Investigation of Downhole Turbine Performance and Prototype Evaluation

Downhole turbines are drilling tools that use the flow of downgoing drilling fluid inside the drillstring to turn a solid or hollow drive shaft, which can power or actuate other drilling tools such as turbodrills, electrical generators, hydraulic motors, and a variety of other mechanical, electrical or hydraulic devices. There are many versions of downhole turbines currently available, with variations in pressure drop across the tool, generated rotary speed, available rotary torque, stator and rotor arrangements, number and types of turbine stages, materials for turbine blades and tool housing, types of seals and bearings, etc… The objective of this project is to develop and prototype a modular downhole turbine system that can be configured for powering a variety of other downhole tools. Wherever feasible, the turbine elements will be based on commercially available components.

Faculty Supervisor:

Stephen Butt

Student:

Partner:

DF Barnes Group;Petroleum Research Newfoundland & Labrador

Discipline:

Engineering

Sector:

Construction and infrastructure; Mining; Professional, scientific and technical services

University:

Memorial University of Newfoundland

Program: