Structural Design and Numerical Analysis of an All-Metal Screw Motor for Drilling Applications in High-Temperature and High-Pressure Environments in Ultra-Deep Wells

Abstract

It is difficult to adapt traditional screw motors with rubber stators to the high-temperature and high-pressure conditions in ultra-deep wells, where rubber stators age, deform and carbonize, resulting in motor failure. In this study, the goal is to develop volumetric power drilling tools that can be used to drill at depths of 10,000 m. To meet this goal, an all-metal screw motor that can be applied in ultra-deep wells is designed, then its deformation and structural design are studied. Through numerical simulation, the change in clearance of the motor after expansion in high-temperature environments and the characteristics of deformation in ultra-deep well environments are analyzed. The results show that the metal screw motor has good performance and stability. The maximum deformation is less than 0.3 mm at depths of 9000~15,000 m in ultra-deep wells. The minimum design clearance should be greater than 0.2 mm to ensure that the stator and rotor remain engaged. The results of this research are expected to provide theoretical guidance for the design of all-metal screw motors for applications in ultra-deep well drilling projects to meet the demand for deep earth resource development.