RU2794053C1 - Vibration isolating connecting element (variants) and method for isolation of torsional vibrations in the drill string (variants) - Google Patents

Abstract

FIELD: vibration isolation.

SUBSTANCE: group of inventions relates to variants of a vibration isolating connecting element for isolating torsional vibration in a drill string, as well as to variants of a method for isolating torsional vibrations from one section of the drill string connected to another section of the drill string through a vibration isolating connecting element. The vibration isolating connecting element contains the first section of the connecting element, the second section of the connecting element and a plurality of connecting elements. The first section of the connecting element contains the first annular wall having an outer surface and an inner surface defining the first section of the central channel. The second section of the connecting element is located inside the first section of the central channel. The second section of the connecting element contains a second annular wall having an outer surface section and an inner surface section defining a second section of the central channel. A number of connecting elements extend from the inner surface of the first annular wall through the second annular wall in the second section of the central channel and connect to the section of the inner surface of the second annular wall. The vibration isolating connecting element provides isolation of torsional vibrations by elastic bending of the plurality of connecting elements.

EFFECT: reducing the negative impact of vibrations in the drill string.

30 cl, 8 dwg

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/899,354 filed September 12, 2019, U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/899,291 filed September 12, 2019, U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/899,331 , filed September 12, 2019, and U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/899,332, filed September 12, 2019, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] In the case of many applications, such as carbon dioxide sequestration, geothermal production, and exploration and production of hydrocarbons, wellbores are drilled deep into the earth. In all applications, boreholes are drilled in such a way that they pass through material or provide access to material (eg, gas or fluid) that is contained in a formation (eg, section) located below the surface of the earth. Different types of tools and devices can be placed in wellbores to perform various tasks and measurements.

[0003] In operation, downhole components may be subject to vibrations that may affect operational efficiency. For example, severe vibrations in drill strings and bottomhole assemblies can be caused by cutting forces on bit or mass imbalances in downhole tools such as downhole motors. The vibrations can take the form of sticking/slip vibrations and high frequency torsional oscillations (HFTO). HFTO vibrations typically occur at frequencies above 50 Hz and can be localized to a small section of the drill string. Typically, HFTOs have high amplitudes at bit. The effects of such vibrations may include, but are not limited to, reduced ROP while drilling, reduced measurement quality, and excessive fatigue and wear of downhole components, tools, and/or devices. US 6,098,726 describes a coupling device for transmitting torque from a drill pipe to a drill bit, which reduces the likelihood of reverse rotation of the bit by damping torsional vibrations to such an extent that the instantaneous rotation of the drill bit back is compensated by the speed of rotation forward. Means are provided to prevent instant reverse rotation of the drill string being transmitted to the drill bit itself. The device comprises upper and lower elements/sections and damping of torsional vibrations due to the angular displacement of these elements relative to each other, provided by an elastic material placed between the inner surface of the upper element and the outer surface of the lower element. Damping of torsional vibrations in the drill string and preventing their transmission to the drill bit can also be provided by pairs of frictionally interacting surfaces or by hydraulic damping. Such coupling devices, which use elastic materials and friction to dissipate rotational energy, are subject to wear and are not effective in isolating high frequency torsional vibrations.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0004] A vibration isolating coupling element for isolating torsional vibration in a drill string is provided, comprising: a first section of the connecting element comprising a first annular wall having an outer surface and an inner surface defining a first section of a central channel; a second section of the connecting element located inside the first section of the central channel, and the second section of the connecting element contains a second annular wall having an outer surface section and an inner surface section defining the second section of the central channel; and a plurality of connecting elements extending from the inner surface of the first annular wall through the second annular wall in the second section of the central channel and connecting with the inner surface section of the second annular wall, wherein the vibration isolating connecting element provides isolation of torsional vibrations by elastic bending of the plurality of connecting elements. In another embodiment, a vibration isolating connecting element is proposed for isolating torsional vibration in a drill string, comprising: a first section of the connecting element containing a first annular wall having an outer surface and an inner surface defining a first section of the central channel; a second section of the connecting element located inside the first section of the central channel, and the second section of the connecting element contains a second annular wall having an outer surface section and an inner surface section defining the second section of the central channel; and a plurality of connecting elements extending from the inner surface of the first annular wall through the second annular wall in the second section of the central channel and connecting with the inner surface of the second annular wall, the second section of the connecting element containing a plurality of axially spaced holes extending from the section of the outer surface of the second annular wall through the second annular wall to a section of the inner surface of the second annular wall. In yet another embodiment, a vibration isolating coupling element for isolating torsional vibration in a drill string is provided, comprising: a first section of the connecting element comprising a first annular wall having an outer surface and an inner surface defining a first section of a central channel; a second section of the connecting element located inside the first section of the central channel, and the second section of the connecting element contains a second annular wall having an outer surface section and an inner surface section defining the second section of the central channel; and a plurality of connecting elements extending from the inner surface of the first annular wall through the second annular wall in the second section of the central channel and connecting with the inner surface of the second annular wall, and the vibration isolating connecting element has a torsion spring constant that determines a torsional vibration resonance frequency of less than 100 Hz, such thereby isolating vibrations between the first and second sections of the connecting element with a frequency above about the torsional resonance frequency.

[0005] In addition, a method is provided for isolating torsional vibrations from one section of the drill string connected to another section of the drill string through a vibration isolating connecting element, having a first section of the connecting element connected to the second section of the connecting element through a plurality of connecting elements, and the method includes : introduction of torsional vibrations into the first section of the connecting element; transmitting torsional vibration to a plurality of connecting elements extending from the section of the inner surface of the second section of the connecting element, through the annular wall of the second section of the connecting element to the inner surface of the first section of the connecting element; and isolating torsional vibrations by elastically bending the plurality of connecting members. In another variant, a method is proposed for isolating torsional vibrations from one section of the drill string connected to another section of the drill string through a vibration isolating connecting element having a first section of the connecting element connected to the second section of the connecting element through a plurality of connecting elements, and the method includes: selection of stiffness when twisting the anti-vibration connector to have a torsional resonance frequency of the anti-vibration connector less than 100 Hz; and selecting the moment of inertia of the section of the drill string located below the anti-vibration connecting element to a moment of inertia having a resonance frequency of the torsional vibration of the anti-vibration connecting element; introducing torsional vibrations into one of the first section of the connecting element and the second section of the connecting element; transmitting torsional vibration to a plurality of connector elements extending from the section of the inner surface of the second section of the connecting element, through the annular wall of the second section of the connecting element to the inner surface of the first section of the connecting element; and isolating torsional vibrations between the first and second portions of the connecting member at a frequency above about the torsional resonance frequency.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF GRAPHICS

[0006] The descriptions below are not to be construed as being restrictive in any way. In the description with reference to the accompanying drawings, like elements are given the same numbering.

[0007] FIG. 1 depicts an exploration and production system comprising a vibration isolating coupler, in accordance with one aspect of an exemplary embodiment;

[0008] in FIG. 2A shows a geometric configuration of a bottom hole assembly (BHA) without a vibration isolating coupler;

[0009] in FIG. 2B shows high frequency torsional vibration (HFTO) waveforms without vibration isolating coupler;

[0010] in FIG. 3A is a geometric configuration of a BHA with a vibration isolating coupler according to one illustrative aspect;

[0011] in FIG. 3B shows forms of an HFTO with a vibration isolating coupler in accordance with one illustrative embodiment;

[0012] in FIG. 4 is a ground glass plan view of a vibration isolating coupler, in accordance with one illustrative aspect;

[0013] in FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the anti-vibration coupling shown in FIG. 4, in accordance with one aspect of one exemplary embodiment;

[0014] in FIG. 6 shows a plurality of connector members connecting a first connector portion and a second connector portion of a vibration isolating coupler, in accordance with an illustrative aspect;

[0015] in FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the anti-vibration coupling shown in FIG. 4 taken along line 5-5 depicting an end stop, in accordance with one aspect of one exemplary embodiment; And

[0016] in FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of the anti-vibration coupling shown in FIG. 4 in accordance with another aspect of one exemplary embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0017] A detailed description of one or more embodiments of the described device and method is provided herein by way of example with reference to the drawings and is not restrictive.

[0018] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an exploration and production system for performing well operations. As shown, the exploration and production system takes the form of a drilling system 10. The drilling system 10 includes a conventional drilling derrick 11 mounted on a platform 12 that supports a rotor table 14 that is rotated by a main drive such as an electric motor (not shown), at the required rotation speed. The drilling system 10 also includes a downhole assembly having a drill string 20 that extends through the rotor table 14 and includes a drill tubular 22, such as a drill pipe, that extends into a wellbore 26 having an annular wall 27 extending into the formation 28. The drill string 20 may be a horizontal directional drill string and include a deflector, a drilling motor, and/or a guide mechanism such as 29. A disintegrating tool 30, such as a drill bit, is attached to the end of the drill string 20. The disintegrating tool 30 forms a bottomhole assembly (BHA) portion 32. The disintegrating tool 30 is controlled to disintegrate the geological formation as it rotates, thus forming the wellbore 26 . The drill string 20 is connected to surface equipment such as lifting, rotating, and/or pushing systems, including, but not limited to, a drawworks 33 via a kelly 35, a swivel 38, and a line 39 via a lifting block 43. In some embodiments, the surface equipment may include a top drive (not shown). During drilling operations, the drawworks 33 is controlled to control the weight on bit, which affects the rate of penetration during drilling. The operation of the drawworks 33 is well known in the art and is therefore not described in detail herein.

[0019] During drilling operations, suitable drilling fluid 45 (also referred to as “flushing fluid”) from a drilling fluid source or reservoir 48 is circulated under pressure through the bore of the drill string 20 (including the bore of the BHA) by means of a mud pump 50. The drilling fluid 41 passes into the drill string 20 through the hydraulic shock absorber 56, the fluid line 58 and the kelly 35. The drilling fluid 41 is discharged at the bottom 60 of the wellbore 26 through an opening in the disintegrating tool 30. The drilling fluid 41 circulates up the wellbore through the annulus 64 between the drill string 20 and the annular wall 27 of the wellbore 26 (wellbore wall) and returns to the mud reservoir 48 via the return line 68. The sensor S1 in the liquid line 58 provides information on the fluid flow rate. The surface torque sensor S2 and the sensor S3 associated with the drill string 20 respectively provide information about the torque and rotational speed of the drill tubular 22. In addition, one or more sensors (not shown) associated with the line 39 are used to provide data on the load 20 on the hook, as well as other required parameters related to the drilling of the wellbore 26. The drilling system 10 for drilling may further include one or more downhole sensors 70 located on the drill string 20 and/or BHA 32.

[0020] In some applications, the disintegrating tool 30 is rotated by the rotation of the drilling tubular 22. However, in other applications, a drilling motor (not shown), such as a downhole motor, may form part of the BHA 32 and may be controlled to rotate the disintegrating tool 30 and / or to superimpose or supplement the rotation of the drill string 20. In any case, the rate of penetration during drilling (ROP; rate of penetration) of the disintegrating tool 30 into the earth formation 28 for a given formation and a given drilling assembly is highly dependent on weight on bit and rotational speed drill bit.

[0021] Surface control unit 80 receives signals from downhole sensors 70 and devices through a transducer 83, such as a pressure transducer located in liquid line 58, as well as outputs S1, S2, S3, hook load sensors, engine speed sensors, torque sensors moment and any other sensors. Ground control unit 80 processes such signals in accordance with programmed commands. The ground control unit 80 may display desired drilling parameters and other information on a display/monitor 85 for use by an operator at the wellsite to control the drilling operation. The ground control unit 80 includes a computer, a data storage device, computer programs, models and algorithms available to the processor in the computer, a recording device such as a magnetic tape drive, a memory unit, and so on. for data logging and other peripherals. Ground control unit 80 may also contain simulation models for use by a computer to process data in accordance with programmed instructions. Ground control unit 80 may respond to user commands entered through a suitable device, such as a keyboard. Ground control unit 80 is configured to activate alarms 87 when certain unsafe or undesirable operating conditions occur.

[0022] The BHA 32 also includes other sensors and devices or tools to provide various measurements related to the formation 28 and to drill the wellbore 26 along the desired path. Such devices may include a device for measuring the resistivity of the formation near the disintegrating tool 30, gamma ray devices for measuring the intensity of the gamma ray log of the formation, and devices for determining the inclination, azimuth and position of the drilling tubular 22 and/or in front of them. Other devices, such as logging while drilling (LWD) devices, generally designated 90, such as devices for measuring formation porosity, permeability, density, rock properties, fluid properties, etc., may be placed in suitable locations. provisions in the BHA 32 to provide information useful for evaluating the borehole 26 of the formation 28. Such devices may include, but are not limited to, temperature measuring instruments, pressure measuring instruments, borehole diameter measuring instruments (e.g., a caliper), acoustic instruments, radioactive logging, nuclear magnetic resonance tools and formation testing and sampling tools.

[0023] The above devices transmit data to the downhole telemetry system 92, which in turn transmits the received data up the wellbore to the surface control unit 80. Downhole telemetry system 92 also receives signals and data from surface control unit 80 and transmits such received signals and data to appropriate downhole devices. In one aspect, a mud pulse telemetry system may be used to communicate between downhole sensors, generally designated 94, located on the drill string 20, and devices and surface equipment during drilling operations. Transducer 83 located in fluid line 58 (eg, a drilling fluid supply line) detects pulses in the drilling fluid in response to data transmitted by the downhole telemetry system 92. Transducer 83 generates electrical signals in response to changes in downhole fluid pressure and transmits such signals through conductor 96 to ground control unit 80.

[0024] In other aspects, any other suitable telemetry system may be used for two-way communications (eg, downlink and uplink) between the surface and the BHA 32, including, without limitation, acoustic telemetry, electromagnetic telemetry, optical telemetry. a system, a wireline telemetry system, which may use wireless connectors or playback devices in the drill string or wellbore. A wired tubular telemetry system may be made by connecting sections of drill pipe, with each section of pipe containing a data link, such as a wire, that extends along the pipe. The data connection between pipe sections can be made by any suitable method, including, without limitation, solid electrical or optical connections, inductive, capacitive, resonant coupling, such as electromagnetic resonant coupling or direct coupling methods. In the case where coiled tubing is used as the drilling tubular 22, the data line may be run along the side of the coiled tubing.

[0025] The drilling system 10 refers to drilling systems that use a drill pipe to transport the BHA 32 into the wellbore 26, with weight on bit controlled from the surface, typically by controlling the operation of the drawworks 33. However, in a large number of modern drilling systems , especially for drilling highly deviated and horizontal wellbores, flexible tubing is used to transport the drilling assembly deep into the well. In such an application, a propulsion device (not specifically indicated) may be deployed in the drill string 20 to provide the required force on the disintegrating tool 30. In addition, with coiled tubing, the tubing is not rotated by the rotor table, and instead this is introduced into the wellbore by a suitable blower while a downhole motor, such as a drilling motor (not shown), rotates the disintegrating tool 30. In the case of offshore drilling, an offshore drilling rig or ship may be used to support drilling equipment, including a drill string .

[0026] As shown in FIG. 1, a resistivity tool 100 may be provided that includes, for example, a plurality of antennas including, for example, transmitters 104a or 104b and/or receivers 108a or 108b. Resistivity may be one formation property of interest for making drilling decisions. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that other formation property determination tools may be used with or instead of the resistivity tool 100 .

[0027] Liner drilling can be a single configuration or operation used to provide a disintegrating device, which is becoming more attractive in the oil and gas industry because it has several advantages over conventional drilling. One example of such a configuration is shown and described in US Joint Patent No. 9,004,195 entitled "Apparatus and Method for Drilling a Borehole, Setting a Liner and Cementing the Borehole During a Single Trip", which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. It is important to note that despite the relatively low rate of penetration during drilling, the time to get the liner to the target location is reduced because the liner is simultaneously run into the hole while the wellbore is being drilled. This can be useful in swelling formations where compression of the well being drilled may later prevent liner installation. In addition, drilling with a liner in depleted and unstable reservoirs minimizes the risk of pipe or drill string sticking due to hole failure.

[0028] Although FIG. 1 is shown and described in relation to drilling operations, those skilled in the art will appreciate that similar configurations, albeit with different components, can be used to perform various well operations. For example, wireline, completion, wireline, liner drilling, reaming, coiled tubing, reentry, and/or other configurations can be used in the art as is known. In addition, production configurations can be used to extract materials from earth formations and/or inject materials into earth formations. Thus, the present description is not limited to drilling operations, but can be applied to any suitable or required well operations.

[0029] Severe vibrations in drill strings and bottomhole assemblies during drilling operations can be caused by cutting forces on the bit or mass imbalances in downhole tools such as drilling motors. Such vibrations can result in reduced ROP while drilling, reduced wellbore quality, poorer measurements made with BHB tools, and may result in wear, fatigue, and/or failure of downhole components. As will be understood by those skilled in the art, there are various vibrations such as transverse vibrations, axial vibrations, and torsional vibrations. For example, whole drilling system sticking/slip and high-frequency torsional oscillations (HFTO) are both types of torsional vibration. The terms "vibration", "vibration", and "change" are used with the same broad meaning of repetitive and/or periodic movements or periodic deviations from an average such as average position, average speed and average acceleration. In particular, these terms are not intended to limit harmonic deviations, but may include all kinds of deviations, such as, without limitation, periodic, harmonic and statistical deviations.

[0030] Torsional vibrations can be excited by self-excitation mechanisms that result from the interaction of the drill bit or any other cutting structure such as the reamer bit and the formation. The main differentiator between sticking/slip and HFTO is frequency and typical waveforms. For example, critical HFTO has a frequency that is typically over 50 Hz compared to stick/slip torsional vibrations that typically have frequencies below 1 Hz. Typically, the critical HFTO can range from 50 Hz to 500 Hz. Criteria for identifying critical forms of HFTO are described in Andreas Hohl et al., Journal of Sound and Vibration 342 (2015), 290-302. HFTO critical shapes, critical frequencies, and critical waveforms may also be referred to as unwanted HFTO shapes, unwanted frequencies, and unwanted waveforms. Moreover, the stick/slip excited waveform is typically the first waveform of the entire drilling system, while the HFTO waveform can be of higher order and is usually localized to smaller areas of the drilling system with relatively high amplitudes at the point of excitation, which may be a bit or any other cutting structure (such as a reamer bit), or any contact between the drilling system and the formation (eg, via a stabilizer).

[0031] Due to the high frequency of vibration, HFTO corresponds to high values of acceleration and torque along the BHA or only in the area of the BHA. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that for torsional motions, one of acceleration, force, and torque is always followed by the other two of acceleration, force, and torque. In this sense, acceleration, force, and torque are equivalent in the sense that none of them can happen without the other two. High frequency vibration loads can have a negative impact on the efficiency, reliability and/or durability of BHA electronic and mechanical parts. Embodiments provided herein relate to providing a vibration isolating coupler 140 to mitigate HFTO. The anti-vibration connector 140 is a modular tool that can be installed at various positions above, below, or within the BHA 32. For example, the anti-vibration connector 140 can be installed above the drill bit. In the drill string for horizontal directional drilling (BHA for horizontal directional drilling). In a horizontal directional drill string (HDD BHA), the guide mechanism 29 may be positioned above the drill bit. A guide mechanism 29 is located adjacent to the drill bit to deflect the drilling direction of the drill bit. In a guided BHA, it is desirable to place the anti-vibration coupler 140 above the guide. Above the anti-vibration coupling 140, one or more formation evaluation tools may be located.

[0032] The disintegrating tool 30 is the trigger point of the HFTO. Without a vibration isolating coupler placed in the BHA, the disintegrator tool 30 excites HFTO at unwanted frequencies along the entire BHA. The vibration isolating coupler 140 isolates the section of the BHA above the vibration isolating coupler 140 from the propagation of HFTOs excited in the area of the BHA below the vibration isolating BHA. Isolating coupler 140 limits the HFTO induced by cutting forces on drill bit 30 to the BHA below the isolating coupler 140. Due to the design of the vibrating coupler 140, the BHA torsion dynamics is modified to ensure that undesirable HFTO vibration modes have significant amplitude only in the portion of the BHA below the isolating coupler. element 140.

[0033] The vibration isolating coupler 140 in the BHA allows the BHA portion below the vibration isolating coupler 140 to generate vibration (HFTO) by isolating the vibration from the BHA portion above the vibration isolating coupler. In addition, the anti-vibration coupler 140 changes the amount of undesired forms of HFTO excited. In the BHA with vibration isolating coupler 140, fewer undesirable forms of HFTO are excited. The vibration isolating coupler 140 acts as a mechanical low pass filter for the HFTO and contains an isolating frequency (free oscillation frequency or first resonant frequency).

[0034] The isolating effects result from the significantly lower isolating frequency of the vibration isolating coupler compared to the HFTO frequencies excited at the drill bit or any other BHA cutting structure. A lower isolating frequency can be achieved with a vibration isolating coupling element with sufficiently low torsional stiffness. The low torsional stiffness of the anti-vibration coupler isolates the lower mass from the higher mass in the torsional degree of freedom for frequencies above the isolating frequency. The HFTO patterns excited on the bit at frequencies above the isolating frequency are isolated from the portion of the BHA above the vibration isolating coupler 140. The term "low torsional stiffness" refers to the relationship between bending stiffness and torsional stiffness (Bending Stiffness/Torsional Stiffness (BST) /TST; bending stiffness/torsional stiffness)) more than 10, more than 15, more than 20, more than 30, more than 40 or more than 50.

[0035] In one embodiment, the required frequency for the anti-vibration coupling in the downhole assembly is between 10 Hz and 200 Hz. In another embodiment, the isolation frequency may be from 10 Hz to 100 Hz. In yet another embodiment, the isolation frequency may be from 20 Hz to 50 Hz. In yet another embodiment, the isolating frequency of 30 Hz reduces (isolates) unwanted forms of HFTO, such as forms of HFTO in the range of 50 Hz to 500 Hz.

[0036] The isolating frequency of the anti-vibration coupler depends on the constant torsion spring (proportional to the torsional stiffness) of the anti-vibration coupler and the moving reciprocating mass below the anti-vibration coupler. In one embodiment, the vibration isolating coupler 140 above the guide mechanism 29 and the disintegrating tool 30 provides a sufficiently high moving reciprocating mass (mass of inertia) to achieve an isolation frequency of about 30 Hz. Smaller masses, such as just a drill bit, result in isolating frequencies above 30 Hz, such as 100 Hz to 200 Hz. The BHA components located close to the disintegrating tool 30 are designed to withstand a high level of vibration (axial, transverse and torsional).

[0037] The isolation frequency of 30 Hz limits unwanted HFTO shapes and the associated torque and angular acceleration loads acting on guide mechanism 29 and drill bit 30 to only a few critical HFTO shapes. As shown in FIG. 2, there are also other shapes at or near the 30 Hz isolation frequency that have a higher probability of occurring but are not considered undesirable. A higher isolating frequency results in more undesirable HFTO patterns being excited in the BHA region below the vibration isolating coupler 140, potentially resulting in damage to the guide mechanism 29 or disintegrator tool 30.

[0038] In one embodiment, the bottom of the BHA, such as this portion of the BHA below the anti-vibration connector 140, is detached (insulated) from the HFTO point of view from the top of the BHA, such as this portion of the BHA above the vibration isolating connector 140. In alternative embodiments, undesirable shapes HFTO can be excited in the area of the BHA above the anti-vibration coupling element 140, for example, using a reamer. In such a case, the anti-vibration connector 140 isolates the portion of the BHA below the anti-vibration connector 140 from unwanted forms of HFTO. In a BHA with a vibration isolating coupler as described herein, the amplitudes of unwanted HFTO waveforms above the vibration isolating coupler 140 (section of the BHA without HFTO excitation) are relatively low compared to the amplitudes of the HFTO waveforms below the vibration isolating coupler 140 (section of the BHA with excitation HFTO).

[0039] FIG. 2A and 2B show the geometry configuration of a base BHA (tool size 4.75″) in a drillstring without vibration isolating coupler showing six exemplary unwanted HFTO waveforms with respective frequencies (f) from 119.4 Hz to 357.6 Hz. The S _c parameter is an indicator of the probability of occurrence of the HFTO waveform. The HFTO waveform amplitudes indicate that torsional vibration energy is being exerted in the BHA section of the drill string.

[0040] FIG. 3A and 3B show the geometry of the base BHA in a drillstring with a vibration isolating coupler in accordance with an illustrative embodiment placed above the disintegrator tool 30 and guide mechanism 29. up to 500 Hz. In addition, there are other forms at or near the isolating frequency of the vibration isolating coupler 140 (30 Hz) that are highly likely to occur. However, these low frequency (about 30 Hz) forms of HFTO can be considered less objectionable due to their low frequencies and small amplitudes compared to the amplitudes that occur along the BHA in a base BHA without a vibration isolating coupler (FIG. 2B).

[0041] FIG. 3B shows that HFTO is concentrated on the disintegrating tool 30 and guide mechanism 29. Above the vibration isolating coupler 140, the amplitudes of the HFTO waveforms are smaller compared to the amplitudes of the corresponding waveform amplitudes below the vibration isolating coupler 140. The HFTO waveforms that exist at the top of the base The BHA without the anti-vibration coupler either does not excite in the BHA with the anti-vibration coupler as a result of torsional dynamics, or exhibits much lower amplitudes of the HFTO waveforms. Therefore, FE tools or SPI tools containing highly complex electronics (PCBA, ceramic material, including Multi-Chip Modules (MCM)), sensors, connectors, wires, hydraulic devices and / or mechanical devices located above the vibration isolating coupling element , are subjected to reduced torsional dynamics loads, resulting in higher downhole measurement data quality (in specific imaging data) and increased downhole tool reliability.

[0042] Preferably, the anti-vibration coupling 140 is as short as possible to keep the FE tools close to the bit. In one embodiment, the vibration isolating coupler 140 described herein may be shorter than about 10 m. In another embodiment, the vibration isolating coupler 140 may be shorter than about 5 m. may be shorter than about 2 m. In yet another illustrative embodiment, the vibration isolating coupler 140 may be shorter than about 1.5 m. In yet another illustrative embodiment, the vibration isolating coupler 140 may be shorter than about 1.2 m In yet another exemplary embodiment, the vibration isolating coupler 140 may be shorter than about 1.1 m. element 140 may be shorter than about 0.5 m.

[0043] In order to achieve the desired isolation performance, the anti-vibration coupler 140 has a small torsional rigidity (torsional softness) for isolating HFTO. At the same time, the anti-vibration coupling must have high bending rigidity to facilitate the BHA guiding mode for horizontal directional drilling, namely the guiding mechanism. This document presents various configurations of the anti-vibration connector to achieve the required mechanical properties, balancing the optimal balance between torsional softness and bending rigidity while keeping mechanical stresses below an acceptable limit. Mechanical stresses are caused by axial loads (weight on bit (WOB)), torque applied to surface equipment (rotation of the drill string), dynamic bending through wellbore sharp bending, and vibration (transverse, axial, torsional).

[0044] The anti-vibration coupling element is preferably integrally formed in only one integral element, or may be made from a very small number of parts. A vibration-isolating coupling made in one piece without connections (such as threads, welds, or other formed connections) is less prone to tool failures. Modern manufacturing methods, such as additive manufacturing, provide the ability to create a vibration isolating connecting element, made in one piece with a complex shape.

[0045] The flexural rigidity of the anti-vibration coupling member described herein is not achieved by including a housing with high flexural rigidity. The vibration isolating coupling element as described herein does not include bearings or other elements that include surfaces that move relative to each other. Thus, the anti-vibration coupling does not include or apply frictional forces or friction surfaces. Friction in this context also includes viscous friction (viscous force). The anti-vibration coupler described herein does not use friction surfaces or viscous friction to dissipate rotational energy. The anti-vibration coupling does not include wear due to frictional forces. It should be noted that the vibration isolating coupling element isolates only high-frequency torsional vibrations. The rotation (non-oscillating or continuous rotation) applied to the rotor table is transmitted from the BHA above the anti-vibration coupler to the BHA below the anti-vibration coupler. While the anti-vibration coupler isolates the HFTO, the BHAs above and below the anti-vibration coupler are rotatably coupled.

[0046] In accordance with the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 4-7, the anti-vibration connector 140 includes a first connector 144, which may take the form of a female connector 146, and a second connector 148, which may take the form of a male connector 150. The first section 154 of the connecting element is connected to the second connector 148, and the second section 156 of the connecting element is connected to the first connector 144. As will be described in detail herein, the second section of the connecting element extends inside and is concentric with the first section 154 of the connecting element. In addition, the first section 154 of the connecting element is operatively connected to the second section 156 of the connecting element through a plurality of connecting elements, indicated in General by the reference position 159, as also described in detail herein. The connecting elements 159 can be made in one piece with the first section 154 of the connecting element and the second section 156 of the connecting element. Alternatively, the connecting elements 159 may be connected to the first section 154 of the connecting element and the second section 156 of the connecting element by welding. The seal 160 may be located between the first section 154 of the connecting element and the second section 156 of the connecting element. Seal 160 may be made from a variety of materials such as rubber, elastomer, or metal. In addition, the seal 160 can provide a controlled amount of leakage between the first section 154 of the connecting element and the second section 156 of the connecting element.

[0047] It should be noted that the connecting elements 159 may have different shapes, as shown in FIG. 4-7. In exemplary embodiments, the connecting elements 159 may have a cross section including an I-shape, an 8-shape, a round shape (elliptical, round), or may include a hollow profile. All connecting elements 159 may not have the same dimensions. In addition, the elongation in the axial direction may vary depending on the connecting element. Elongation in the radial direction may vary depending on the connecting element. As used herein, the axial direction refers to the direction parallel to the longitudinal axis A (FIG. 4) of the anti-vibration coupler 140, and the radial direction R (FIG. 4) in this document refers to the direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis A. Circumferential direction C (FIG. .7) refers to the tangential direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis A. Angle α (FIG. 7) refers to the angle around the longitudinal axis A.

[0048] As shown in FIG. 4 and 5, the first connector 144 may include a female connector 146, and the second connector 148 may include a male connector 150. The first connector 144 and the second connector 148 may be end-welded to the first connector portion 154 and the second connector portion 156, respectively. The first connector portion 154 and the second connector portion 156 are connected by a plurality of connecting members 159 to form a vibration isolating portion 151 for the vibration isolating connector 140. Thus, the first connector 144 and the second connector 148 can be lock-welded to the vibration isolating portion 151 of the vibration isolating connector 140 Weld 165 denotes the end weld between the female connector 146 and the second connector portion 156, and the weld 167 denotes the end weld between the male connector 150 and the first connector portion 154. Alternatively, the female connector 146 and the male connector 150 may be integral with the first connector portion 154 and the second connector portion 156, respectively, or bonded by another technique such as friction welding, laser welding, or electron beam welding. welding.

[0049] In accordance with one illustrative aspect, the first section 154 of the connecting element includes a first tubular section 162 with a first annular wall 164 having an outer surface 166 and an inner surface 168 that defines a first central channel 170. The first annular wall 164 includes a first end 172 and opposite second end 173. The second section 156 of the connecting element includes a second tubular section 171 having a second annular wall 180 containing an outer surface section 182 and an inner surface section 184 that defines a second central channel 186. In one embodiment, the second central channel 186 may provide a channel for drilling fluid passing through the drill string 20. The second annular wall 180 includes a first end section 187 and an opposite second end section 188. The first connector 144 is connected to the first end section 187 of the second section 156 of the connecting element, and the second connector 148 is connected to the second end 173 of the first section 154 of the connecting element.

[0050] The inner surface 168 of the first annular wall 164 is spaced apart from the outer surface 182 of the second annular wall 180. In one embodiment, the inner surface 168 is spaced from the outer surface 182 by about 1 mm. In an alternative embodiment, inner surface 168 is spaced apart from outer surface 182 by about 0.1 to 0.9 mm. In yet another illustrative aspect, inner surface 168 is spaced apart from outer surface 182 by about 1 mm to 2 mm. In yet another illustrative aspect, inner surface 168 is spaced apart from outer surface 182 by about 2 mm to 10 mm. In yet another illustrative aspect, inner surface 168 is spaced from outer surface 182 by more than about 10 mm.

[0051] In accordance with one illustrative aspect, the second section 156 of the connecting element includes a first set of spaced apart in the axial direction of holes 190a and 190b, which pass through the second annular wall 180 from the outer surface 182 to the inner surface 184, which fluidly connects the first Central channel 170 and a second central channel 186. It should be understood that although apertures 190a and 190b are shown to be axially spaced, they may be circumferentially spaced, or may be both axially and circumferentially spaced. The second connector portion 156 also includes a second plurality of axially spaced holes 193a and 193b that are axially and circumferentially offset relative to the axially spaced holes 190a and 190b, a third plurality of axially spaced holes 196a and 196b that are offset in axially and circumferentially with respect to apertures 190a/190b and 193a/193b, and a fourth plurality of axially spaced apertures 198a and 198b that are interchanged axially and circumferentially relative to apertures 190a/190b, 193a/193b and 196a/196b. The number and location of the axially spaced holes may vary. In one embodiment, the first, second, third, and fourth sets of axially spaced holes are circumferentially offset by 90° relative to each other.

[0052] Further, according to an exemplary embodiment, the plurality of connecting elements 159 comprises a first plurality of connecting elements 207a and 207b, a second plurality of connecting elements 209a and 209b, a third plurality of connecting elements 212a and 212b, and a fourth plurality of connecting elements 214a and 214b. The connecting elements 207a and 207b extend from the inner surface 168 of the first section 154 of the connecting element through the respective of the first plurality of axially spaced holes 190a and 190b and are connected to the inner surface 184 of the second section 156 of the connecting element. The connecting members 209a and 209b extend from the inner surface 168 through the respective ones of the second plurality of axially spaced holes 193a and 193b and are connected to the inner surface 184. The connecting members 212a and 212b extend from the inner surface 168 through the respective ones of the third plurality of axially spaced holes 196a and 196b and are connected to the inner surface 184. The connecting elements 214a and 214b extend from the inner surface 168 through the respective of the fourth set of axially spaced holes 198a and 198b and are connected to the inner surface 184.

[0053] In one embodiment, the first section 154 of the connecting element is formed from the first material, the second section 156 of the connecting element is formed from the second material, and the plurality of connecting elements 159 are formed from the third material. In an illustrative aspect, the first, second, third and fourth materials are substantially identical. In another illustrative aspect, the first section 154 of the connecting element, the second section 156 of the connecting element and the plurality of connecting elements 159 are made in one piece. Thus, the first connector portion 154, the second connector portion 156, and the plurality of connectors 159 are formed as one integral component, for example, by additive manufacturing. However, it should be understood that the first, second and third materials may differ and other manufacturing methods may be used. For example, the individual parts may be connected by welding, soldering, screwing, clamping, or other connection methods. Other manufacturing methods may include investment casting.

[0054] The materials used to form the anti-vibration coupling element 140 may be steel, high strength steel, titanium, titanium alloys, nickel, or nickel alloys (eg, Inconel). The materials used can have different material properties such as modulus of elasticity, shear modulus, strength, density. In yet another embodiment, the various parts of the anti-vibration coupling may be formed from various materials to meet modulus or shear requirements or corrosion requirements. Modern methods of additive manufacturing allow you to combine different materials in one piece made in one piece.

[0055] It should also be understood that the elastic bending of the connecting elements 159 can provide a selected amount of elasticity in bending between the first section 154 of the connecting element and the second section 156 of the connecting element. In addition, it should be understood that downhole components located downhole from the vibration isolating coupling element 140 have a moment of inertia when rotating or oscillating (vibration). The moment of inertia of the downhole components downhole from the anti-vibration coupling element 140, considered in conjunction with the elastic bending (flexural elasticity) provided by the connecting elements 159, creates the first torsional resonance obtained from equation (1.1):

where f - frequency [1/s], i - moment of inertia [kgm2], k - torsion spring constant [Nm/rad], for example, less than 100 Hz. It should be understood that the moment of inertia may also include factors contributing to the moment of inertia arising from the anti-vibration coupling element.

[0056] Thus, the vibration isolating coupler 140 isolates (separates) vibrations between the first coupler portion 154 and the second coupler portion 156 at a frequency greater than the first torsional resonance.

[0057] In accordance with an illustrative aspect, a load may be applied to the vibration isolating connector 140 through the first connector 144. The load may be a torsional load, an axial load, and/or a bending load. In one embodiment, the load may be transferred to the first connector 144 by the rotor table 14 and/or the drawworks 33. When a torque load (drilling torque or bit torque) is applied between the first connector 144 and the male connector 150, a plurality of connecting members 159 are created. torsionally flexible connection between the first section 154 of the connecting element and the second section 156 of the connecting element. Thus, a plurality of connecting elements 159 are subjected to bending and provide an angular movement (angle α (FIG. 7) of the first section 154 of the connecting element relative to the second section 156 of the connecting element.

[0058] When a bending moment is applied between the first connector 144 and the second connector 148, a plurality of connecting elements 159 are subjected to push traction forces through the entire cross section with uniformly distributed stress and, therefore, presenting a sufficiently rigid connection for bending between the first section 154 of the connecting element and the second section 156 of the connecting element. Under axial load, the plurality of connecting members 159 are subjected to bending along their larger moment of inertia, thus experiencing comparable low stresses and low strain.

[0059] Further, in accordance with an illustrative aspect, when a torque is applied to the first connector 144 and the second connector 148, a plurality of connecting elements 159 may be deformed. After reaching a predetermined torque level, one or more of the plurality of connecting elements 159 may contact the surface of the hole corresponding to the axially spaced holes 190a/190b, 193a/193b, 196a/196b and 198a/198b. In such a case, the hole surface creates a torsional end stop, such as indicated by reference numeral 224 in FIG. 7. The torsional end stop 224 limits further deflection and stresses in the plurality of connecting members 159. The torsional end stop 224 can be used to apply high static torque, such as to release from a stuck in wellbore component below the insulator. Torsional end stop 224 may take various forms, as shown in FIG. 8, with like reference numeral representing the respective parts in separate views.

[0060] FIG. 8, the torsion end stop 224 is separated from the plurality of connecting elements 159. The separation of the torsion end stop 224 from the connecting elements 159 prevents potential damage to the plurality of connecting elements 159 when hitting the hole surface (eg, torsion end stop 224). The torsion end stop 224 may engage (stop) when the anti-vibration coupler 140 is twisted, before the couplers 159 hit the hole surface (not shown separately) of the torsion bar 224. Another reason for separating the torsion bar 224 from the couplers 159 represents a separation of functionality.

[0061] The function of the plurality of connecting elements 159 is to isolate the HFTO. When the plurality of connecting members 159 flexes and comes into contact with surfaces, such as holes 190a/190b, 193a/193b, 196a/196b, as a result of torque being applied to, for example, the surface (drilling torque), further bending due to HFTO is impossible, and the vibration isolating coupling element 140 loses its isolation functionality. The torsion end stop 224 engages before the plurality of connecting elements hit the surfaces of the holes 190a/190b, 193a/193b, 196a/196b to maintain the functionality of the anti-vibration connecting element 140 while limiting its maximum torsional angle created by high torques.

[0062] A typical torsion of the anti-vibration coupling 140 caused by surface torque (drilling torque) may be a torsion angle of about 10°. Typical HFTO-induced torsion of anti-vibration coupler 140 may be a torsion angle of about 15°. The twist angle refers to the angle α as indicated in FIG. 7. The angle of torsion refers to the rotation of the first section 154 of the connecting element relative to the second section 156 of the connecting element. In alternative embodiments, the twist angle due to drilling torque may be from about 5° to about 30°. In another embodiment, the twist angle may be from about 7° to about 20°. In yet another exemplary embodiment, the twist angle may be from about 8° to about 15°. The angle of twist due to HFTO may also be from about 5° to about 50°; from about 8° to about 30°; and from about 10° to about 20°.

[0063] The drilling torque applied by the rotor table is transmitted to the drill bit via the anti-vibration coupling member 140. The plurality of coupling members 159 bend but do not hit the surfaces of the holes 190a/190b, 193a/193b, 196a/196b. With the drilling process and cutting forces acting on the disintegrating tool 30, HFTO can be superimposed on the rotation performed by the rotor table at the location of the disintegrating tool 30 and propagates along the BHA. Bending when the plurality of connecting elements 159 oscillate occurs in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis A of the vibration isolating connecting element 140. The bending of the plurality of connecting elements 159 decreases along the longitudinal axis A from the second connector 148 to the first connector 144 for HFTO forms with frequencies at and above the first resonant frequency vibration isolating connecting element 140.

[0064] If the anti-vibration coupler 140 perfectly isolates the HFTO, then the HFTO is not transmitted to the first connector 144. Isolation of the HFTO between the second connector 148 and the first connector 144 is achieved by the torsional softness of the anti-vibration coupler 140, which allows the second portion 148 of the coupler to rotate relative to the first section 146 of the connecting element. In alternative embodiments, HFTO injection may occur at the first connector 144. This may occur when the HFTO is received closer to the first connector 144 than to the second connector 148, for example, by using an expander located above the vibration isolating coupling element 140. The term "upstream well" in the present description is the end of the vibration isolating connecting element 140, which is located closer to the surface.

[0065] The required length of the anti-vibration coupling 140 is less than 1 m. A suitable thickness of the first and second walls 164/180 may be 10 mm. In embodiments, the wall thickness may be from about 5 mm to about 9 mm. In another illustrative aspect, the wall thickness may be from about 11 mm to about 20 mm. In yet another illustrative aspect, the wall thickness may be from about 20 mm to about 50 mm. The wall thickness of the first annular wall 164 may differ from the wall thickness of the second annular wall 180. Shapes and dimensions may differ among the plurality of connecting elements 159. It should be noted that the term "length" in the present description refers to the extension along the longitudinal axis A of the vibration isolating connecting element, and the terms "width" and "height" refer to extension along 2 radial directions, the two radial directions being perpendicular to each other. The number of connecting members is not limited to eight, as shown in FIG. 4-6.

[0066] The first section of the plurality of connecting elements is oriented in parallel. The second section of the plurality of connecting elements may be oriented perpendicular to the first section of the plurality of connecting elements 159. In alternative embodiments, angles other than 90° are provided between sections of the plurality of connecting elements 159. For example, the first section of the plurality of connecting elements may be located at an angle of from about 1 ° up to about 120° relative to the second section of the plurality of connecting elements. In another illustrative aspect, the first section of the plurality of connecting elements may be located at an angle of from about 10° to about 90° relative to the second section of the plurality of connecting elements. In another illustrative aspect, the first section of the plurality of connecting elements may be located at an angle of from about 10° to about 45° relative to the second section of the plurality of connecting elements. In yet another illustrative aspect, the first section of the plurality of connecting elements may be located at an angle of from about 45° to about 90° relative to the second section of the plurality of connecting elements.

[0067] In one illustrative aspect, it should be understood that only two connecting elements can be used. In another embodiment, from 3 to 50 connecting elements can be used. In another embodiment, a much larger number of connecting elements can be used. For example, vibration isolating connecting element 140 may be formed with more than 1000 connecting elements. In this case, the connecting elements 159 are oriented between the inner surface 168 of the first section of the connecting element and the inner surface 184 of the second section of the connecting element, forming a spoke-like pattern. In the case of a spoke pattern configuration, the angle between the adjacent connecting member may be 5° or less.

[0068] At this point, it should be understood that the vibration isolating coupling element isolates vibrations passing, for example, from the disintegrator up the wellbore. The disintegrating device 30 is located below the anti-vibration connector 140 and closer to the second connector 148 than to the first connector 144. location below the vibration isolating coupler 140. In an illustrative embodiment, torsional vibrations with a frequency greater than the first free vibration frequency of the simplified replacement mechanical system, represented by the moment of inertia of the BHA segments 250 (including the disintegrator) below the vibration isolating coupler 140, and the torsion spring constant (proportional to the stiffness torsion) the plurality of connecting elements 159 will be sheared off. The BHA segment 250 may include a drill bit 30 and a guide mechanism 29. The first free vibration frequency of the simplified substituted mechanical system can be calculated using the formula as shown in Equation 1.1:

[0069] Comparable to a mechanical low-pass filter, the vibration isolation of the vibration isolating coupler 140 is the result of a much lower (first) free oscillation frequency (eg, 30 Hz), cutoff frequency compared to the critical HFTO drive frequencies. A typical value for the cutoff frequency of the described mechanical system may be 10 Hz, 50 Hz, 100 Hz, or 200 Hz, being chosen depending on the expected unwanted frequency of the HFTO excited inside the BHA. The cutoff frequency can be adjusted by the torsional stiffness of the connecting elements (or the constant torsional spring of the anti-vibration connection element), or the moment of inertia of the components placed below the anti-vibration connection element 140, for example, by adding or removing segments of the BHA below the connection element, such as drill pipe. , drill collar or coiled tubing.

[0070] In addition to reduced vibrations, the vibration isolating connector can serve as a pipeline for drilling fluids. Typically, the mud pressure in the center of the tool is higher than in the annulus. The center of the fluid channel of the tool is connected to the internal channel of the drill string and the internal channel of the BHA, and the annulus represents the return of drilling fluids to the surface. The pressure in the channel is subject to at least pressurization due to pressure drops caused by the nozzles in the disintegrator and/or dynamic pressure drop of the flowing fluid through and around the downhole tools (BHA section) below the insulating connector. As shown in FIG. 2-5, there may be (small) flow channels in seal 160 between the channel fluid and the annulus. By providing and sizing the gaps in the seal 160 (eg, 0.1 mm), fluid leakage through these gaps can have a controlled and acceptable flow. Providing controlled leakage of fluid flow eliminates the need for expensive and fragile seals to seal against rotation and/or oscillation. Other options not detailed herein may include labyrinth seals, elastomeric seals, gap seals, magnetic seals, bellows seals, or other sealing elements (collectively designated 160 in FIG. 3 and FIG. 4).

[0071] The vibration isolating coupler 140 may also accommodate a conduit for control signals by providing a conduit for conductors, such as those indicated at 260 in FIG. 4. Such a conductor path 260 allows an electrical or optical conductor, wire, or cable to pass through the vibration isolating connector 140 to transmit electrical power and/or communication (eg, a power line bus) through the vibration isolating connector 140 from the uphole component above to the downhole component below. and vice versa. The electrical conductor may, for example, pass through the first connector 144, the second annular wall 180, one or more connecting elements 159, the first annular wall 164, and a transition into the second connector 148. The conductor conduit 260 may terminate in a modular electrical connector which, in turn, in turn, may take the form of an electrical contact, such as a slip ring located in the annular recess 270, a sliding contact, an inductive connection, or a resonant electromagnetic coupling device located on the connectors 150 and 146.

[0072] It should be understood that other types of connectors are possible. In addition, it should be understood that the conductors 200 may terminate in a center connector (not shown) located in the center channel (not indicated separately) of the first connector 144 and the second connector 148. The center channel, also referred to as the inner channel, is in fluid communication with the inner channel BHA and drill string and provides a channel for drilling fluid.

[0073] The bending of the plurality of connecting elements 159 results in mechanical stresses at portions of the anti-vibration connecting element 140. These stresses are localized predominantly at positions with sharp edges, for example, in areas in which the connecting element is attached to the inner surface 168 of the first annular wall 164 and to the inner surface 184 of the second annular wall 180. To reduce mechanical stresses in these areas, transitions with a certain radius are formed during the manufacturing process, as shown, for example, in the example indicated generally by reference position 280 in FIG. 7.

[0074] In alternative embodiments, instead of a single radius, a curve with three centers can be formed. A similar strategy may be applied to the first load transfer ring 285 located at the first end portion 187 of the second annular wall 180 and/or the second load transfer ring 287 located at the second end portion 173 of the first annular wall 164. A radius corner 290 may be formed at the transition between the second annular wall 180 and the first ring 285 load transfer. An appropriate radius can be formed at the transition between the first annular wall 164 and the second ring 287 load transfer. The load transfer rings 285/287 transfer loads from and to the first connector 144 and from and to the second connector 148, such as axial load, bending load, torsional load. In alternative embodiments, instead of a single radius, a curve with three centers may be formed. Finite element modeling (FE simulation, FE simulation) can be used to model anti-vibration connectors with different material properties and the size of different sections of the anti-vibration connector 140 (for example, the number and size of the set, connecting elements 159, the length of the anti-vibration section 151) to optimize and fine-tuning as much as possible the maximum ratio of bending stiffness to torsional stiffness (BST/TST), for example, a ratio of more than 15.

[0075] The following are some embodiments of the above description.

[0076] Embodiment 1. A vibration isolating coupling element for isolating torsional vibration in a drill string, comprising a first portion of the coupling member comprising a first annular wall having an outer surface and an inner surface defining a first portion of a central channel; a second section of the connecting element located inside the first Central channel, and the second section of the connecting element contains a second annular wall having an outer surface section and an inner surface section defining the second section of the Central channel; and a plurality of connecting elements extending from the inner surface of the first annular wall through the second annular wall at the second section of the central channel and connecting with the inner surface of the second annular wall.

[0077] Embodiment 2. The vibration isolating coupler according to any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the second portion of the coupler comprises a plurality of axially spaced holes extending from an outer surface section of the second annular wall through the second annular wall to an inner surface section of the second annular wall .

[0078] Embodiment 3. The vibration isolating coupler according to any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the plurality of axially spaced apertures comprises a first plurality of axially spaced apertures, a second plurality of axially spaced apertures circumferentially offset from the first plurality of axially spaced apertures, axially spaced holes, a third plurality of axially spaced holes circumferentially offset from the first plurality of axially spaced holes and the second plurality of axially spaced holes.

[0079] Embodiment 4. A vibration isolating connector according to any of the preceding embodiments, further comprising: a conductor passing through at least one of the plurality of connectors.

[0080] Embodiment 5. The vibration isolating coupler according to any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the outer surface of the second annular wall is spaced apart from the inner surface of the first annular wall.

[0081] Embodiment 6. A vibration isolating coupler according to any of the preceding embodiments, further comprising: a seal located between the first portion of the coupler and the second portion of the coupler.

[0082] Embodiment 7. The anti-vibration coupling element according to any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the first section of the coupling element comprises a first tubular section and the second section of the connecting element comprises a second tubular section, wherein the first tubular section, the second tubular section, and a plurality of connecting elements formed from the same material.

[0083] Embodiment 8. The vibration isolating coupler according to any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the first portion of the coupler comprises a first tubular portion and the second portion of the coupler comprises a second tubular portion, wherein the first tubular portion and the second tubular portion are formed from a first material and the plurality of connecting elements are formed from a second material different from the first material.

[0084] Embodiment 9. A vibration isolating coupler according to any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the plurality of couplers are integral with the first portion of the coupler and the second portion of the coupler.

[0085] Embodiment 10. A vibration isolating coupler according to any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the second portion of the coupler is concentric with the first portion of the coupler.

[0086] Embodiment 11. The vibration isolating coupler according to any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the first annular wall comprises a first end and a second end, and the second annular wall comprises a first end portion and a second end portion, wherein the first end portion of the second annular wall supports the first connector and the second end of the first annular wall supports the second connector.

[0087] Embodiment 12. The anti-vibration connector according to any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the first connector comprises a female threaded connector and the second connector comprises a male threaded connector.

[0088] Embodiment 13. The anti-vibration connector according to any of the preceding embodiments, further comprising a first connector and a second connector, the first connector being welded to the second annular wall and the second connector being welded to the first annular wall.

[0089] Embodiment 14. The vibration isolating coupler according to any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the vibration isolating coupler comprises a torsion spring constant, the torsion spring constant defining a torsional resonance frequency of less than 100 Hz, thereby isolating vibrations between the first and second portion of the coupler. element with a frequency above about the torsional resonance frequency.

[0090] Embodiment 15. The vibration isolating coupler according to any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the vibration isolating coupler isolates torsional vibration by resiliently bending the plurality of couplers.

[0091] Embodiment 16. A method of isolating torsional vibrations from one section of the drill string connected to another section of the drill string through a vibration isolating coupler having a first portion of the coupler coupled to a second portion of the coupler via a plurality of couplers, the method comprising: the introduction of torsional vibrations in the first section of the connecting element; transmitting torsional vibration to a plurality of connector elements extending from the section of the inner surface of the second section of the connecting element, through the annular wall of the second section of the connecting element to the inner surface of the first section of the connecting element; and isolating torsional vibrations passing from the first section of the connecting element to the second section of the connecting element by elastically bending the plurality of connecting elements.

[0092] Embodiment 17. The method of any of the preceding embodiments, wherein isolating torsional vibrations includes resiliently bending a plurality of connecting members in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the vibration isolating coupler.

[0093] Embodiment 18. The method of any of the preceding embodiments, further comprising: limiting the angle of torsion of the second section of the connecting element by the first section of the connecting element through at least one torsion end stop.

[0094] Embodiment 19. The method of any one of the preceding embodiments, further comprising: passing drilling fluid through a vibration isolating connector.

[0095] Embodiment 20. The method of any one of the preceding embodiments, further comprising: selecting a torsional stiffness of the anti-vibration coupler to have a torsional resonance frequency of the anti-vibration coupler of less than 100 Hz; and selecting the moment of inertia of the section of the drill string located below the anti-vibration connecting element to a moment of inertia having a resonance frequency of the torsional vibration of the anti-vibration connecting element; and isolating torsional vibrations between the first and second section of the connecting member having a frequency above about the torsional resonance frequency.

[0096] The terms "approximately" and "substantially" are intended to include the degree of error associated with measuring a particular quantity for equipment available at the time of filing this application. For example, the term "about" and/or "substantially" may include a range of ±8%, or 5%, or 2% of a given value.

[0097] The use of singular and plural forms and similar references in the context of the description of the invention (especially in the context of the following claims) should be understood as covering both the singular and the plural, unless otherwise indicated herein or unless this is clearly contradicted context. Additionally, it should be noted that the terms "first", "second", etc. in this document do not indicate any order, quantity or importance, but are used to distinguish one element from another.

[0098] The ideas presented herein can be used in a wide variety of well operations. These operations may include the use of one or more treatment means to treat the formation, the fluids in the formation, the wellbore, and/or equipment in the wellbore, such as production tubing. The treatment agents may be in the form of liquids, gases, solids, semi-solids and mixtures thereof. Exemplary treatments include, without limitation, fracturing fluids, acids, steam, water, brine, anti-corrosion agents, cement, permeability modifiers, drilling fluids, emulsifiers, demulsifiers, indicators, drag reducing agents, and the like. Exemplary well operations include, without limitation, hydraulic fracturing, stimulation, tracer injection, cleanup, acidizing, steam injection, flooding, cementing, and the like.

[0099] While reference is made herein to an exemplary embodiment or embodiments, those skilled in the art will appreciate that various changes and substitutions of equivalents may be made without departing from the scope of the invention. In addition, many modifications are possible to adapt the ideas of the invention to a particular situation or material without departing from its essential scope. Thus, the invention is not intended to be limited to the specific embodiment described as the best mode of implementation provided for carrying out the present invention, but the invention is intended to include all embodiments falling within the scope of the claims. In addition, the drawings and description present exemplary embodiments of the invention, and although specific terms may be used unless otherwise indicated, they are used only in a general and descriptive sense, and not for the purpose of limitation, and this does not limit the scope of the invention.

Claims (47)

1. Vibration isolating connecting element (140) for isolating torsional vibration in the drill string (20), containing: the first section (146) of the connecting element containing the first annular wall (164) having an outer surface (166) and an inner surface (168) defining the first section (170) of the central channel; the second section (148) of the connecting element located inside the first section (170) of the central channel, and the second section (148) of the connecting element contains a second annular wall (180) having an outer surface section (182) and an inner surface section (184) defining the second section (186) of the central channel; And a plurality of connecting elements (159) extending from the inner surface (168) of the first annular wall (164) through the second annular wall (180) in the second section of the central channel (186) and connecting with the section (184) of the inner surface of the second annular wall (180) , moreover, the vibration isolating connecting element (140) provides isolation of torsional vibrations by elastic bending of the plurality of connecting elements (159). 2. Vibration isolating connecting element (140) according to claim 1, in which the second section (148) of the connecting element contains a plurality of axially spaced holes (190a) extending from the section (182) of the outer surface of the second annular wall (180) through the second annular wall (180) to the section (184) of the inner surface of the second annular wall (180), and the set of axially spaced holes (190a) contains the first set of axially spaced holes (190a), the second set of axially spaced holes (190a) , circumferentially offset from the first plurality of axially spaced apertures (190a), the third plurality of axially spaced apertures (190a), circumferentially offset from the first plurality of axially spaced apertures (190a) and the second plurality of axially spaced apertures ( 190a). 3. Vibration isolating connecting element (140) according to claim 1, further comprising a conductor (260) passing through at least one of the plurality of connecting elements (159). 4. Vibration isolating connecting element (140) according to claim 1, further comprising a seal (160) placed between the first section (146) of the connecting element and the second section (148) of the connecting element. 5. Vibration isolating connecting element (140) according to claim 1, in which the first section (146) of the connecting element contains the first tubular section (162) and the second section (148) of the connecting element contains the second tubular section (171), and the first tubular section ( 162), the second tubular section (171) and the plurality of connecting elements (159) are formed from the same material. 6. Vibration isolating connecting element (140) according to claim 1, in which the first section (146) of the connecting element contains the first tubular section (162) and the second section (148) of the connecting element contains the second tubular section (171), and the first tubular section ( 162) and the second tubular section (171) are formed from the first material and the plurality of connecting elements (159) are formed from the second material different from the first material. 7. Vibration isolating connecting element (140) according to claim 1, in which the plurality of connecting elements (159) are integral with the first section (146) of the connecting element and the second section (148) of the connecting element. 8. The anti-vibration coupling (140) according to claim 1, wherein the second portion (148) of the coupling is concentric with the first portion (146) of the coupling. 9. Vibration isolating connecting element (140) according to claim 1, in which the first annular wall (164) has a first end (172) and a second end (173), and the second annular wall (180) includes a first end section (187) and a second end section (188), wherein the first end section (187) of the second annular wall (180) supports the first connecting element (144), and the second end (173) of the first annular wall (164) supports the second connecting element (148), the first the connecting element (144) contains one of the first connector with an internal thread and the first connector with an external thread, and the second connecting element (148) contains one of the second connector with an internal thread and the second connector with an external thread. 10. Vibration isolating connecting element (140) according to claim 1, in which a plurality of connecting elements (159) are connected to at least one of the first section (146) of the connecting element and the second section (148) of the connecting element using one of welding, soldering , screwing, clamping. 11. Method for isolating torsional vibrations from one section of the drill string (20) connected to another section of the drill string (20) through a vibration isolating connecting element (140) having a first section (146) of the connecting element connected to the second section (148) of the connecting element through a plurality of connecting elements (159), the method comprising: introduction of torsional vibrations into the first section (146) of the connecting element; transmission of torsional vibration to a plurality of connecting elements passing from the section (184) of the inner surface of the second section (148) of the connecting element, through the annular wall (180) of the second section (148) of the connecting element to the inner surface (168) of the first section (146) of the connecting element ; And isolation of torsional vibrations by elastic bending of the plurality of connecting elements (159). 12. The method of claim 11 wherein isolating torsional vibrations includes resiliently bending the plurality of connecting members (159) in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the vibration isolating coupler (140). 13. The method of claim. 11, further comprising limiting the angle of torsion of the second section (148) of the connecting element relative to the first section (146) of the connecting element through at least one torsion end stop. 14. The method of claim 11, further comprising passing the drilling fluid through the anti-vibration connector. 15. Vibration isolating connecting element (140) for isolating torsional vibration in the drill string (20), containing: the first section (146) of the connecting element containing the first annular wall (164) having an outer surface (166) and an inner surface (168) defining the first section (170) of the central channel; the second section (148) of the connecting element located inside the first section (170) of the central channel, and the second section (148) of the connecting element contains a second annular wall (180) having an outer surface section (182) and an inner surface section (184) defining the second section (186) of the central channel; And a plurality of connecting elements (159) extending from the inner surface (168) of the first annular wall (164) through the second annular wall (180) in the second section of the central channel (186) and connecting with the inner surface (168) of the second annular wall (180), moreover, the second section (148) of the connecting element contains a plurality of axially spaced holes (190a) passing from the section (182) of the outer surface of the second annular wall (180) through the second annular wall (180) to the section (184) of the inner surface of the second annular wall (180). 16. Vibration isolating connecting element (140) according to claim 15, configured to isolate torsional vibrations by deforming a plurality of connecting elements (159). 17. Vibration isolating connecting element (140) according to claim 15, further comprising a conductor (260) passing through at least one of the plurality of connecting elements (159). 18. Vibration isolating coupling element (140) according to claim 15, further comprising a seal (160) placed between the first section (146) of the connecting element and the second section (148) of the connecting element. 19. Vibration isolating connecting element (140) according to claim 15, in which the first section (146) of the connecting element contains the first tubular section (162) and the second section (148) of the connecting element contains the second tubular section (171), and the first tubular section ( 162), the second tubular section (171) and the plurality of connecting elements (159) are formed from the same material. 20. Vibration isolating connecting element (140) according to claim 15, in which the plurality of connecting elements (159) are integral with the first section (146) of the connecting element and the second section (148) of the connecting element. 21. Vibration isolating connecting element (140) according to claim 15, in which the first annular wall (164) has a first end (172) and a second end (173), and the second annular wall (180) includes a first end section (187) and a second end section (188), wherein the first end section (187) of the second annular wall (180) supports the first connecting element (144), and the second end (173) of the first annular wall (164) supports the second connecting element (148), the first the connecting element (144) contains one of the first connector with an internal thread and the first connector with an external thread, and the second connecting element (148) contains one of the second connector with an internal thread and the second connector with an external thread. 22. Vibration isolating connecting element (140) for isolating torsional vibration in the drill string (20), containing: the first section (146) of the connecting element containing the first annular wall (164) having an outer surface (166) and an inner surface (168) defining the first section (170) of the central channel; the second section (148) of the connecting element located inside the first section (170) of the central channel, and the second section (148) of the connecting element contains a second annular wall (180) having an outer surface section (182) and an inner surface section (184) defining the second section (186) of the central channel; And a plurality of connecting elements (159) extending from the inner surface (168) of the first annular wall (164) through the second annular wall (180) in the second section of the central channel (186) and connecting with the inner surface (168) of the second annular wall (180), moreover, the vibration isolating connecting element (140) has a torsion spring constant that determines the torsional vibration resonance frequency of less than 100 Hz, thus isolating vibrations between the first (146) and second (148) sections of the connecting element with a frequency higher than about the torsional vibration resonance frequency. 23. Vibration isolating connecting element (140) according to claim 22, configured to isolate torsional vibrations by deforming a plurality of connecting elements (159). 24. Vibration isolating connecting element (140) according to claim 22, in which the second section (148) of the connecting element contains a plurality of circumferentially spaced holes (190a) extending from the section (182) of the outer surface of the second annular wall (180) through the second annular wall (180) to the section (184) of the inner surface of the second annular wall (180). 25. Vibration isolating connecting element (140) according to claim 22, further comprising a conductor (260) passing through at least one of the plurality of connecting elements (159). 26. Vibration isolating coupling element (140) according to claim 22, further comprising a seal (160) placed between the first section (146) of the connecting element and the second section (148) of the connecting element. 27. Vibration isolating connecting element (140) according to claim 22, in which the first section (146) of the connecting element contains the first tubular section (162) and the second section (148) of the connecting element contains the second tubular section (171), and the first tubular section ( 162), the second tubular section (171) and the plurality of connecting elements (159) are formed from the same material. 28. Vibration isolating connecting element (140) according to claim 22, in which the plurality of connecting elements (159) are integral with the first section (146) of the connecting element and the second section (148) of the connecting element. 29. Vibration isolating connecting element (140) according to claim 22, in which the first annular wall (164) has a first end (172) and a second end (173), and the second annular wall (180) includes a first end section (187) and a second end section (188), wherein the first end section (187) of the second annular wall (180) supports the first connecting element (144), and the second end (173) of the first annular wall (164) supports the second connecting element (148), the first the connecting element (144) contains one of the first connector with an internal thread and the first connector with an external thread, and the second connecting element (148) contains one of the second connector with an internal thread and the second connector with an external thread. 30. Method for isolating torsional vibrations from one section of the drill string (20) connected to another section of the drill string (20) through a vibration isolating connecting element (140) having a first section (146) of the connecting element connected to the second section (148) of the connecting element through a plurality of connecting elements (159), the method comprising: selecting a torsional stiffness of the anti-vibration coupler (140) to have a torsional resonance frequency of the anti-vibration coupler of less than 100 Hz; And selecting the moment of inertia of the section of the drill string located below the anti-vibration connecting element (140) up to the moment of inertia having the resonance frequency of the torsional vibrations of the anti-vibration connecting element; introducing torsional vibrations into one of the first section (146) of the connecting element and the second section (148) of the connecting element; transmission of torsional vibration to a plurality of connector elements passing from the section (184) of the inner surface of the second section (148) of the connecting element, through the annular wall (180) of the second section (148) of the connecting element to the inner surface (168) of the first section (146) of the connecting element ; And isolation of torsional vibrations between the first (146) and second (148) sections of the connecting element with a frequency above about the resonance frequency of the torsional vibrations.

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