Jet flow control for higher drilling efficiency

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A drill bit used in the drilling of boreholes for oil, gas, water etc. is a complex arrangement of individual cutting devices and channels for removal of material. Shear Bits is a Calgary based company that not only manufactures custom drill bits but also continues to research and develop new technology. In the past, the focus has been on developing new cutting tools and technology. It has become evident from their own work and customer feedback that better understanding of the hydro-dynamics or hydraulics of the cutting fluid at the cutter face and the removal of cut material is needed for further advancement of their technology. Shear Bits is partnering with the University of Alberta to a research campaign with this focus. For these large-scale drill bits, cutting fluid is injected directly at the bit cutting face with the aim of removal of material or chips and lubrication and cooling of the cutting tools. These tools are individual inserts of specific shape and material that are arranged for maximum cutting performance for a specific rock geology. To improve the bit hydraulics, jet flow patterns can be optimized for better chip removal and greater erosion of the rock in the bottom-hole of the drilling well. The literature highlights that self-resonating jets with large scale organized vortical structures will lead to drilling rates 2-6 times greater than with traditional jets. An initial flow visualization experiment will be carried out at the University of Alberta with the aim to identify the characteristic flow patterns of the drilling fluid. An experimental prototype will be built using 3D printing technology for investigating multiple impinging bit jet configurations. Simultaneous flow visualization and unsteady pressure measurements will provide an in-depth description of the vortical structures being advected from the bit jet exit towards the impinging wall. At the same time, an extensive review of the literature will be carried out to identify the current academic understanding this type of flow. This partnership with the University of Alberta would allow further improvement of the drilling performance and help secure Canada's place as a world leader in the drilling industry.