Shock Absorber Assembly

The technical field of this invention relates to devices used in the absorption of intermittent shocks and vibrations, particularly of the type used in conjunction with the drill string during drilling operations.

Shock absorbing devices have long been used in the rotary well drilling industry for reducing shocks and vibrations encountered by the drilling bit during drilling operations while penetrating through rock formations having varying, inconsistent layers. In an effort to reduce the shocks and vibrations, many types of shock absorbing devices have been used. Some devices utilize springs for isolating such shocks between two movable members such as disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,281,166 and 4,133,516. Other devices include the use of resilient rubber pads for attempting to isolate such shocks as shown in U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,949,150 and 4,130,000. U.S. Pat. No. 2,712,435 uses a combination of springs and fluid cavities to effectuate the desired shock absorbing function. Other techniques have incorporated what is known as a "floating piston" design such as disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,606,297; 3,815,692; 4,031,716; 4,055,338; 4,067,405; 4,145,304; and 4,171,025. U.S. Pat. No. 3,998,443 discloses a multi-directional shock absorbing device while U.S. Pat. No. 3,350,900 utilizes a differential area concept in order to effectuate shock cushioning of a rotary driving well tool. Furthermore, U.S. Pat. No. 3,225,566 discloses a drill string shock absorber utilizing an annular piston adapted to move within an annular chamber that is filled with a compressible fluid, with the action of the annular piston against the compressible fluid providing the dampening force for effectuating the shock absorber function. However, this tool, as well as those shown in the aforementioned patents, all have the shock absorber members formed integrally with the housing member of the shock absorbing tool. Consequently, such shock absorber assemblies encounter dynamic stresses caused by rotary drilling operation in addition to increased stresses and strain due to its shock absorbing function to such a shock absorbing member. Accordingly, so far as known, no effective technique or device has been devised that is capable of reducing or isolating stresses and/or strain due to shock loading on the shock absorber member from normal drilling loading yet is capable of being easily serviced and maintained.

The present invention relates to a new and improved shock absorber assembly wherein the shock absorber assembly includes a housing having a central bore therethrough and a mandrel mounted for reciprocal longitudinal movement with respect to the housing with a fluid dampening member for absorbing shocks between the mandrel and the housing being replaceably sandwiched between the upper portion of the housing and the mandrel to effectuate the absorption of shocks transmitted between the mandrel and the housing.

FIG. 1 is an elevational view of the shock absorber assembly of the present invention as schematically used with a drill string, with the fluid dampening means in a fully expanded position;

FIG. 2A is an elevational, sectional view of the shock absorber assembly of the present invention as taken along the lines 2A--2A of FIG. 1;

FIG. 2B is an elevational, sectional view of the shock absorber assembly of the present invention as taken along the lines 2B--2B of FIG. 1;

FIG. 2C is an elevational, sectional view of the shock absorber assembly of the present invention taken along the lines 2C--2C of FIG. 1;

FIG. 2D is an elevational, sectional view of the shock absorber assembly of the present invention taken along lines 2D--2D of FIG. 1; and,

FIG. 3 is an elevational view, similar to FIG. 1, of the shock absorber assembly of the present invention as schematically used with a drill string, with the fluid dampening means in a fully compressed position.

Referring to the drawings, the shock absorber assembly of the present invention is referred to generally by the letter S. The shock absorber assembly S is adapted to be used with a drill string, such as drill string 10 (FIG. 1) and preferably is positioned between the lower end 10a of the drill string 10 and drill bit 12. The drill bit 12, preferably capable of providing cutting action upon rotation and axial loading thereof, is typically utilized for drilling a suitable well bore 14 in geologic formations 16. The shock absorber assembly S may also be positioned at various other locations in the drill string 10 as is necessary to effectuate appropriate shock absorption functions as is deemed necessary under varying conditions. The shock absorber assembly S includes a housing H, a mandrel M mounted for reciprocal movement with respect to the housing H, and fluid dampening means F replaceably sandwiched between the housing H and mandrel M as discussed more fully hereinbelow. Unless otherwise noted, it is preferred that the components of this invention be made of suitable high strength material such as steel or other high grade materials capable of withstanding the significant stresses and strains encountered during typical drilling operations.

The shock absorber assembly S of the present invention includes a housing H. The housing H includes an upper housing portion 18, an intermediate housing portion 20, and a lower housing portion 22. The upper housing portion 18 is affixed with the drill string 10 by threads 18a shown schematically in FIG. 1, which engage compatibly formed threads 10d in the lower end 10a of drill string 10. The upper housing portion 18 is formed having a central bore 18b therein which is preferably substantially the same diameter as the bore 10c of the drill string 10 and in longitudinal, axial alignment therewith. A radial lip 18c is formed adjacent the central bore 18b adjacent the lower end 18d of the upper housing portion 18. An inner annular surface 18e is formed adjacent to the radial lip 18c and extends to the annular end surface 18f of the upper housing portion 18. Preferably, a suitable detent 18g is formed in the inner annular surface 18e for the disposition of a suitable sealing member such as an O-ring 18h. Outer annular surface 18i is formed adjacent to the annular end surface 18f, and extends upwardly therefrom to threaded section 18j, with outer annular surface 18k extending upwardly therefrom. Tapered radial surface 18l is formed adjacent to outer annular surface 18k. Suitable detents 18m, 18n, are preferably formed in outer annular surfaces 18i, 18k, respectively, for receiving suitable sealing members such as O-rings 18p, 18q, respectively.

The upper housing portion 18 of the housing H is adapted to threadedly receive the intermediate housing portion 20 as best seen in FIG. 2A. The intermediate housing portion 20 of the housing H includes a tapered radial end surface 20a adapted to be in compatible engagement with the tapered radial surface 18l of the upper housing portion 18. The tapered radial end surface 20a is formed adjacent the upper end 20b of the intermediate housing portion 20, with an inner annular surface 20c extending downwardly from the tapered radial end surface 20a. Suitable threads 20d are formed adjacent to annular surface 20c for compatible, threaded engagement with the threaded section 18j of upper housing portion 18. Intermediate housing bore 20e extends downwardly from threads 20d along the length of the intermediate housing portion 20 to the lower end 20f of the intermediate housing portion 20 where threads 20g are formed. An inner annular surface 20h is formed adjacent to threads 20g with a tapered, radial lower end surface 20i formed adjacent thereto. It should be noted that the intermediate housing bore 20e of the intermediate housing portion 20 is of a diameter greater than that of the central bore 18b of upper housing portion 18 of the housing H. Furthermore, O-rings 18p, 18q are adapted to engage the intermediate housing bore 20e and inner annular surface 20c, respectively, to prevent any unwanted fluid migration therebetween.

The lower housing portion 22 of the housing H is preferably threadedly affixed to the intermediate housing portion 20 as best seen in FIG. 2C. The lower housing portion 22 preferably includes an upper end 22a having suitable threads 22b formed therewith and adapted to compatibly engage threads 20g of theintermediate housing portion 20. Preferably, a suitable annular surface 22c is formed adjacent to threads 22b with an appropriate detent 22d formed within the annular surface 22c for receiving a suitable sealing means such as O-ring 22e. A tapered, radial surface 22f is formed adjacent to annular surface 22c and is adapted to engage end surface 20i compatibly. Preferably, the upper end 22a of the lower housing portion 20 is formed having a plurality of longitudinal slots or splines 22g formed adjacent the upper end 22a thereof which extends radially outwardly from the lower housing bore 22h. Preferably, such slots or splines 22g are of a substantially rectangular configuration, but having an arcuate outer surface (not shown) thereof; however, any other suitable configuration slot or spline may alternatively be used. The slots or splines 22g extend longitudinally between the radial surface 22i (FIG. 2B) along the upper end 22a of the lower housing portion 22 to radial surface 22j (FIG. 2C), being preferably evenly spaced about the lower housing bore 22H. Preferably, a tapered surface 22k is formed adjacent to radial surface 22j with an inner annular surface 22l formed adjacent thereto. Preferably, annular detents 22m, 22n, 22o are formed along and in the inner annular surface 22l with radial end surface 22p being formed adjacent the lower end 22q of the lower housing portion 22. The annular surface 22r (FIG. 2B) is formed between the radial surface 22i and upper end surface 22s of the lower housing portion 22.

The shock absorber assembly S of the present invention further includes a mandrel M mounted with the housing H for reciprocal longitudinal movement with respect to the housing H. The mandrel M includes mandrel 24 having an outer annular surface 24a formed adjacent the upper end 24b thereof. Suitable threaded openings such as opening 24c are formed about the perimeter of the outer annular surface 24a as discussed more fully hereinbelow. End surface 24d (FIG. 2B) is formed adjacent the upper end 24b with an inner annular surface 24e formed adjacent thereto. Mandrel bore 24f is formed adjacent to inner annular surface 24e with a stepped portion 24g formed therebetween. The mandrel bore 24f extends along the length of the mandrel 24 to the lower end 24h thereof where suitable threads 24i are formed to permit threaded engagement of the mandrel 24 with the drill bit 12 (FIG. 1, FIG. 3). An annular tab 24j (FIG. 2B) is preferably formed adjacent to the outer annular surface 24a adjacent the upper end 24b of mandrel 24 with annular surface 24k being formed adjacent thereto.

Alternating radial end surfaces 24l are formed adjacent to the annular surface 24k and delineate the uppermost surface of the slots or splines 24m of the mandrel 24. Preferably, the slots or splines 24m are compatibly formed to permit the longitudinal movement of the mandrel 24 within the compatibly formed slots or splines 22g formed within the lower housing portion 22. As such, the mandrel 24 may move reciprocally along the longitudinal axis with respect to the housing H, with the engagement between slots or splines 24m of the mandrel 24 and slots or splines 22g of the lower housing portion 22 preventing any relative rotation between such members. A tapered surface 24n is formed adjacent to the lower portion of the slots or splines 24m and is adapted to compatibly engage tapered surface 22k of the lower housing portion 22 upon full compression of the mandrel 24 into the housing H upon extreme loading thereof discussed more fully hereinbelow. Outer annular surface 24o is formed adjacent to the tapered surface 24n and extends downwardly to radial surface 24p formed adjacent the lower end 24h of the mandrel 24.

Preferably, the shock absorber assembly S includes a suitable bearing 26, preferably formed of a metal softer than that of the housing H, is adapted to be mounted within detent 22m while mandrel packing 28 is mounted within detent 22n formed with the lower housing portion 22. Preferably, the mandrel packing 28 includes spacers 28a, 28b which may be made of asbestos or any other suitable material for securing the mandrel packing 28 in place within the packing detent 22n. Mandrel wiper 30 is preferably mounted within detent 22o for performing wiping functions as is well known and described more fully hereinbelow.

It will be appreciated that the inner annular surface 26a of the bearing 26, the inner annular surface 28c of the mandrel packing 28 and the inner annular surface 30a of mandrel wiper 30 all coact with and engage outer annular surface 24o of the mandrel 24 for respective bearing, packing, and wiping action therebetween as the mandrel 24 moves reciprocally within the housing H. Further, the maximum upward movement of the mandrel 24 within the lower housing portion 22 of the housing H is limited by engagement of the radial surface 24p (FIG. 2D) with radial end surface 22p of lower housing portion 22 and by engagement between tapered surfaces 24n of mandrel 24 and tapered surface 22k of lower housing portion 22. A retainer 32 (FIG. 2B) preferably is fitted about annular tab 24j of mandrel 24. The retainer 32 is preferably of a "split-ring" configuration, that is, formed of two arcuate halves (not shown), to permit assembly over and about the tab 24j. The retainer 32 is adapted to fit within the annular surface 22r of the lower housing portion 22. The lower end surface 32a of the retainer 32 is adapted to engage the radial surface 22i for limiting the extent of downward movement of the mandrel M with respect to the housing H as the mandrel 24 reciprocates within the intermediate and lower housing portions 20, 22 of the housing H.

The shock absorber assembly S of the present invention further includes a guide sleeve 34 (FIG. 2B) which is adapted to be disposed within the intermediate housing bore 20e of the intermediate housing portion 20 such that the outer annular surface 34a of the guide sleeve 34 is of a diameter less than the inside diameter of the bore 20e. Preferably, a suitable detent 34b is formed in the outer annular surface 34a of guide sleeve 34 and is adapted to receive a suitable sealing means such as O-ring 34c for sealably engaging the bore 20e of the intermediate housing portion 20. The detent 34b may be formed adjacent the lower end surface 34d of the guide sleeve 34. Preferably, the lower end surface 34d is adapted to engage upper end surface 22s of the lower housing portion 22. Furthermore, the guide sleeve 34 includes inner annular surface 34e.

The shock absorber assembly S of the present invention further includes upper mandrel packing means designated generally as 36 and includes packing 36a which is adapted to sealably pack and engage the outer annular surface 24a of mandrel 24 and inner annular surface 34e of guide sleeve 34 and mounted and secured between the retainer 32 and retaining ring 38. Preferably the retaining ring 38 is formed having suitable openings 38a which is adapted to threadedly receive threaded members 40 which may be threadedly received within threaded openings 38a of retaining ring 38 and threaded into opening 24c formed in mandrel 24, for securing the retaining ring 38 in proper position with respect to the mandrel 34 and to ensure proper placement and location of the packing means 36, particularly during longitudinal, reciprocal movement of the mandrel M with respect to the housing H.

The shock absorber assembly S of the present invention further includes fluid dampening means F for absorbing shocks between the mandrel M and housing H. The fluid dampening means F includes a tank member 44 and a piston member 46. The tank member 44 includes an upper portion 44a, a central portion 44b, and a lower portion 44c. The upper portion 44a is formed having an upper end surface 44d, inner and outer annular surfaces 44e, 44f, respectively, with radial surfaces 44g, 44h formed adjacent the lower ends thereof, respectively, and an inner annular surface 44i formed adjacent to radial surface 44h. A lower end surface 44j is formed adjacent to the inner annular surface 44i. Preferably, a suitable detent 44k is formed in outer annular surface 44f and is adapted to receive suitable sealing means such as O-ring 44l. Preferably, a passageway 44m is formed in the upper portion 44a of tank member 44, with such passageway 44m extending between the end surface 44j and outer annular surface 44n, with the passageway 44m having a threaded portion adjacent the outer annular surface 44n to receive threaded plug 44o as discussed more fully hereinbelow.

The tank member 44 of the fluid dampening means F further includes a central portion 44b that is affixed to upper portion 44a by means of an appropriate weldment 44p with the central portion 44b having inner annular surface 44q and outer annular surface 44r. A passageway 44s is formed between the inner and outer annular surfaces 44q, 44r, respectively, and adapted to threadedly receive threaded plug 44t adjacent the outer annular surface 44r.

The tank member 44 further includes a lower portion 44c which is attached to the central portion 44b by means of an appropriate weldment 44u, with the lower portion 44c including an upper end surface 44b, an inner annular surface 44w, radial surface 44x, interior surface 44y, and threads 44z and annular surface 44aa adjacent the lower end 44bb of the lower portion 44c. The lower portion 44c is further formed having a lower end surface 44cc adjacent the lower end 44bb with a detent 44dd formed adjacent thereto for receiving the guide sleeve 34 therewith and an outer annular surface 44ee. It will be appreciated that outer annular surface 44ee of the lower portion 44c, the outer annular surface 44r of the central portion 44b, and the outer annular surface 44n of upper portion 44a of tank member 44 are of a diameter less than that of the intermediate housing bore 20e of intermediate housing portion 20. Radial surfaces 44g, 44x act as packing stops as discussed more fully hereinbelow. Further, threaded plugs 44o, 44t with their respective passageways 44m, 44s form the fill means 42 of the present invention discussed below.

The fluid dampening means S further includes piston member 46 which is mounted for movement within the tank member 44. The piston member 46 is formed having a bore 46a, an upper end surface 46b, an upper outer annular surface 46c, a tapered surface 46d, a lower outer annular surface 46e, a lower end surface 46f (FIG. 2B), and an annular surface 46g and radial surface 46h adjacent thereto. The end surface 24d of the mandrel 24 is adapted to engage the radial surface 46h of the piston member 46 with the annular surfaces 24e, 46g adjacent one another, with there thus being positive engagement between the mandrel 24 and piston member 46. A suitable detent 46i (FIG. 2A) is formed adjacent the upper end surface 46b of the piston member 46 and is adapted to receive wiper means 48 which includes wiper 48a which may be formed of neoprene or other suitable material capable of ensuring sealing engagement therebetween the piston member 46 and the central bore 18 b of upper housing portion 18.

The shock absorber assembly S of the present invention further includes wear pads 50, 52, 54, 56, which are preferably of a non-metallic material and act as bearings between the piston member 46 and tank member 44 as the piston member 46 reciprocates with respect to the tank member 44 as discussed more fully hereinbelow. Preferably, the wear pad 50 is positioned between the upper outer annular surface 46c of the piston member 46 and the inner annular surface 44e of the upper portion 44a of the tank member 44 and abuts radial lip 18c, with the wear pad 52 being disposed in an abutting relation with the radial surface 44g between surfaces 46c and 44e. Packing means designated generally as 58 is preferably disposed between wear pads 50, 52 and includes directional packing members 58a, 58b. As such, the packing means 58 is secured in place between the wear pads 50, 52 upon the wear pads 50, 52 being in an abutting relation with the radial surface 18c and radial surface 44g. In similar fashion, packing means 60 is secured between wear pads 54, 56 with the packing means 60 including directional packing members 60a, 60b with the packing means 60 being disposed between surfaces 46e and 44y. Wear pad 54 abuts radial surface 44x with directional packing members 60a, 60b in abutting relation thereto and abutting wear pad 56.

The shock absorber assembly S further includes a packing retainer 62 which secures the wear pad 56 in place with the end surface 62a of the packing retainer 62 abutting wear pad 56. The packing retainer 62 is formed having outer annular surfaces 62b, 62c with threads 62d formed therebetween and adapted to threadedly engage compatibly formed threads 44c of the tank member 44. Suitable detents 62e, 62f are formed in annular surfaces 62b, 62c for receiving appropriate sealing means such as O-rings 62g, 62h for ensuring sealing relating with surfaces 44y, 44aa, respectively. The bore 62i of the packing retainer 62 is of a diameter such that the outer annular surface 46e of the piston member 46 is of a lesser diameter than that of the bore 62i of the packing retainer 62. Suitable tool detents 62j are formed adjacent the end surface 62k of the packing retainer for receiving an appropriate tool (not shown), such as a spanner wrench, for threadedly securing the packing retainer 62 with the tank member 44. Preferably, an appropriate snap ring 64 is fitted into a suitable detent 44ff formed adjacent the end surface 44cc for preventing inadvertent unthreaded action of the packing retainer 62 from the tank member 44. Accordingly, the packing retainer 62 ensures that the packing means 60 is secured in place between the wear pads 54, 56 while the wear pad 54 is in a proper abutting relation with the radial surface 44x of the tank member 44.

As such, the shock absorber assembly S of the present invention includes a dampening fluid chamber 66 formed and defined by the end surface 44j, annular surface 46c, tapered surface 46d, a portion of annular surface 46e, radial surface 44v, and annular surface 44q. The dampening fluid chamber 66 is adapted to receive fluid, such as hydraulic oil, therein for responding to action upon the shock absorber assembly S of the present invention. As noted hereinbelow, the mandrel 24 abuts the piston 46 and any longitudinal reciprocal movement of the mandrel results in a corresponding longitudinal, reciprocal movement of the piston member 46 with respect to the tank member 44. Movement of the mandrel 24 in an upwardly direction results in movement of the tapered surface 46d upwardly towards radial surface 44j. This upward movement of the tapered surface 46d towards radial surface 44j results in a "differential area" compression of the fluid within the dampening fluid chamber 66 which effectuates dampening of shocks translated by the drill bit 12 to the mandrel M onto the piston member 46 of the fluid dampening means F of the present invention.

It should be noted that clearance is provided between the outer surfaces of the tank member 44 and the intermediate housing bore 20e which permits the fluid dampening means F to react, bend, or otherwise respond to compression of the fluid within the dampening fluid chamber 66, without affecting, contacting, or in any manner interfering with the intermediate housing 20 of the housing H upon extreme loading due to encountering shocks with the drill bit 12. The differential area compression allows gradual compression of fluid within the dampening fluid chamber 66 as the piston member 46 moves upwardly within the tank member 44, yet permitting loading of the fluid dampening means F in such a fashion that it is independent of stresses and strains acting upon the housing H.

Furthermore, it will be appreciated that the fluid dampening means F of the shock absorber assembly S of the present invention is capable of being replaced inasmuch as it is simply "sandwiched" between the mandrel M and the upper housing portion 18 of the housing H. Unthreading of the upper housing portion 18 from the intermediate housing portion 20 permits access to the fluid dampening means F such that the entire fluid dampening means F including the tank member 44 and piston member 46 may be replaced as a unit without requiring replacement of the housing H. Furthermore, such a replacement results in replacement of the wear pads 50, 52, 54, 56 and packing means 58, 60 as well as other wear components. After replacement thereof, threaded plug 44o of the fill means 42 may be removed and the fluid chamber 66 filled with an appropriate fluid by forcing such through passageway 44m thereinto the fluid chamber 66, with the threaded plug 44o being thereafter replaced. Similarly, fluid may be introduced into dampening fluid chamber 66 by removal of threaded plug 44t of the fill means 42 and forcing such fluid through passageway 44s. The plural passageways 44m, 44s and their respective threaded plugs 44o, 44t of the fill means allow the injection of suitable dampening fluid into the dampening fluid chamber 66 and the appropriate "bleeding" of any trapped air during the injection process. By varying the volume and type of dampening fluids used within the dampening fluid chamber 66, varying dampening rates may be achieved.

Thus, the shock absorber assembly of the present invention provides a fluid dampening means F that is separate and apart from the housing H and may be simply removed, repaired and/or replaced as is needed during operation thereof while permitting reuse of the housing H and mandrel M.

The working fluid, such as drilling mud by way of example, used during drilling operations may be easily circulated through the central bore of the housing H to the drill bit 12 by fluid communication between the drill string 10c, through bores 18b, 46a, 24f of the housing H, fluid dampening means F, and mandrel M, respectively, thereinto drill bit 12 for use thereof in drilling operations. Shock loading encountered or caused by the drilling string 10 or drill bit 12 during drilling operations with the drill string 10 cause responsive action of the mandrel M in engagement with the piston member 46 relative to the housing H which results in compression of the dampening fluid within the dampening fluid chamber 66 for absorbing and dissipating the shock or shocks so encountered. Upon the release of such loading, the fluid within the dampening fluid chamber 66 thereafter expands forcing the piston member 46, mandrel M and drill bit 12 downwardly with respect to the housing H for resuming non-shock loaded drilling operations. Thus, the housing H of the shock absorber assembly S need not be capable of absorbing or holding the requisite compressive pressures required for dampening in addition to other tool stresses, strains and pressures necessary in drilling thus resulting in a unit that may be easily repaired and cost effective.

The foregoing disclosure and description of the invention are illustrative and explanatory thereof, and various changes in the size, shape and materials, as well as in the illustrated construction thereof, may be made without departing from the spirit of the invention.