Shape memory alloy vibration isolation device

Abstract

Methods and apparatus for mitigating the effects of vibration of various tools, such as those used downhole, by utilizing a vibration isolation device that incorporates Shape Memory Alloys (SMAs). For instance, in some embodiments, a vibration isolation device may be designed and deployed in a manner such that, when a vibration isolation device is operated in an expected manner, the force on the SMAs from static loading is sufficient to induce partial phase transformation between the austenite and martensite phases. This partial phase transformation may result in a reduced stiffness of the vibration isolation device in comparison to a tool in either a full austenite phase or full martensite phase.

1 . An apparatus for reducing vibrations in well operations comprising:
 a body member formed at least partially of a shape memory alloy material; and   one or more connectors for connecting the apparatus between a first component and a second component.   
   
   
       2 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the shape memory alloy material is selected such that force on the body member due to static loading is sufficient to induce partial phase transformation between an austenite phase and a martensite phase of the shape memory alloy material when the apparatus is operated in an expected manner. 
   
   
       3 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the shape memory alloy material is selected to exhibit superelasticity in an expected temperature range in which the apparatus is to be operated. 
   
   
       4 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the one or more connectors are at least partially formed of the shape memory alloy material and treated to reduce the superelasticity relative to superelasticity of the body member. 
   
   
       5 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the one or more connectors are formed from a material substantially different than the shape memory alloy material. 
   
   
       6 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the shape memory alloy material comprises one of Nickel-Titanium, Copper-Zink-Aluminum, Nickel-Titanium-Copper, and Copper-Aluminum-Beryllium and any combination thereof. 
   
   
       7 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the shape memory alloy material is selected such that lower frequency vibrations are dampened to a greater extent relative to higher frequency vibrations. 
   
   
       8 . The apparatus of  claim 1  wherein the first component is a rotating member and the second component is coupled to the rotating member. 
   
   
       9 . The apparatus of  claim 8 , wherein the rotating member is a drill bit and the component is a drill string. 
   
   
       10 . The apparatus of  claim 9 , wherein the force on the body member due to static loading is sufficient to induce partial phase transformation between an austenite phase and a martensite phase of the shape memory alloy material. 
   
   
       11 . The apparatus of  claim 9 , wherein the apparatus is formed as a tubular member that allows drill fluid to flow from the drill string to the drill bit through the tubular member. 
   
   
       12 . The apparatus of  claim 8 , wherein the shape memory alloy material is selected to exhibit superelasticity in an expected temperature range. 
   
   
       13 . The apparatus of  claim 8 , wherein the one or more connectors are formed substantially of material that is substantially different than the shape memory alloy material. 
   
   
       14 . A method for isolating vibration in a wellbore comprising:
 disposing a vibration isolation device at least partially formed of a shape memory alloy material between an excavating member and a component; and   providing power to the excavating member by the component, wherein loading on the vibration isolation device is sufficient to induce a partial phase transformation of the shape memory alloy material.   
   
   
       15 . The method of  claim 14 , wherein the loading comprises quasi-static loading and dynamic loading. 
   
   
       16 . The method of  claim 14 , wherein the quasi-static loading comprises weight on the vibration isolation device. 
   
   
       17 . The method of  claim 14 , wherein the dynamic loading comprises loading generated from vibrations of the excavating member. 
   
   
       18 . The method of  claim 14 , wherein disposing the vibration isolation device between the excavating member and the component comprises incorporating the vibration isolation device in a bottom hole assembly containing the excavating member. 
   
   
       19 . The method of  claim 14 , wherein disposing the vibration isolation device between the excavating member and the component comprises connecting the vibration isolation device in line with the component via threaded connections. 
   
   
       20 . The method of  claim 19 , wherein the threaded connections are formed of a shape memory alloy material treated to have reduced superelasticity when compared with a body portion of the vibration isolation device. 
   
   
       21 . The method of  claim 14 , wherein the excavating member is a drill bit; and when the drill bit is operated with an expected weight-on-bit, the force on the body member due to static loading is sufficient to induce partial phase transformation between an austenite phase and martensite phase of the shape memory alloy material. 
   
   
       22 . The method of  claim 14 , wherein the temperature of the vibration isolation device is changed to induce a more favorable stress/temperature regime for the shape memory alloy material to facilitate vibration dampening. 
   
   
       23 . The method of  claim 14 , wherein the component is coiled tubing and providing power to the excavating member comprises providing hydraulic power to the excavating member. 
   
   
       24 . The method of  claim 14 , further comprising receiving the power in the excavating member to perform percussion drilling. 
   
   
       25 . A method of fabricating a vibration isolation device, comprising:
 selecting a shape memory alloy (SMA) material that exhibits superelasticity within a range of temperatures in which the vibration isolation device is expected to be operated;   determining a range of one or more forces to which the vibration isolation device is expected to be subjected during operation;   calculating one or more dimensions of the vibration isolation device based, at least in part, on the determined range of temperatures and the determined range of forces; and   fabricating the vibration isolation device according to the calculated dimensions using the selected SMA material.