Pulsed flow and its generation for borehole flushing

Background. Cleaning pipelines and boreholes from contaminants remains an urgent issue. This article discusses a possible solution to removal of destroyed rock, from both the borehole bottom and when transporting cuttings along the borehole length.Aim. To show the possibility of using pulsed flushing technology to remove cuttings from a borehole. To consider technical means for creating a pulsed flushing flow.Materials and methods. An analysis of various technical means for creating a pulsed flushing fluid is carried out. A schematic diagram describing the operation of a typical stand for implementing the process is presented. The theoretical aspects of creating a pulsed flushing flow, its vibration frequency, vibration amplitude, and flow rate are considered; formulas for calculating these parameters are given. Technical means for flushing both long pipelines and boreholes are analyzed. A number of patents and technical solutions for removing cuttings from a borehole with a pulsed flow are reviewed.Results. An assumption is made that calculations of the pulsation frequency of a flushing flow should take into account not only the rotational speed of the rock destruction tool, but also the length of the borehole. This will ensure effective removal of cuttings from the borehole bottom and during their transportation along the borehole length.Conclusion. The pulsed flushing technology considered in the article can be used for a more efficient cleaning of boreholes from drilling cuttings and other contaminants.

borehole drilling, pulsed fluid flow, cutting removal, rock-destruction tool, frequency, vibration