to the gas region 37 in cavity B.
- a compensator bag retainer 115 supports the inner surfaces of the compensator bag 105, and is secured to mandrel C by a snap ring 117. Threaded apertures 119 may be utilized to extract the bag retainer 115 after removal of a snap ring 117.
- the mandrel terminates in a threaded portion 121, which may be secured to a drill string member.
- a gas such as nitrogen is introduced through the charging port 17 (see FIG. 1), through passage 19 and into the gas region 37 of liquid-gas cavity B.
- a selected gas pressure of for example 2200 psi is induced on the gas in region 37.
- a lubricating liquid is then introduced through the charge hole 107 after initial removal of the plug 109 and plug 75 until the pressure compensating bag 105 is essentially collapsed. This liquid fills the passage 95 in the mandrel, urging the valve means 87 upward until the liquid region 41 of cavity B is filled. Then seal plug 75 and plug 109 are reinserted.
- the mandrel C is urged downward by the large pressure trapped in gas region 37, since the hydrostatic pressure continually decreases inside the separator and pressure compensator bag. 105 as the apparatus moves upward in the fluid in the well bore.
- the valve means 87 is opened when its lower portion 100 strikes the top 98 of lower barrel 101. Liquid may then flow from region 41, and passage 95 into the region 97 above the compensator bag 105.
- the pressure inside the apparatus is continually relieved until the apparatus reaches the surface. Only the initial charging pressure remains inside the gas region 37.
- tubular body adapted to be secured to a drill string member
- a mandrel reciprocably mounted to the tubular body for rotation therewith, and having an end portion adapted to be secured to another drill string memher;
- the body and mandrel having passage means for a drilling fluid
- valve means connected with said gas region for the introduction of a pressurized gas
- said separation means comprising a fluid impervious floating piston that equalizes pressure between the gas and liquid regions.
- said piston comprises an enlarged annular region connected with an elongated region, the enlarged region having interior and exterior annular grooves containing resilient sealing rings, the elongated region having an annular groove facing a mating surface of the body, with a resilient ring therein, and passage means through the elongated region.
- backup rings are disposed inthe grooves beside the sealing rings in the enlarged region of the piston.
Landscapes
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
- Geology (AREA)
- Mining & Mineral Resources (AREA)
- Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- Environmental & Geological Engineering (AREA)
- Fluid Mechanics (AREA)
- General Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
- Geochemistry & Mineralogy (AREA)
- Earth Drilling (AREA)
Abstract
Description
Claims (8)
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US19599971A | 1971-11-05 | 1971-11-05 |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US3746329A true US3746329A (en) | 1973-07-17 |
Family
ID=22723707
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US00195999A Expired - Lifetime US3746329A (en) | 1971-11-05 | 1971-11-05 | Piston type shock absorbing and static load supporting drill string apparatus |
Country Status (2)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (1) | US3746329A (en) |
CA (1) | CA951307A (en) |
Cited By (11)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US3871622A (en) * | 1972-07-25 | 1975-03-18 | Vetco Offshore Ind Inc | Method and apparatus for the control of a weight suspended from a floating vessel |
US4055338A (en) * | 1976-02-17 | 1977-10-25 | Hughes Tool Company | Drill string shock absorbing apparatus |
US4402495A (en) * | 1979-12-10 | 1983-09-06 | Hughes Tool Company | Drill string shock absorber with pressurized lubricant system |
FR2624909A1 (en) * | 1987-12-21 | 1989-06-23 | Tampella Oy Ab | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR ROTARY DRILLING |
US5140894A (en) * | 1991-01-16 | 1992-08-25 | Axelson, Inc. | Gas spring actuator |
US5577566A (en) * | 1995-08-09 | 1996-11-26 | Weatherford U.S., Inc. | Releasing tool |
EP0780543A3 (en) * | 1995-12-20 | 1998-08-26 | Sofitech N.V. | Pressure compensated weight on bit shock sub for a wellbore drilling tool |
US6039118A (en) * | 1997-05-01 | 2000-03-21 | Weatherford/Lamb, Inc. | Wellbore tool movement control and method of controlling a wellbore tool |
US6070670A (en) * | 1997-05-01 | 2000-06-06 | Weatherford/Lamb, Inc. | Movement control system for wellbore apparatus and method of controlling a wellbore tool |
EP1021635A1 (en) * | 1997-10-09 | 2000-07-26 | Weatherford/Lamb Inc. | Gas-filled accelerator |
US20220090449A1 (en) * | 2016-12-20 | 2022-03-24 | National Oilwell DHT, L.P. | Drilling Oscillation Systems and Shock Tools for Same |
-
1971
- 1971-11-05 US US00195999A patent/US3746329A/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
-
1972
- 1972-05-11 CA CA141,889,A patent/CA951307A/en not_active Expired
Cited By (13)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US3871622A (en) * | 1972-07-25 | 1975-03-18 | Vetco Offshore Ind Inc | Method and apparatus for the control of a weight suspended from a floating vessel |
US4055338A (en) * | 1976-02-17 | 1977-10-25 | Hughes Tool Company | Drill string shock absorbing apparatus |
US4402495A (en) * | 1979-12-10 | 1983-09-06 | Hughes Tool Company | Drill string shock absorber with pressurized lubricant system |
FR2624909A1 (en) * | 1987-12-21 | 1989-06-23 | Tampella Oy Ab | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR ROTARY DRILLING |
US5140894A (en) * | 1991-01-16 | 1992-08-25 | Axelson, Inc. | Gas spring actuator |
US5577566A (en) * | 1995-08-09 | 1996-11-26 | Weatherford U.S., Inc. | Releasing tool |
EP0780543A3 (en) * | 1995-12-20 | 1998-08-26 | Sofitech N.V. | Pressure compensated weight on bit shock sub for a wellbore drilling tool |
US6039118A (en) * | 1997-05-01 | 2000-03-21 | Weatherford/Lamb, Inc. | Wellbore tool movement control and method of controlling a wellbore tool |
US6070670A (en) * | 1997-05-01 | 2000-06-06 | Weatherford/Lamb, Inc. | Movement control system for wellbore apparatus and method of controlling a wellbore tool |
EP1021635A1 (en) * | 1997-10-09 | 2000-07-26 | Weatherford/Lamb Inc. | Gas-filled accelerator |
EP1021635A4 (en) * | 1997-10-09 | 2000-11-29 | Weatherford Lamb | Gas-filled accelerator |
US20220090449A1 (en) * | 2016-12-20 | 2022-03-24 | National Oilwell DHT, L.P. | Drilling Oscillation Systems and Shock Tools for Same |
US11814959B2 (en) * | 2016-12-20 | 2023-11-14 | National Oilwell Varco, L.P. | Methods for increasing the amplitude of reciprocal extensions and contractions of a shock tool for drilling operations |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
CA951307A (en) | 1974-07-16 |
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Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: HUGHES TOOL COMPANY - USA A CORP OF DE Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST. SUBJECT TO LICENSE RECITED;ASSIGNOR:HUGHES TOOL COMPANY;REEL/FRAME:004269/0060 Effective date: 19840330 |
|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: HUGHES TOOL COMPANY Free format text: CHANGE OF NAME;ASSIGNOR:HUGHES TOOL COMPANY-USA, A CORP. OF DE;REEL/FRAME:005169/0319 Effective date: 19881006 |
|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: LYNX TOOL COMPANY, INC., A TEXAS CORP., CANADA Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST.;ASSIGNOR:HUGHES TOOL COMPANY - USA;REEL/FRAME:005007/0973 Effective date: 19880623 |