Ram accelerator system with endcap
AssigneeHypersciences, Inc.
InventorMark C. Russell
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
One or more ram accelerator devices may be used to form one or more holes in geologic or other material. These holes may be used for drilling, tunnel boring, excavation, and so forth. The ram accelerator devices propel projectiles which are accelerated by combustion of one or more combustible gasses in a ram effect to reach velocities exceeding 500 meters per second. An endcap may be deployed within a tube of the ram accelerator device to prevent incursion of formation pressure products such as oil, water, mud, gas, and so forth into a guide tube of the ram accelerator. During operation the projectile penetrates the endcap and at least a portion thereof impacts a working face. A downhole end of the tube may be displaced laterally within the hole to change the direction of the hole.
Claims20
A system comprising:
- a projectile;
- an endcap;
- a ram accelerator to accelerate the projectile;
- a guide tube having a first end coupled to an exit aperture of the ram accelerator and a second end opposite the first end, wherein the guide tube comprises one or more valves, wherein individual ones of the one or more valves when opened permit passage of the endcap and the projectile through the guide tube and when closed the individual ones of the one or more valves prevent fluid passage from one portion of the guide tube to another;
- and
- a reamer proximate to the second end of the guide tube and configured to apply lateral forces between the guide tube and one or more walls of a hole.
A system comprising:
- a ram accelerator;
- an endcap;
- a guide tube having a first end coupled to an exit aperture of the ram accelerator and a second end opposite the first end, wherein the guide tube comprises one or more separation mechanisms, wherein individual ones of the one or more separation mechanisms when opened permit passage of the endcap and a projectile through the guide tube and when closed the individual ones of the one or more separation mechanisms prevent fluid passage from one portion of the guide tube to another;
- and
- a mechanism proximate to the second end of the guide tube and configured to apply lateral forces between the guide tube and one or more walls of a hole.
A system comprising:
- a ram accelerator having an exit aperture;
- an endcap;
- an endcap delivery system;
- a guide tube having a first end coupled to the exit aperture and a second end opposite the first end, wherein the guide tube comprises one or more separation mechanisms, wherein individual ones of the one or more separation mechanisms when opened permit passage of the endcap and a projectile through the guide tube and when closed the individual ones of the one or more separation mechanisms prevent fluid passage from one portion of the guide tube to another;
- and
- a reamer proximate to the second end of the guide tube and configured to apply lateral forces between the guide tube and one or more walls of a hole.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.