Hydraulic Modeling of Flow-through Piston Confuser Operation in a Circulation Sub Due to a Change in its Geometry

Hydraulic impact mathematical modeling allows for the quantitative assessment of various assemblies of the flow-through piston, and the optimization of its design and increased operating efficiency. This research has practical value and can be applied in various fields, and within the framework of this study, form requirements for subsequent bench tests. Existing experimental studies confirm the possibility of using hydraulic activation technology, but the absence of a scientific basis for its operation hinders their widespread implementation. The study examines the hydraulic characteristics of the flow when passing through the flow-through piston. According to the modeling results, the value of the hydraulic drag force and the pressure differential at which the valve operates are represented as functions of the liquid density and the geometry of the confuser. The minimum critical value of the piston hole diameter is established, which will provide the necessary pressure differential at a given flow rate of the drilling mud. It was found that increasing the confuser angle does not completely eliminate the occurrence of a stagnant zone, but reduces its area and increases the flow rate in it. For the first time, the value of the confuser angles was found at which the force value remains conditionally constant, and the pressure differential decreases rapidly. The findings demonstrates recommendations on the choice of the confuser geometry depending on the density of the drilling mud. Depending on the requirements, the piston shape, its design, and hydraulic parameters can be optimized, studied in detail to achieve the required results.