Numerical Simulation and Experimental Test of the Sliding Core Dynamics of a Pressure Controlled Jet Crushing Tool for Natural Gas Hydrate Exploitation

Abstract

A pressure-controlled jet crushing tool (PJCT) for the exploitation of deep-sea natural gas hydrate (NGH) was invented to achieve sediment crushing and cavity creation. The opening and closing of tool is controlled by changing the internal flow rate remotely. It can realize the controllable continuous switching of the working state between horizontal well drilling and cavity creation. A dynamic simulation model of the sliding core was established based on the innovative design scheme of the PJCT and the motion law of its slide core was analyzed under the influence of spring stiffness, friction coefficient, and flow rate loading scheme. Moreover, an engineering prototype of the PJCT was manufactured so that a sliding core motion experiment of the prototype was carried out. When the drilling fluid flow rate reaches 455 L/min, the PJCT can stably complete the self-locking and unlocking functions. Its sliding core needs more time to stabilize with an increase in spring stiffness. Meanwhile, the PJCT could achieve continuous fast switching between the mechanical drilling state and the jet crushing state within a cycle of continuous flow changes. Finally, the kinematic and dynamic working mechanism of the PJCT is verified by the combination of the numerical simulation and the experimental analysis above.