Packaging structures and materials for vibration and shock energy attenuation and dissipation and related methods
An apparatus for protecting a module used in a borehole may include a plurality of shock protection elements associated with the module. The plurality of shock protection elements cooperatively has a macroscopic non-linear spring response to an applied shock event. The plurality of shock protection elements may include at least an enclosure and a dampener connecting the module with the enclosure. A related method for protecting a module used in a borehole may include enclosing the module within the plurality of shock protection elements; disposing the module in the borehole; and subjecting the module to a shock event. The plurality of shock protection elements cooperatively has a macroscopic non-linear spring response to the shock event.
1. An apparatus for protecting a module used in a borehole, comprising:
a plurality of shock protection elements associated with the module, the plurality of shock protection elements cooperatively having a macroscopic non-linear spring response to an applied shock event, wherein the plurality of shock protection elements includes at least:
an enclosure; and
a dampener connecting the module with the enclosure, the dampener having a plurality of discrete, compressible layers, wherein a geometry and material for each layer is configured to respond to a different range of a shock and vibration frequency spectrum.
2. The apparatus according to claim 1 , further comprising a drill string section having a bore with fluid, and wherein the enclosure is a pressure barrel positioned in the drill string section, the pressure barrel being surrounded by and immersed in the fluid in the bore of the drill string; and wherein all of the plurality of discrete layers enclose the module on at least two sides.
3. The apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the dampener includes at least one of: (i) a viscoelastic material, and (ii) a material having both viscous and elastic characteristics when undergoing deformation.
4. The apparatus according to claim 3 , wherein the viscoelastic material is a thermoset, polyether-based, polyurethane.
5. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the dampener includes a lattice structure.
6. The apparatus of claim 1 , further comprising:
a conveyance device configured to be disposed in the borehole; and
a well tool positioned along the conveyance device, wherein the module is disposed in the well tool.
7. The apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the plurality of discrete, compressible layers completely enclose the module.
8. The apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the plurality of discrete, compressible layers are sequentially energized and compressed during one of a shock event and a vibration event.
9. The apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the plurality of discrete, compressible layers includes at least three layers separating the enclosure and the module.
10. The apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein at least two layers of the plurality of discrete, compressible layers are serially positioned between the enclosure and the module.
11. An apparatus for protecting a module used in a borehole, comprising:
a plurality of shock protection elements associated with the module, the plurality of shock protection elements cooperatively have a macroscopic non-linear spring response to an applied shock event, wherein the plurality of shock protection elements includes at least:
an enclosure; and
a dampener connecting the module with the enclosure, wherein the dampener includes a circulating fluid.
12. The apparatus according to claim 11 , wherein the fluid flows completely around the module.
13. The apparatus according to claim 11 , wherein the dampener includes a porous media in which the fluid resides.
14. The apparatus according to claim 11 , wherein the dampener includes a pair of opposing surfaces and cell structures formed between the opposing surfaces, wherein the fluid flows through the cell structures.
15. The apparatus according to claim 11 , wherein the fluid flows in a direction that is non-parallel to a direction of the applied shock event.
16. The apparatus according to claim 15 , wherein the fluid flow aligns with the direction of the applied shock event after being non-parallel.
17. A method for protecting a module used in a borehole, comprising:
enclosing the module within a plurality of shock protection elements, wherein the plurality of shock protection elements includes at least: an enclosure and a dampener connecting the module with the enclosure, the dampener having a plurality of discrete layers;
disposing the module in the borehole;
subjecting the module to a shock event; and
sequentially in time energizing and compressing each individual layer of the plurality of layers of the dampener, wherein the plurality of shock protection elements cooperatively have a macroscopic non-linear spring response to the shock event and each layer responds to a different range of a shock and vibration frequency spectrum.
18. The method according to claim 17 , wherein the plurality of discrete layers of different materials enclose the module.