WO2014146201A1

WO2014146201A1 - System, method and apparatus for downhole vibration dampening

Info

Publication number: WO2014146201A1
Application number: PCT/CA2014/050291
Authority: WO
Inventors: Jovan Vracar; Mike Harvey; Mirko Svigir; Milan Rajic
Original assignee: General Downhole Technologies Ltd.
Priority date: 2013-03-18
Filing date: 2014-03-18
Publication date: 2014-09-25
Also published as: CA2810270A1

Abstract

A downhole vibration dampening device reduces the amount and amplitude of vibrations on a drill string tool during a drilling process. The device may include cables between an outer sub and an inner wash pipe. The wash pipe is coupled to the tool, such that the cables provide substantial vibration dampening in at least axial and torsional directions, which significantly extends the lifetime of the tool.

Description

SYSTEM, METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR DOWNHOLE VIBRATION

DAMPENING

Jovan Vracar

Mike Harvey

Mirko Svigir

Milan Rajic

[0001] This application claims priority to and the benefit of Canadian Patent App. No. 2810270, filed March 18, 2013, and is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Field of the Disclosure

[0002] The present invention relates in general to vibration dampening while drilling in an earthen formation and, in particular, to a system, method and apparatus for downhole vibration dampening.

Description of the Related Art

[0003] Vibration dampening tools can be positioned in a drilling string or stem to help protect sensitive components by reducing vibration from the drilling string to the component. These components may include electronic probes, such as measurement while drilling (MWD) tools or logging while drilling (LWD) tools. The vibration dampening tools extend the lifetime and readability of the components, and reduce down time in the well drilling process.

[0004] Various types of vibration dampening and shock absorbing devices are used in the industry. However, each of these devices has had limited success. Improvements in protecting sensitive components from shock and vibration in a drill string continue to be of interest. SUMMARY

[0005] Embodiments of a system, method and apparatus for downhole vibration dampening are disclosed. For example, an apparatus for reducing shock and vibration in a down hole assembly may include a tubular member having an axis. A support member may be located inside the tubular member, and may be configured to be coupled to an electronic component. A suspension assembly may be mounted to both the tubular member and the support member. The suspension assembly may be located radially between the tubular member and the support member. The suspension assembly can be configured to provide the support member with axial, radial and torsional degrees of freedom relative to the tubular member. In addition, the suspension assembly can provide shock and vibration dampening for the electronic component.

[0006] In another embodiment, a down hole tool assembly may include a tubular member and an electronic component mounted inside the tubular member. An apparatus may be coupled to the electronic component. The apparatus may be configured as described elsewhere herein.

[0007] The foregoing and other objects and advantages of these embodiments will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art in view of the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the appended claims and the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] So that the manner in which the features and advantages of the embodiments are attained and can be understood in more detail, a more particular description may be had by reference to the embodiments thereof that are illustrated in the appended drawings. However, the drawings illustrate only some embodiments and therefore are not to be considered limiting in scope as there may be other equally effective embodiments.

[0009] FIG. 1 is a side view of an embodiment of a dampening device.

[0010] FIGS. 2 and 3 are sectional views of the dampening device of FIG. 1. [0011] FIGS. 4 and 5 are sectional isometric and side views, respectively, of

embodiments of an apparatus.

[0012] FIGS. 6A and 6B are side and sectional side views of an embodiment of a bottom sub.

[0013] FIGS. 7 A and 7B are side and sectional side views of an embodiment of a muleshoe assembly.

[0014] FIGS. 8A-8C are side, top and sectional side views, respectively, of an embodiment of a support member.

[0015] FIGS. 9A-9D, 10A and 10B are top and sectional side views of embodiments of clamp portions.

[0016] FIGS. 11 and 12 are plots of performance comparing a conventional downhole assembly with a downhole assembly equipped with an embodiment of a device.

[0017] The use of the same reference symbols in different drawings indicates similar or identical items.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0018] Embodiments of a system, method and apparatus for dampening shock and vibration to component in a drilling string are disclosed. For example, the embodiments disclosed herein can be specifically focused on reducing the amount and amplitude of vibrations on the actual electronic probe seat and the electronic probe itself during the drilling process, and not the entire drilling string.

[0019] In an embodiment, a downhole vibration dampener tool 20 may include a bottom sub 21, a top sub 22, a wash pipe 23, wire rope coils 24, spring attachments 25 to bottom sub 21, spring attachments 26 to wash pipe 23, and a probe seat 27. Bottom sub 21 and wash pipe 23 may be attached to each other using wire rope coils 24 and spring attachments 25, 26. Probe seat 27 may be coupled to the wash pipe 23 via this dampener tool 20. An electronic probe may be coupled to the probe seat 27, and oriented in a selected direction (e.g., to a zero roll angle, etc.). Top sub 22 can be mounted over the probe seat 27 and the electronic probe and secured to the bottom sub 21.

[0020] Embodiments of this assembly can be placed within the drilling string after the last drilling pipe of the drilling string which is already in the well. The next drilling pipe can be connected to the top sub 22, as the drilling string continues to be lowered into the well. Wire rope coils 24, spring attachments 25, 26 may be designed and arranged in a specific pattern to reduce the amount of vibrations generated during a drilling process. They may be situated between the outer sub 21 and inner wash pipe 23, thus insulating the wash pipe 23, and the probe seat 27 and electric probe coupled to it, from the harmful effects of vibrations that occur in the drilling string.

[0021] Versions of the dampener tool 20 can be positioned in a drilling string at a desired location. The tool can accommodate almost any type of electronic probe used during drilling processes. Once an electronic probe is coupled to the dampener tool, it is protected from the harmful vibrations that can occur while drilling.

[0022] The embodiments may include a downhole vibration dampener for dampening vibrations caused by drilling a well bore. An embodiment may include a one or two piece cylindrical body with thread connections on top and bottom to connect into a drilling string. An embodiment may comprise a cavity to accommodate wire springs, wire spring attachments, wash pipe and probe seat.

[0023] Alternatively, a downhole vibration dampener for dampening vibrations caused by drilling a well bore may include wire springs designed to dampen vibrations in longitudinal, transverse and torsional directions. Another version may include wire springs attachments designed to provide firm connection to a sub and wash pipe. Still another embodiment can include a wash pipe having a cylindrical body, slots and attachment points for wire attachments on an outer side of the cylindrical body, and an inner cavity for fluid passage. Embodiments may include an electronic probe seat comprising a cylindrical body, bottom thread connection to a wash pipe, cross ports to bring fluid flow from an outer side of the cylindrical body to a center cavity of the cylindrical body.

[0024] Referring now to FIGS. 4-10, other embodiments are shown and described. For example, an embodiment of an apparatus 120 (FIGS. 4 and 5) for reducing shock and vibration in a down hole assembly may include a tubular member having an axis 130. In some versions, shock and vibration dampening can include at least two of axial, radial and torsional vibration dampening. The tubular member may include a bottom sub 121 (FIG. 6) and a top sub 122 that are coupled or secured together.

[0025] In an embodiment, an engagement and orientation component (EOC) may be employed. For example, the EOC may comprise a mule shoe assembly or other device located in the tubular member. In one version, the EOC may be located inside top sub 122, such as only inside top sub 122. In an example, the EOC may comprise a muleshoe assembly having, in an embodiment, an orienting muleshoe seat 140 (FIG. 7) and a muleshoe orienting keyway 142. The muleshoe assembly may be securely fastened from movement and sealed relative to the tubular member.

[0026] Embodiments of the EOC may be configured to directly engage and orient an electronic component 150 (FIG. 5) relative to the apparatus 120. The electronic component 150 may include an orienting stinger 152 configured to engage and orient the electronic component 150 relative to the apparatus 120. In a particular version, the orienting stinger 152 may be used to engage and orient relative to the muleshoe seat 140 and muleshoe orienting keyway 142. Versions of the EOC may be a mule shoe with an orienting key configured to engage and orient a slot extending from the electronic component. The EOC can be secured to the tubular member to prevent movement therebetween.

[0027] Embodiments of the apparatus 120 may include a support member 123 (FIG. 8). The support member 123 may be mounted to the EOC and located inside the tubular member. In some versions, the electronic component 150 may be connected directly to a support member 123. In other examples, the support member may be located inside both the bottom sub 121 and the top sub 122, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5. In some versions, the support member 123 may comprise a wash pipe configured to direct mud flow therethrough. Embodiments of the tubular member and the support member 123 can be substantial co-axial, threadingly engaged and sealed relative to each other.

[0028] Other embodiments of the apparatus 120 may include a suspension assembly 160. The suspension assembly 160 may be mounted to both the tubular member (e.g., bottom sub 121) and the support member 123. Versions of the suspension assembly 160 may be located radially between the tubular member and the support member 123. The suspension assembly 160 may be configured to provide the support member 123 with axial, radial and torsional degrees of freedom relative to the tubular member. In addition, the suspension assembly can provide shock and vibration dampening for the electronic component 150.

[0029] Embodiments of the suspension assembly 160 may include a cable 162 and a cable clamp 164 configured to secure the cable 162 to both the tubular member and to the support member 123. The cable 162 may be fixed from movement relative to the cable clamp 164. Versions of the cable 162 may consist of a single cable (see, e.g., FIG. 4) comprising a braided wire rope. Other versions of the cable 162 may comprise a plurality of cables, such as the three separate cables 162 shown in FIG. 5. In still other versions, the cable 162 may comprise a plurality of parallel, individual cables in a circular, non- helical configuration. Alternate embodiments of the cable 162 may include a helical coil between the cable clamps 164 and around the support member 123.

[0030] Some versions of the cable clamp 164 may be configured to act as at least one of a mechanical axial stop and a mechanical radial stop for the support member 123 relative to the tubular member. Embodiments of the cable clamp 164 may include a radially inner portion 166 (FIGS. 9A and 9B) and a radially outer portion 168 (FIGS. 9C and 9D). In a version, the radially inner and outer portions 166, 168 are configured to be secured to each other, such as with fasteners.

[0031] In some embodiments, a portion 170 (FIG. 8) of the cable clamp 164 is integrally formed with and extends from the support member 123. Another cable clamp portion 172 (FIG. 10) may be secured to said cable clamp portion 170. [0032] As depicted in FIGS. 4 and 5, the cable clamp 164 may include a plurality of sets of cable clamps, such as three sets of cable clamps 164. In an example, at least one of the sets of cable clamps 164 can be offset from another one of the sets of cable claims 164. In a particular version (see, e.g., FIG. 8), said at least one of the sets of cable clamps is both axially offset and radially offset by 180 degrees relative to the axis 130.

[0033] In some embodiments, a tubular member segment (e.g., radially inner and outer portions 166, 168) of each of the sets of cable clamps 164 can be mounted to the tubular member 121. In some versions, a support member segment (e.g., portion 170 and cable clamp portion 172) of each of the sets of cable clamps 164 can be mounted to the support member 123.

[0034] Embodiments of the tubular member segment of clamps 164 can extend into a recess 180 (FIG. 8) formed in the support member 123. The tubular member segment of clamps 164 can be radially spaced apart from and free of contact with the support member 123.

[0035] In some versions, an axially central set of cable clamps 164b (FIGS. 4 and 5) can have an axial length in excess of that of axially outer sets of cable clamps 164a and 164c.

[0036] Embodiments of the suspension assembly 160 can have performance

characteristics. For example, the suspension assembly 160 can have an axial range of travel. In some versions, the axial range of travel can be up to about 1.75 inches in each axial direction. In other versions, the suspension assembly 160 can have a radial range of travel, such as up to about 0.5 inches from the axis 130. In still other versions, the suspension assembly 160 can have a torsional range of travel, such as up to about 10 degrees relative to the axis 130.

[0037] Some embodiments of the apparatus 120 may be configured to reduce shock to the electronic component 150. For example, shock and vibration can be reduced by at least about at least about 100%, such as at least about 1000%, at least about 5000%», at least about 10,000%, at least about 20,000%, or even at least about 25,000%. [0038] In one example, a 10 ms, half-sine, 25g shock on the bottom hole assembly (BHA) may be felt as only about lg at the electronic component 150, because of apparatus 120. In another example, a 2g amplitude sine wave vibration at 100 Hz on the BHA may be felt by the electronic component 150 as a 0.1 g sine wave at the same frequency. In a further example, a 2g amplitude sine wave vibration at 20 Hz on the BHA may be felt by the electronic component 150 as a lg sine wave at the same frequency.

[0039] In still other embodiments, the suspension assembly 160 can have a natural frequency. For example, the natural frequency of suspension assembly 160 can be in a range between about 6 Hz and about 20 Hz. In some versions, the suspension assembly can have a spring rate, such as about 1500 lb/in to about 3500 lb/in. Some examples of suspension assembly 160 do not utilize friction. Embodiments of suspension assembly 160 may include no damping fluid (other than the presence of drilling fluid). Versions of suspension assembly 160 may include only pure internal damping within the cables 162 themselves.

[0040] FIGS. 11 and 12 are plots of performance comparing a conventional downhole assembly with a downhole assembly equipped with an embodiment of the apparatus. For example, FIG. 11 is a plot of the amplitude of the g load or acceleration that the electronic component 150 experiences when the BHA experiences a 2g load over a range of frequencies. The curve for the acceleration that the electronic component 150 experiences is at a maximum near 10 Hz, indicating a natural frequency of about 10 Hz. Any vibration or component of vibration at a frequency above 10Hz will be attenuated to a level that increases as the frequency increases.

[0041] FIG. 12 is a plot of the acceleration or g load that an electronic component 150 suspended by an embodiment of the apparatus would feel when the BHA experiences a shock of 25 g that is 10 ms in duration. The shock experienced by the electronic component 150 in this situation is less than 2g.

[0042] Some embodiments may include one or more of the following items: [0043] Item 1. An apparatus for reducing shock and vibration in a down hole assembly, the apparatus comprising:

[0044] a tubular member having an axis;

[0045] a support member located inside the tubular member configured to be coupled to a component; and

[0046] a suspension assembly mounted to both the tubular member and the support member, and located between the tubular member and the support member, the suspension assembly being configured to provide the support member with axial and torsional degrees of freedom relative to the tubular member, and to provide shock and vibration dampening for the component.

[0047] Item 2. The apparatus of item 1 , wherein the suspension assembly comprises a cable and a cable clamp assembly, the cable clamp is configured to secure the cable to both the tubular member and to the support member, such that the cable is fixed from movement relative to the cable clamp.

[0048] Item 3. The apparatus of item 2, wherein the cable consists of a single cable comprising a braided wire rope.

[0049] Item 4. The apparatus of item 2, wherein the cable comprises a plurality of cables.

[0050] Item 5. The apparatus of item 2, wherein the cable comprises a plurality of parallel cables in circular, non-helical configurations.

[0051] Item 6. The apparatus of item 2, wherein the cable comprises a helical coil around the support member.

[0052] Item 7. The apparatus of item 2, wherein the cable clamp assembly is configured to act as at least one of a mechanical axial stop and a mechanical radial stop for the support member relative to the tubular member. [0053] Item 8. The apparatus of item 2, wherein the cable clamp assembly comprises a radially inner portion and a radially outer portion, and the radially inner and outer portions are configured to be fastened to each other.

[0054] Item 9. The apparatus of item 2, wherein a portion of the cable clamp assembly is integrally formed with and extends from the support member, and another cable clamp portion is secured to said cable clamp portion.

[0055] Item 10. The apparatus of item 2, wherein the cable clamp assembly comprises a plurality of sets of cable clamps.

[0056] Item 11. The apparatus of item 10, wherein at least one of the sets of cable clamps is offset from another one of the sets of cable clamps.

[0057] Item 12. The apparatus of item 11 , wherein said at least one of the sets of cable clamps is both axially offset relative to the axis, and radially offset by 180 degrees relative to the axis.

[0058] Item 13. The apparatus of item 10, wherein a tubular member segment of each of the sets of cable clamps is mounted to the tubular member, and a support member segment of each of the sets of cable clamps is mounted to the support member.

[0059] Item 14. The apparatus of item 13, wherein the tubular member segment extends into a recess formed in the support member, such that the tubular member segment is radially spaced apart from the support member.

[0060] Item 15. The apparatus of item 10, wherein a central set of cable clamps has an axial length in excess of that of axially outer sets of cable clamps.

[0061] Item 16. The apparatus of item 1, wherein the suspension assembly has:

[0062] an axial range of travel of up to about 1.75 inches in each axial direction; and/or

[0063] a radial range of travel of up to about 0.5 inches from the axis; and/or

[0064] a torsional range of travel of up to about 10 degrees relative to the axis. [0065] Item 17. The apparatus of item 1 , wherein the apparatus is configured to reduce shock to the component by at least about 90%.

[0066] Item 18. The apparatus of item 1 , wherein the suspension assembly has a natural frequency in a range of about 6 Hz to about 20 Hz.

[0067] Item 19. The apparatus of item 1, wherein the suspension assembly has a spring rate of about 1500 lb/in to about 3500 lb/in.

[0068] Item 20. The apparatus of item 2, wherein the suspension assembly does not utilize friction or a damping fluid, such that damping is configured to be provided to the component only by internal damping within the cable.

[0069] Item 21. A down hole tool assembly, comprising:

[0070] a tubular member;

[0071] a component mounted inside the tubular member; and

[0072] an apparatus coupled to the component, the apparatus being configured as described herein in one or more of the preceding items.

[0073] This written description uses examples to disclose the embodiments, including the best mode, and also to enable those of ordinary skill in the art to make and use the invention. The patentable scope is defined by the claims, and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they have structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differences from the literal languages of the claims.

[0074] Note that not all of the activities described above in the general description or the examples are required, that a portion of a specific activity may not be required, and that one or more further activities may be performed in addition to those described. Still further, the order in which activities are listed are not necessarily the order in which they are performed. [0075] In the foregoing specification, the concepts have been described with reference to specific embodiments. However, one of ordinary skill in the art appreciates that various modifications and changes can be made without departing from the scope of the invention as set forth in the claims below. Accordingly, the specification and figures are to be regarded in an illustrative rather than a restrictive sense, and all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of invention.

[0076] As used herein, the terms "comprises," "comprising," "includes," "including," "has," "having" or any other variation thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion. For example, a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of features is not necessarily limited only to those features but may include other features not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method, article, or apparatus. Further, unless expressly stated to the contrary, "or" refers to an inclusive-or and not to an exclusive-or. For example, a condition A or B is satisfied by any one of the following: A is true (or present) and B is false (or not present), A is false (or not present) and B is true (or present), and both A and B are true (or present).

[0077] Also, the use of "a" or "an" are employed to describe elements and components described herein. This is done merely for convenience and to give a general sense of the scope of the invention. This description should be read to include one or at least one and the singular also includes the plural unless it is obvious that it is meant otherwise.

[0078] Benefits, other advantages, and solutions to problems have been described above with regard to specific embodiments. However, the benefits, advantages, solutions to problems, and any feature(s) that may cause any benefit, advantage, or solution to occur or become more pronounced are not to be construed as a critical, required, or essential feature of any or all the claims.

[0079] After reading the specification, skilled artisans will appreciate that certain features are, for clarity, described herein in the context of separate embodiments, may also be provided in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features that are, for brevity, described in the context of a single embodiment, may also be provided separately or in any subcombination. Further, references to values stated in ranges include each and every value within that range.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. An apparatus for reducing shock and vibration in a down hole assembly, the apparatus comprising:

a tubular member having an axis;

a support member located inside the tubular member configured to be coupled to a component; and

a suspension assembly mounted to both the tubular member and the support member, and located radially between the tubular member and the support member, the suspension assembly being configured to provide the support member with axial and torsional degrees of freedom relative to the tubular member, and to provide shock and vibration dampening for the component.

2. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the suspension assembly comprises a cable and a cable clamp assembly, the cable clamp is configured to secure the cable to both the tubular member and to the support member, such that the cable is fixed from movement relative to the cable clamp.

3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the cable consists of a single cable comprising a braided wire rope.

4. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the cable comprises a plurality of cables.

5. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the cable comprises a plurality of parallel cables in circular, non-helical configurations.

6. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the cable comprises a helical coil around the support member.

7. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the cable clamp assembly comprises a radially inner portion and a radially outer portion, and the radially inner and outer portions are configured to be fastened to each other.

8. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein a portion of the cable clamp assembly is integrally formed with and extends from the support member, and another cable clamp portion is secured to said cable clamp portion.

9. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the cable clamp assembly comprises a plurality of sets of cable clamps.

10. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein at least one of the sets of cable clamps is offset from another one of the sets of cable clamps.

1 1. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein said at least one of the sets of cable clamps is both axially offset relative to the axis, and radially offset by 180 degrees relative to the axis.

12. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the suspension assembly has:

an axial range of travel of up to about 1.75 inches in each axial direction; and a torsional range of travel of up to about 10 degrees relative to the axis.

13. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the suspension assembly has a natural frequency in a range of about 6 Hz to about 20 Hz.

14. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the suspension assembly has a spring rate of about 1500 lb/in to about 3500 lb/in.

15. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the suspension assembly does not utilize friction or a damping fluid, such that damping is configured to be provided to the component only by internal damping within the cable.