Design and application of high-build-rate directional drilling test platform

Abstract:

The existing drilling test rigs are constrained by limited space， poor stability， and low automation， making them inadequate for testing downhole tools in high-build-rate directional drilling. To address these challenges， a novel test platform for high-build-rate directional drilling was developed. The platform adopts a modular structure consisting of rig zone， rock sample zone， simulated wellbore， tool fixing zone， circulation system， and data management system. Stability against overturning is enhanced via triangular brackets on both sides， while structural load-bearing and rapid positioning are achieved using symmetrical channel-steel guide rails. The support for the guide pipe utilizes a triangular truss structure， which works in conjunction with a bottom fixing plate to ensure coaxiality during operation. The power head mast of the drilling rig can tilt from 0 to 90°， enabling the dynamic adjustment of drilling parameters such as feed pressure， torque， and rotational speed. Moreover， the simulated wellbore is equipped with pressure and torque sensors to collect key real-time parameters at the bit， including weight on bit （WOB）， torque， and vibration. Based on this platform， real-drilling and mechanical testing experiments were conducted on flexible drill strings， alongside directional side-tracking using flexible downhole power tools. The results indicate that the test platform features a rational structural design and operates smoothly. It can effectively simulate actual drilling conditions for high-build-rate directional tools， thereby providing a reliable experimental means for testing downhole tools and researching drilling technologies in high-build-rate directional wells.