Downhole apparatus for absorbing vibratory energy to generate electrical power
First Claim
1. In a drill string apparatus operating in a borehole, means for absorbing mechanical energy from the drill string and converting such energy into electrical energy to supply power to downhole electrical circuits, which means comprises:
- first longitudinal housing means arranged for connection in a drill string;
second longitudinal housing meanns arranged for connection in the drill string adjacent said first longitudinal housing means;
said first and second longitudinal housing means having first and second portions respectively arranged for movement relative to one another;
energy absorbing means positioned between said first and second portions, said energy absorbing means being arranged to transmit unidirectional energy from one of said portions to the other of said portions while absorbing a portion of the oscillating rotational and longitudinal energy passing between said portions; and
means for converting a portion of the oscillating rotational and longitudinal energy into electrical energy.
1 Assignment
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Accused Products
Abstract
In a drilling operation fatique producing vibrational motion is produced in the drill string in the form of longitudinal and torsional load variations at the drill bit and throughout the bottom hole assembly. These load variations occur at least partially as a result of the irregularly shaped hole bottom which develops beneath the bit and which in turn cause the bit to rise and fall with rotation, and the bit loading to vary. In addition, the rotating drill string causes gyrations in the drill string which are transmitted to the bottom end of the drill string and drill bit in the form of load and torque variations. These variations in loading appear as longitudinal and torsional vibrations in the drill string. A dampening and shock absorbing mechanism is at least partially comprised of piezoelectric elements which are responsive to the vibrations of the drill string to produce electrical energy which is used to operate downhole electrical circuits.
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Citations
22 Claims
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1. In a drill string apparatus operating in a borehole, means for absorbing mechanical energy from the drill string and converting such energy into electrical energy to supply power to downhole electrical circuits, which means comprises:
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first longitudinal housing means arranged for connection in a drill string; second longitudinal housing meanns arranged for connection in the drill string adjacent said first longitudinal housing means; said first and second longitudinal housing means having first and second portions respectively arranged for movement relative to one another; energy absorbing means positioned between said first and second portions, said energy absorbing means being arranged to transmit unidirectional energy from one of said portions to the other of said portions while absorbing a portion of the oscillating rotational and longitudinal energy passing between said portions; and means for converting a portion of the oscillating rotational and longitudinal energy into electrical energy. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7)
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8. Apparatus useful in a drill string operating in a borehole for generating electrical energy downhole suitable for operating downhole electrical circuits, comprising:
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housing means capable of being connected in a drill string, said housing means having first and second portions movable relative to one another; means for converting relative oscillating rotational and longitudinal motion between said first and second portions into electrical energy; and means for transmitting to said converting means said relative oscillating rotational and longitudinal motion between said first and second portions. - View Dependent Claims (9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17)
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18. Apparatus for use in a drill string operating in a borehole, comprising:
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means for converting oscillating rotational and longitudinal motion occurring in said drill string into electrical energy; downhole electrically operated means; and means for transmitting said electrical energy to said downhole electrically operated means. - View Dependent Claims (19, 20, 21, 22)
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Specification