MWD inclinometer and downhole servicing tool

Abstract

The present application relates to a kind of while drilling inclinometer and downhole tool, wherein, while drilling inclinometer includes the inclinometer base body installed in the mud channel of drilling tool, the inside of the inclinometer base body is opened with the mounting hole extending to the through the inclinometer base body along its axial direction, the mounting hole in the both ends of the inclinometer base body is sealed with the sealing structure, the sealing structure is used to make the inside of the inclinometer base body form a sealed cabin, the inclinometer unit is installed in the sealed cabin, and the inclinometer unit is used to obtain well deviation angle information and azimuth information by calculation.The inclinometer unit of the present application is arranged in the mud channel of drilling tool, so that real-time measurement in the process of drilling is realized, the measurement accuracy is improved, and the number of downhole is reduced.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of drilling surveying technology, specifically relating to a drilling surveying instrument and downhole operation tools. Background Technology

[0002] During the drilling process in oil exploration and development, it is necessary to measure the wellbore trajectory. Current technology generally uses a multi-point electronic inclinometer, which is put into the measuring tool after drilling is completed to measure the well inclination and azimuth. This measurement method requires a special drilling trip and cannot be carried out in real time during the drilling process.

[0003] If a directional measuring instrument is installed in the downhole drilling tool, real-time measurements can be taken during the drilling process. Therefore, there is an urgent need for a drilling directional measuring instrument to realize real-time measurement of the wellbore trajectory during the drilling process. Summary of the Invention

[0004] To address all or part of the aforementioned problems, the present invention aims to provide a drilling rig and downhole operation tool. By placing the measuring base and measuring unit within the mud channel of the drill string, it is possible to measure relevant data in real time during the drilling process, thereby reducing the number of times the drill string needs to be lowered into the well.

[0005] According to one aspect of the present invention, a drilling homing instrument is provided, comprising a homing base installed in the mud channel of a drilling tool, wherein the interior of the homing base has an installation hole extending along its axial direction to penetrate the homing base, and both ends of the installation hole of the homing base are sealed with sealing structures, the sealing structures being used to form a sealed chamber inside the homing base, and a homing unit is installed in the sealed chamber, the homing unit being used to calculate well inclination angle information and azimuth angle information.

[0006] Furthermore, each of the sealing structures includes a sealing plug disposed within the mounting hole and sealed to the inclinometer substrate.

[0007] Furthermore, each of the sealing structures also includes an end cap, which is disposed at the end of the corresponding sealing plug away from the sealing chamber, and the end cap is sealed to the inclinometer substrate.

[0008] Furthermore, the end of the end cap that protrudes from the inclinometer substrate has a streamlined structure, and the end cap is milled flat near the inclinometer substrate.

[0009] Furthermore, a spring washer is provided between the end cap and the corresponding sealing plug.

[0010] Furthermore, the inclinometer unit includes an inclinometer sensor, an inclinometer circuit board, and a memory. The inclinometer sensor includes a fluxgate sensor for measuring the fluxgate value and an accelerometer sensor for measuring the acceleration value. The integrated structure consisting of the fluxgate sensor, the accelerometer sensor, the inclinometer circuit board, and the memory is disposed within a potting structure. The potting structure is located within the mounting hole. A limiting step is provided within the inclinometer substrate. The potting structure is located between the limiting step and one of the sealing structures.

[0011] Furthermore, a battery is also provided in the mounting hole of the inclinometer base, and a limit block is connected in the mounting hole between the battery and the limiting step. The battery is located between another sealing structure and the limit block.

[0012] The limiting block is provided with a wire passage hole, and the battery is connected to the inclinometer circuit board through a connecting wire provided in the wire passage hole.

[0013] Furthermore, the acceleration sensor includes two sets of accelerometers, one set of which includes an accelerometer for measuring acceleration in the axial direction of the drill bit and an accelerometer for measuring acceleration in a first direction perpendicular to the axial direction; the other set of accelerometers includes an accelerometer for measuring acceleration in the axial direction of the drill bit and an accelerometer for measuring acceleration in a second direction perpendicular to the axial direction, wherein the first direction and the second direction are perpendicular.

[0014] According to another aspect of the present invention, a downhole operation tool is provided, including a drill string having a mud channel extending along its axial direction, and a drilling comprehension instrument as described in any of the above claims, wherein the drilling comprehension instrument is disposed within the mud channel of the drill string, and the measuring base of the drilling comprehension instrument is connected to the inner wall of the drill string through the connecting structure, wherein the connecting structure has a flow hole for mud flow.

[0015] Furthermore, the connection structure is a connecting flange, which includes an inner flange ring and an outer flange ring. The inner flange ring is fitted onto the outer wall of the inclination measuring base, and the outer flange ring is used to connect with the drilling tool. The outer flange ring and the inner flange ring are connected by a plurality of connecting wings, and a flow hole for mud flow is formed between two adjacent connecting wings.

[0016] Furthermore, the axis of the inclinometer base coincides with the axis of the drill bit.

[0017] As can be seen from the above technical solution, the drilling survey instrument and downhole operation tool provided by the present invention have the following beneficial effects:

[0018] The inclination measurement unit of the drilling rig of this invention is set in the mud channel of the drill string, thereby realizing real-time measurement of well inclination angle and azimuth information during drilling, improving measurement accuracy and reducing the number of drilling trips. Attached Figure Description

[0019] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram showing the connection between the inclinometer and the drilling tool according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0020] Figure 2 This is a plan view of the connecting flange according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0021] Figure 3 This is a cross-sectional view of the inclinometer according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0022] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of an accelerometer according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0023] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the azimuth and inclination angles.

[0024] The attached figures are labeled as follows: sealing structure 1, end cap 11, sealing plug 12, drill bit 2, limiting block 3, connecting flange 4, connecting wing 41, flow hole 42, inclinometer base 5, limiting step 51, battery 6, inclinometer unit 7, memory 71, first set of accelerometers 711, second set of accelerometers 712, inclinometer sensor 72, inclinometer circuit board 73, potting structure 8. Detailed Implementation

[0025] To better understand the purpose, structure, and function of this invention, the following detailed description of a drilling survey instrument and downhole operation tool of this invention is provided in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

[0026] like Figure 1 As shown, this invention illustrates a drilling rig based on an embodiment of the present invention, comprising a measuring base 5 installed within the mud channel of a drill string 2. The measuring base 5 has an installation hole extending along its axial direction and penetrating the measuring base 5. Sealing structures 1 are sealed to the installation holes at both ends of the measuring base 5. The sealing structures 1 form a sealed chamber within the measuring base 5. A measuring unit 7 is installed within the sealed chamber, and the measuring unit 7 is used to calculate the well inclination angle and azimuth angle information.

[0027] Specifically, the drill bit 2 is a hollow cylindrical structure, and the hollow space of the drill bit 2 forms a mud channel. During the drilling process of the drill bit 2, the mud channel of the drill bit 2 will be filled with mud. In this embodiment, the inclination measuring base 5 is installed in the mud channel of the drill bit 2, and the inclination measuring unit 7 is set in the inclination measuring base 5. Compared with the existing technology where the inclination measuring instrument is directly installed in the mounting groove on the side wall of the drill bit 2, the present invention improves the measurement accuracy when using the inclination measuring unit 7 in the inclination measuring base 5 for measurement by installing the inclination measuring base in the mud channel of the drill bit. In addition, in order to prevent mud from entering the mounting hole of the inclination measuring base 5 and affecting the inclination measuring unit 7, in this embodiment, a sealing structure 1 is connected to both ends of the inclination measuring base 5. The sealing structure 1 is sealed to the inclination measuring base 5, thereby forming a sealed chamber in the mounting hole of the inclination measuring base 5, and the inclination measuring unit 7 is set in the sealed chamber. In this embodiment, the inclination meter is installed inside the drill string 2, which can measure the well inclination angle and azimuth angle information in real time, eliminating the need to measure the trajectory after drilling. The well inclination angle refers to the angle between the tangent direction of a point on the trajectory and the vertical direction, and the azimuth angle refers to the angle between the projection of the tangent of a point on the trajectory onto the horizontal plane and the due north direction.

[0028] In one specific embodiment, such as Figure 1 , Figure 3 As shown, each of the sealing structures 1 includes a sealing plug 12, which is disposed within the mounting hole and is sealed to the inclinometer base 5. In this embodiment, the sealing structure 1 refers to the sealing plug 12, and the sealing plug 12 is sealed to the inclinometer base 5. The sealing plug 12 enables the sealing of the inclinometer base 5 at both ends of the mounting hole, thereby achieving the purpose of forming a sealed chamber within the mounting hole of the inclinometer base 5.

[0029] In one specific embodiment, such as Figure 1 , Figure 3 As shown, each sealing structure 1 further includes an end cap 11, which is disposed at the end of the corresponding sealing plug 12 away from the sealing chamber. The end cap 11 is sealed to the inclinometer base 5. In this embodiment, the sealing structure 1 also includes an end cap 11, which is also sealed to the inclinometer base 5. This arrangement achieves double sealing of the mounting hole, thereby improving the sealing performance. In addition, the end cap 11 and the sealing plug 12 can also be threaded together. Specifically, a threaded hole is provided on the sealing plug 12, and an external thread structure that mates with the threaded hole is provided on the end cap 11.

[0030] In one specific embodiment, the end of the end cap 11 exposed above the inclinometer base 5 has a streamlined structure, and the end cap 11 near the inclinometer base 5 is provided with a milled flattening. In this embodiment, the streamlined structure of the end cap 11 can effectively reduce mud erosion and lower the pressure drop in the flow channel; in addition, the milled flattening is provided near the inclinometer base 5, which facilitates the installation and removal of the end cap 11.

[0031] In one specific embodiment, a spring washer is provided between the end cap 11 and the corresponding sealing plug 12. In this embodiment, the spring washer serves to dampen vibrations. Alternatively, a flat washer can be provided between the end cap 11 and the sealing plug 12.

[0032] In one specific embodiment, such as Figure 3 As shown, the inclinometer unit 7 includes an inclinometer sensor 72, an inclinometer circuit board 73, and a memory 71. The inclinometer sensor 72 includes a fluxgate sensor for measuring the fluxgate value and an accelerometer sensor for measuring the acceleration value. The integrated structure consisting of the fluxgate sensor, the accelerometer sensor, the inclinometer circuit board 73, and the memory 71 is disposed within a potting structure 8. The potting structure 8 is located within the mounting hole. A limiting step 51 is provided within the inclinometer substrate 5. The potting structure 8 is located between the limiting step 51 and one of the sealing structures 1. Specifically, for example, the potting structure 8 is made of potting rubber.

[0033] In this embodiment, the fluxgate sensor is used to measure fluxgate values. The fluxgate sensor is a triaxial fluxgate sensor, and the accelerometer is used to measure acceleration values. The inclinometer circuit board 73 is used to receive the collected fluxgate and acceleration values, and calculate the well inclination angle and azimuth angle based on the fluxgate and acceleration values. The calculated well inclination angle and azimuth angle are stored in the memory 71. The inclinometer circuit board 73 is also used for data transmission and communication with the host computer. The memory 71 is used to store azimuth angle information and well inclination angle information. Therefore, after the instrument exits the well, the well inclination angle data and azimuth angle data at the corresponding depth can be obtained based on the memory data and timestamp. The setting of the limiting step 51 limits the potting structure 8 between the limiting step 51 and the sealing structure 1, thereby reducing the shaking of the potting structure 8 in the inclinometer substrate 5.

[0034] In one specific embodiment, such as Figure 1 , Figure 3As shown, a battery 6 is also provided in the mounting hole of the inclinometer base 5. A limiting block 3 is connected in the mounting hole between the battery 6 and the limiting step 51. The battery 6 is located between another sealing structure 1 and the limiting block 3. The limiting block 3 is provided with a wire hole. The battery 6 is connected to the inclinometer circuit board 73 through a connecting wire provided in the wire hole.

[0035] In this embodiment, the battery 6 is used to power the inclinometer circuit board 73, the limiting block 3 is used to limit the battery 6, and the wire hole on the limiting block 3 is used to place the connecting wire, which connects the battery 6 and the inclinometer circuit board 73.

[0036] In one specific embodiment, such as Figure 4 As shown, the acceleration sensor includes two sets of accelerometers. One set of accelerometers includes an accelerometer that measures the acceleration in the axial direction of the drill bit 2 and an accelerometer that measures the acceleration in a first direction perpendicular to the axial direction. The other set of accelerometers includes an accelerometer that measures the acceleration in the axial direction of the drill bit 2 and an accelerometer that measures the acceleration in a second direction perpendicular to the axial direction. The first direction and the second direction are perpendicular.

[0037] In this embodiment, the acceleration sensor includes two sets of accelerometers, and the positional relationship between the two sets of accelerometers and the drill collar is as follows: Figure 4 As shown, the first set of accelerometers 711 includes those positioned along the axial direction of the drill string. Figure 4 An accelerometer (in the Z-axis direction) used to measure the acceleration along the axis of the drill collar (the measurement result of this accelerometer is g). z ), and an accelerometer for measuring the acceleration along the X-axis perpendicular to the axis of the drill collar (the accelerometer's measurement result is g). x The second set of accelerometers 712 includes those positioned along the axis of the drill string. Figure 4 The Z-axis direction is used to measure the axial direction of the drill collar. Figure 2 An accelerometer measuring the acceleration in the Z-axis direction (the accelerometer's measurement result is g). z ), and an accelerometer for measuring the acceleration along the Y-axis perpendicular to the axis of the drill collar (the accelerometer's measurement result is g). y The X-axis and Y-axis are perpendicular, with the X-axis being the first direction mentioned above and the Y-axis being the second direction mentioned above. The Z-axis uses two accelerometers for redundancy, improving the reliability of the accelerometer's operation.

[0038] The process of measuring and calculating the azimuth and inclination angle by the inclination unit 7 in the present invention, according to the above embodiments of the present invention, is described below:

[0039] The accelerometer collects the measured value of acceleration g. x g y and g z The fluxgate sensor collects the fluxgate measurement value H. X H y and H z Azimuth and well inclination angle, such as Figure 5 As shown: where the well inclination angle is represented by α and the azimuth angle by β, then based on the acceleration measurements, we can obtain:

[0040]

[0041] Additionally, the high-side tool face angle, denoted as θ, can be obtained from the acceleration measurement. g ,but

[0042]

[0043] Based on the calculated well inclination angle and high-side tool face angle, the acquired fluxgate measurement values ​​are decomposed into V2 and V1 directions. Then, the magnetic azimuth angle can be obtained using the arctangent function. Specifically:

[0044] H vl =H z sinα+(H x sinθ g +H y cosθ g cosg

[0045] H v2 =H x cosθ g -H y sinθ g

[0046]

[0047] The logging-while-drilling tool of this invention can be used to obtain well inclination angle and azimuth information, avoiding secondary drilling, and the centered setting of the logging tool improves the measurement accuracy.

[0048] Secondly, embodiments of the present invention also provide a downhole working tool, specifically, such as Figure 1As shown, the downhole tool includes a drill string 2, which has a mud channel extending along its axis. It also includes a logging-while-drilling (LWD) instrument as described in any of the above embodiments. The LWD instrument is disposed within the mud channel of the drill string 2, and the LWD instrument's measuring base 5 is connected to the inner wall of the drill string 2 via the connecting structure. The connecting structure has flow holes for mud flow. In this embodiment, the drill string 2 is used for downhole drilling. A mud channel extending along its axis is located in the middle of the drill string 2. The mud channel is used to supply mud flow during drilling. In this embodiment, the LWD instrument and the drill string 2 are connected by a connecting structure, and the connecting structure has flow holes for mud flow. The flow holes prevent the connecting structure from affecting mud flow and causing excessive pressure on the connecting structure, allowing the mud to flow within the mud channel of the drill string 2.

[0049] In one specific embodiment, the connection structure includes a connecting flange 4, and the inclinometer base 5 is connected to the drill string 2 via the connecting flange 4; as Figure 2 As shown, the connecting flange 4 includes an inner flange ring and an outer flange ring. The inner flange ring is fitted onto the outer wall of the inclination measuring base 5, and the outer flange ring is used to connect with the drill bit 2. The outer flange ring and the inner flange ring are connected by a plurality of connecting wings 41, and a flow hole 42 for mud flow is formed between two adjacent connecting wings 41.

[0050] In this embodiment, the connecting flange 4 allows the mud in the mud channel to flow smoothly from one side of the connecting flange 4 to the other side without affecting the mud flow rate and pressure. Specifically, the connecting flange 4 can have two or more connecting wings 41, for example, three, with the three connecting wings 41 evenly distributed on the circumference of the inner ring of the flange. Furthermore, the inner and outer rings of the connecting flange 4 can be coaxially arranged as needed. Finally, the outer ring of the flange and the drill bit 2 can be connected using fine-pitch threads. Additionally... Figure 1 The inclination base 5 and the drill bit 2 are connected by a single connecting flange 4. To improve the stability of the inclination base 5, two connecting flanges 4 can be used to connect the two ends of the inclination base 5 to the drill bit 2 respectively. Both connecting flanges 4 need to have flow holes 42.

[0051] In one specific embodiment, the axis of the measuring base 5 coincides with the axis of the drill string 2. In this embodiment, the measuring base 5 is centrally located and installed at the center of the drill string 2, offering the advantage of easy disassembly. Furthermore, during the drilling process of the drill string 2, the axis of the measuring base 5 always coincides with the axis of the drill string 2; that is, the measuring base 5 can be considered to always be located at the center of the wellbore. Therefore, the measuring unit 7 installed within the measuring base 5 can obtain relatively accurate azimuth and inclination angle information, resulting in accurate trajectory measurement.

[0052] It should be noted that, unless otherwise stated, the technical or scientific terms used in this application should have the ordinary meaning as understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention pertains.

[0053] Furthermore, the terms "a," "two," etc., are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. In the description of this invention, "a plurality of" means two or more, unless otherwise explicitly defined.

[0054] In this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," "linking," and "fixing," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention according to the specific circumstances.

[0055] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of the present invention, and not to limit them. Although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications can still be made to the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments, or equivalent substitutions can be made to some or all of the technical features therein. These modifications or substitutions do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention, and they should all be covered within the scope of the claims and specification of the present invention. In particular, as long as there is no structural conflict, the various technical features mentioned in the embodiments can be combined in any way. The present invention is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed herein, but includes all technical solutions falling within the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A drilling surveying instrument, characterized in that, The system includes a surveying base installed in the mud channel of the drilling tool. The surveying base has an installation hole extending along its axis and penetrating the surveying base. Both ends of the installation hole of the surveying base are sealed with a sealing structure. The sealing structure is used to form a sealed chamber inside the surveying base. A surveying unit is installed in the sealed chamber. The surveying unit is used to calculate the well inclination angle information and azimuth angle information. The inclinometer unit includes an inclinometer sensor, an inclinometer circuit board, and a memory. The inclinometer sensor includes a fluxgate sensor for measuring the fluxgate value and an accelerometer sensor for measuring the acceleration value. The integrated structure consisting of the fluxgate sensor, the accelerometer sensor, the inclinometer circuit board, and the memory is disposed within a potting structure. The potting structure is located within the mounting hole. A limiting step is provided within the inclinometer substrate. The potting structure is located between the limiting step and one of the sealing structures.

2. The drilling surveying instrument according to claim 1, characterized in that, Each of the sealing structures includes a sealing plug disposed within the mounting hole and sealed to the inclinometer substrate.

3. The drilling surveying instrument according to claim 2, characterized in that, Each of the sealing structures further includes an end cap disposed at the end of the corresponding sealing plug away from the sealing chamber, and the end cap is sealed to the inclinometer substrate.

4. The drilling surveying instrument according to claim 3, characterized in that, The end of the end cap that protrudes from the inclinometer substrate has a streamlined structure, and the end cap is milled flat near the inclinometer substrate.

5. The surveying instrument while drilling according to claim 3, characterized in that, A spring washer is provided between the end cap and the corresponding sealing plug.

6. The drilling surveying instrument according to claim 1, characterized in that, A battery is also provided in the mounting hole of the inclinometer base, and a limit block is connected in the mounting hole between the battery and the limiting step. The battery is located between another sealing structure and the limit block. The limiting block is provided with a wire passage hole, and the battery is connected to the inclinometer circuit board through a connecting wire provided in the wire passage hole.

7. The drilling surveying instrument according to claim 1, characterized in that, The acceleration sensor includes two sets of accelerometers. One set of accelerometers includes an accelerometer that measures the acceleration in the axial direction of the drill bit and an accelerometer that measures the acceleration in a first direction perpendicular to the axial direction. The other set of accelerometers includes an accelerometer that measures the acceleration in the axial direction of the drill bit and an accelerometer that measures the acceleration in a second direction perpendicular to the axial direction. The first direction and the second direction are perpendicular.

8. A downhole working tool, comprising a drill string, wherein the drill string has a mud channel extending along its axial direction, characterized in that, It also includes the drilling directional measuring instrument according to any one of claims 1-7, wherein the drilling directional measuring instrument is disposed in the mud channel of the drill string, and the measuring base of the drilling directional measuring instrument is connected to the inner wall of the drill string through a connecting structure, wherein the connecting structure is provided with a flow hole for mud flow.

9. The downhole working tool according to claim 8, characterized in that, The axis of the inclinometer base coincides with the axis of the drill bit.

10. The downhole working tool according to claim 8, characterized in that, The connection structure is a connecting flange, which includes an inner flange ring connected to the inclination measurement base and an outer flange ring connected to the drill bit. The outer flange ring and the inner flange ring are connected by a plurality of connecting wings, and the flow hole is formed between two adjacent connecting wings.

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