Numerical Simulation of Rock Breaking by Diamond Particles Under Ultra Deep Drilling Conditions

Abstract

In the quest to access deeper fossil energy reserves, the past three decades have witnessed a concerted effort by scientists to develop and refine technologies capable of efficient drilling in environments characterized by high temperatures and pressures. Despite these advancements, our comprehension of the physical phenomena at play remains incomplete. A fundamental challenge pertains to the interaction between the rock and the drilling bit during drilling operations. This study delves into the influence of drilling bit pressure and rotation speed on the rock-breaking efficacy of impregnated diamonds under geostress conditions of 240 MPa and temperatures of 200℃.It juxtaposes these findings with those from rock-bit interaction experiments executed on a physical simulator, which was designed in accordance with similarity principles, in a controlled laboratory setting. Our findings indicate that for ultra-deep formations, a high Weight on Bit (WOB) coupled with a lower rotation speed results in enhanced rock cutting efficiency and a reduced rate of bit wear. Consequently, we recommend optimal drilling parameters of 8.0 to 8.5 kN for WOB and a rotational speed range of 180 to 240 rad/min. Furthermore, the study underscores the profound impact of horizontal differential stress on the rate of penetration (ROP). The insights gleaned from these tests are instrumental in refining the design of rock-breaking tools and optimizing drilling parameters, thereby augmenting the efficiency of rock breaking in challenging drilling environments.