A logging while drilling and measurement integrated drill tool combination

Abstract

This invention discloses an integrated logging-while-drilling (LOD) and measurement drill string assembly, relating to the field of oil and gas drilling engineering technology. It provides a series connection scheme for core protective drill string components, offering two switchable configurations: one with a mud motor and one without. Both configurations consist of an azimuth density neutron logging sub, a bidirectional communication power supply sub, an acoustic logging sub, a resistivity logging sub, an upper connecting sub, a flexible sub, a lower connecting sub, an azimuth gamma logging sub, and a steering actuator connected in series according to a fixed logic. The configuration with a mud motor only requires adding a mud motor at a designated location to complete the structural switch, without changing the series connection of the remaining subs. This assembly scheme is applicable to various drilling scenarios such as offshore exploration and development, deepwater drilling, complex directional wells, highly deviated wells, and horizontal wells. It enables integrated operations of geological steering, formation evaluation, and wellbore stability analysis during drilling, effectively improving drilling efficiency and reducing operational risks.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of oil and gas drilling engineering technology, and in particular to an integrated drilling tool assembly for logging while drilling and measurement. Background Technology

[0002] Logging while drilling (LOW) and measurement while drilling (MSD) are core technologies in the oil and gas drilling process. They enable real-time acquisition of formation parameters, wellbore trajectory, and downhole environment data during drilling, providing crucial information for geological steering, formation evaluation, and drilling safety control. With the continuous development of offshore drilling, deepwater drilling, and complex directional drilling operations, higher demands are placed on the integrated combination of LWD and measurement tools. This requires the rational cascading combination of density, neutron, acoustic, and resistivity logging sections, communication and power supply sections, connecting sections, and steering units, while also enabling flexible switching of configurations to adapt to different drilling power requirements.

[0003] Current logging-while-drilling (LWD) tools suffer from several shortcomings in their combination schemes: First, the connection of functional subsections lacks a unified logic, resulting in poor compatibility between logging, communication, connection, and guidance units. This leads to low efficiency in power and signal transmission between subsections, hindering optimal collaborative operation. Second, the tool configuration is limited; requiring a redesign of the overall connection structure for operations with and without mud motors, necessitates complex configuration switching and lacks a simple and efficient combination switching solution. Third, there is no fixed compatibility between communication / power supply subsections and resistivity logging subsections. The lack of coordination between data transmission and formation detection, coupled with the unreasonable layout design of near-bit measurements and the poor integration with other short sections, resulted in significant measurement lag. Furthermore, the poor compatibility between the design of the connecting short sections and the combination with other functional short sections prevented the simultaneous realization of integrated mechanical connections, power transmission, and wireless / wired signal communication, necessitating additional adapters and increasing the complexity of the drill string assembly. Finally, the low degree of modularity in the design of each short section led to difficulties in disassembly, assembly, and maintenance, resulting in high costs and low efficiency in adjusting the drill string assembly for different drilling scenarios.

[0004] To address the technical issues of the aforementioned drill string assembly schemes, there is an urgent need for an integrated, highly adaptable, and easily switchable drill string assembly that combines logging while drilling and measurement. This assembly should clearly define the serial connection logic of each functional sub, design a simple configuration and switching scheme, achieve compatible combinations of communication power supply and resistivity logging, and efficiently connect the connecting sub with other subs. Furthermore, by incorporating a near-bit layout design, the overall operational efficiency and measurement accuracy of the drill string assembly can be improved. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The purpose of this invention is to solve the technical problems existing in the combination scheme of logging-while-drilling drill tools, such as chaotic short section serial connection logic, cumbersome configuration switching, poor short section adaptability, low connection and transmission efficiency, and measurement lag. It provides a drill tool combination that integrates logging-while-drilling and measurement, a combination serial connection scheme for core protection drill tools, and a collaborative working mode of each short section, so as to realize rapid switching between two configuration forms and improve the overall adaptability and operation efficiency of the drill tool combination.

[0006] To achieve the above-mentioned objectives, this invention provides an integrated logging-while-drilling and measurement tool assembly. The core of this assembly is a series connection design of functional subsections, offering two switchable configurations: one with and one without a mud motor. Each subsection employs a modular packaging design, connected in series according to a fixed logic, and allows for rapid disassembly, assembly, and configuration switching. The specific technical solution is as follows: The drill string assembly without a mud motor configuration includes, from top to bottom, an azimuth density neutron logging sub, a two-way communication power supply sub, an acoustic logging sub, a resistivity logging sub, an upper connecting sub, a flexible sub, a lower connecting sub, an azimuth gamma logging sub, and a directional actuator unit. The upper connecting sub is equipped with a protocol conversion board. The drill string assembly with mud motor configuration adds a mud motor between the upper connecting section and the flexible section, which is not equipped with a mud motor. The connection sequence of the other sections remains unchanged. When connecting the mud motor, an adapter can be added according to the type of drill string to achieve a compatible connection.

[0007] Furthermore, the upper connecting section consists of a housing, an antenna, and a female extension connector, while the lower connecting section consists of a housing, an antenna, and a male extension connector. The female and male extension connectors enable mechanical connection, power transmission, and signal communication between the tools. When the female and male extension connectors are docked, electrical and signal connections are automatically completed. The flexible short section is a bendable rigid transition short section with reserved signal and power conduction core wires inside, directly connecting the female extension joint and the male extension joint to maintain wired power and signal transmission. Drill tool assemblies without mud motor configurations are always in wired transmission mode; drill tool assemblies with mud motor configurations are always in wireless transmission mode. In wireless transmission mode, the female and male extension joints are replaced by sealed plugs, and wireless data transmission is achieved through an antenna inside the housing.

[0008] Furthermore, the bidirectional communication power supply sub is divided into two types: high-frequency pulse type and low-frequency pulse type. The resistivity logging sub is divided into two types: deep azimuth resistivity logging sub and conventional resistivity logging sub. The two form a one-to-one matching combination relationship, that is, the high-frequency pulse type is matched with the deep azimuth resistivity logging sub, and the low-frequency pulse type is matched with the conventional resistivity logging sub, so as to realize the coordinated optimization of data transmission and formation detection.

[0009] Furthermore, the resistivity logging sub adopts a short-sub design, forming a compact layout near the drill bit with the drill bit or directional actuator. It can be placed close to the drill bit or integrated above the directional actuator to achieve a close-range layout of the measurement point and the drill bit, minimizing measurement lag. This sub is seamlessly connected with the upstream sonic logging sub and the downstream upper connecting sub to ensure continuous transmission of logging data.

[0010] Furthermore, all functional subsections are modularly packaged, with detachable mechanical connections between them. The configuration switching of the drill string assembly can be completed simply by adding or removing the mud motor, without adjusting the serial connection order of the remaining subsections.

[0011] The integrated logging-while-drilling and measurement drill string assembly of the present invention, with its core protection scheme for the combined connection of each short section, has the following advantages compared to the prior art: (1) Unified serial connection logic, high adaptability of short sections: The fixed serial connection order of each short section is clearly defined, and the short sections are seamlessly connected, realizing the coordinated work of power transmission, signal communication, mechanical connection and logging data acquisition, and solving the problem of poor matching of traditional drill string short section combinations; (2) The configuration switching scheme is extremely simple and the operation efficiency is high: the two configuration forms can be switched by simply adding or removing the mud motor. There is no need to redesign the series structure, which can adapt to the power requirements of different drilling operations and greatly reduce the adjustment cost and time of the drill string assembly. (3) Dedicated short section adaptation combination, transmission and detection coordinated optimization: A one-to-one adaptation combination of bidirectional communication power supply short section and resistivity logging short section was designed to match the data transmission rate with the formation detection requirements, thereby improving the transmission and detection accuracy of logging data. (4) High-efficiency connecting short section combination with integrated transmission function: The upper and lower connecting short sections integrate mechanical connection, power transmission and wireless and wired signal communication. The extension joint can be replaced by a plug to adapt to different drilling transmission needs. No additional adapters are required, which simplifies the structure of the drill string assembly. (5) The combination and connection of the near-bit layout eliminates measurement lag: the resistivity logging sub forms a compact layout near the bit with the drill bit and the directional actuator, and is seamlessly connected with the upstream and downstream subs to achieve height synchronization between the measurement point and the drill bit, minimize measurement lag, and improve the accuracy of geological guidance; (6) Modular combination design with strong expandability: All sections are modularly packaged and detachable. The bidirectional communication and power supply section supports multi-user connection and can flexibly expand the function of the drill string combination according to the drilling scenario requirements to adapt to different drilling operation requirements. (7) Adaptable to harsh working conditions and high operational stability: Each functional section adopts a high temperature and high pressure resistant and vibration resistant encapsulation design, and has a built-in compensation algorithm to eliminate the interference of the drilling environment. The drill string assembly is adapted to high temperature and high pressure and strong vibration drilling conditions, ensuring measurement stability and operational safety. (8) Multi-scenario combination and wide application range: The serial connection scheme of this drilling tool combination is suitable for various drilling scenarios such as offshore exploration and development, deep water drilling, conventional oil and gas reservoir development, and complex directional target wells. It can realize integrated operations such as real-time geological guidance, wellbore stability analysis, and formation evaluation to maximize oil and gas recovery rate. Attached Figure Description

[0012] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the drill string assembly structure without a mud motor according to the present invention; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the drill string assembly structure with mud motor configuration according to the present invention; Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the upper and lower connecting short sections of the present invention using wired connection with extension joints; Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the upper and lower connecting short sections of the present invention, which uses plugs to seal and transmit wirelessly. In the diagram: 1-Azimuth density neutron logging sub, 2-Two-way communication power supply sub, 3-Sonic logging sub, 4-Resistivity logging sub, 5-Upper connection sub, 6-Protocol conversion board, 7-Flexible sub, 8-Lower connection sub, 9-Azimuth gamma logging sub, 10-Guided actuator, 11-Mud motor, 12-Female extension joint, 13-Male extension joint, 14-Plug, 15-Antenna. Detailed Implementation

[0013] It should be noted that the accompanying drawings are merely illustrative and do not unduly limit the scope of protection of this invention. The drilling tool assembly tandem connection scheme of this invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments. The core of this integrated logging-while-drilling and measurement drilling tool assembly is the tandem connection design of various functional subsections, with two switchable configurations: one without a mud motor and one with a mud motor. Each subsection component is modularly designed, allowing for rapid disassembly, assembly, and configuration switching according to drilling scenario requirements. The specific implementation scheme is as follows.

[0014] Example 1: Drill string assembly implementation scheme without mud motor configuration like Figure 1As shown, this embodiment is applicable to drilling operations that do not require a mud motor for power. The drill string assembly adopts a core serial connection scheme, and the serial connection sequence from top to bottom is as follows: azimuth density neutron logging sub 1, bidirectional communication power supply sub 2, sonic logging sub 3, resistivity logging sub 4, upper connecting sub 5, flexible sub 7, lower connecting sub 8, azimuth gamma logging sub 9, and directional execution unit 10. The upper connecting sub 5 is equipped with a protocol conversion board 6, and the flexible sub 7 enables a flexible transition without damaging the internal wired connection. The drill string assembly without a mud motor configuration is always in wired transmission mode.

[0015] As the upstream logging sub 1 of the drill string assembly, the azimuth density neutron logging sub 1 completes the acquisition of basic parameters such as formation density, neutron porosity, and photoelectric index. The data acquired by the azimuth density neutron logging sub 1 is transmitted to the downstream bidirectional communication power supply sub 2 via a wired connection. The bidirectional communication power supply sub 2 adopts a high temperature and high pressure resistant and vibration resistant packaging design to adapt to harsh drilling conditions.

[0016] The bidirectional communication power supply sub 2 is selected from high-frequency pulse type or low-frequency pulse type, and forms an adaptive combination with resistivity logging sub 4. After receiving upstream logging data, it transmits the data to the surface through the mud signal remote transmission system. At the same time, it supplies power to each sub downhole and monitors the pressure and temperature of the wellbore and annulus in real time. Its matching single-core communication connection ring can realize multi-user connection and expand the combination function.

[0017] The acoustic logging sub-section 3 receives electrical energy and control signals from the two-way communication power supply sub-section 2, completes the detection of formation longitudinal and transverse wave propagation times, and realizes pore pressure prediction and rock mechanical parameter analysis.

[0018] The resistivity logging sub 4 is a deep azimuth resistivity logging sub or a conventional resistivity logging sub that is compatible with the bidirectional communication power supply sub 2. It adopts a compact layout design close to the drill bit and is located adjacent to the drill bit or integrated above the guide actuator unit 10. It completes multi-sector detection and high-resolution imaging of formation resistivity, minimizes measurement lag, and transmits the detection data to the downstream upper connection sub 5.

[0019] The upper connecting section 5 serves as the core connecting section, and is tightly connected to the resistivity logging section 4 to achieve mechanical connection and wired power and signal transmission. Together with the protocol conversion board 6, it completes the protocol conversion of logging data, and the antenna can realize wireless data transmission to ensure the continuity of data transmission.

[0020] The flexible sub 7 acts as a buffer and angle adjuster in the assembly, adapting to changes in wellbore curvature during drilling, ensuring the overall transmission stability of the drill string assembly, and simultaneously achieving flexible connection and signal transmission between the upper connecting sub 5 and the lower connecting sub 8.

[0021] The lower connecting section 8 is fastened to the flexible section 7, and wired data transmission with the upper connecting section 5 is achieved through the extension joint and the flexible section 7.

[0022] The azimuth gamma logging sub 9 completes high-precision detection and imaging of formation azimuth gamma, and combined with the tool face attitude sensor, it realizes lithology differentiation of multiple sectors. The detection data is transmitted to the guidance execution unit 10.

[0023] The directional execution unit 10, as the downstream directional unit of the drill string assembly, receives all logging data and azimuth information to achieve real-time geological guidance, accurately control the wellbore trajectory, and meet the needs of directional drilling operations.

[0024] like Figure 3 As shown, in this embodiment, the upper connecting short section 5 and the lower connecting short section 8 are connected by a flexible short section 7, which connects the female extension joint 12 of the upper connecting short section 5 and the male extension joint 13 of the lower connecting short section 8, thus maintaining the wired power and signal transmission. This allows the drill string assembly without a mud motor configuration to operate in a wired transmission mode without the use of a sealing plug 14. The remaining short sections work in sequence to achieve integrated logging and guidance operations.

[0025] Example 2: Implementation plan for a drill string assembly with a mud motor configuration This embodiment is applicable to drilling operations that require a mud motor to provide rotational power, such as... Figure 2 As shown, based on the core series connection combination scheme of Embodiment 1, a mud motor 11 is connected in series between the upper connecting section 5 and the flexible section 7, while the series connection sequence and cooperative working mode of the remaining sections remain unchanged.

[0026] The mud motor 11 is a downhole screw drill bit, connected in series between the upper connecting section 5 and the flexible section 7 via a detachable mechanical connection. It provides rotational power to the drill bit assembly, driving it to rotate and drill. If the mud motor 11 is incompatible with the drill bit types of the upper connecting section 5 and the flexible section 7, an adapter can be added at the connection point to achieve compatibility with drill bits of different sizes or types. The adapter does not affect the power and signal transmission between the sections. When the mud motor 11 is connected in series, if... Figure 4 As shown, the female extension joint 12 and male extension joint 13 connecting the upper connecting section 5 and the lower connecting section 8 are replaced by plugs 14. Wireless data transmission is achieved through the antenna 15 connecting the upper connecting section 5 and the lower connecting section 8, ensuring the continuous transmission of logging data.

[0027] The mud motor 11 works in conjunction with the other short sections of the drill string assembly, providing rotational power without interfering with the data acquisition and transmission of each logging section. The directional execution unit 10 can adjust the wellbore trajectory in real time according to the logging data, achieving synergy between power drilling and precise guidance.

[0028] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of the present invention and is not intended to limit the present invention. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of the present invention should be included within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A drilling tool assembly integrating logging-while-drilling and measurement, characterized in that: The drill string assembly includes two switchable configurations: one without a mud motor (11) and one with a mud motor (11), both of which are based on a series connection. The series connection includes, from top to bottom, an azimuth density neutron logging sub (1), a bidirectional communication power supply sub (2), an acoustic logging sub (3), and a resistivity logging sub (4). The lower end of the resistivity logging sub is connected to an upper connecting sub (5). The upper connecting sub (5) has a protocol conversion board (6) inside. The upper connecting sub (5) includes an upper connecting sub housing, an antenna (15), and a female extension joint (12).

2. The integrated logging-while-drilling and measurement drill string assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that: In the drill string assembly without a mud motor configuration, the downstream of the upper connecting section (5) is directly connected to a flexible section (7), and the downstream of the flexible section (7) is connected to a lower connecting section (8). The lower connecting section (8) includes a lower connecting section housing, an antenna (15), and a male extension connector (13). The flexible section (7) is a bendable rigid transition section. The flexible section (7) has reserved signal and power conduction core wires inside. The female extension connector 12 and the male extension connector (13) are connected by wire through the power conduction core wire inside the flexible section (7).

3. The integrated logging-while-drilling and measurement drill string assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that: In the drill string assembly with mud motor configuration, the mud motor (11) is connected in series downstream of the upper connecting short section (5), and then a flexible short section (7) is connected in series downstream of the flexible short section (7); the lower connecting short section (8), the azimuth gamma logging short section (9), and the directional actuator (10) are connected in series downstream of the flexible short section (7); the female extension joint (12) and the male extension joint (13) are used for tool connection and power and signal transmission; when the female extension joint (12) and the male extension joint (13) are docked, the electrical and signal connection is automatically completed.

4. The integrated logging-while-drilling and measurement tool assembly according to claim 3, characterized in that: The flexible short section (7) enables a bendable transition without damaging the internal wired connection. The drill string assembly without a mud motor is always in wired transmission mode. The antenna (15) is installed in the housing of the upper connecting short section (5) and the lower connecting short section (8) to realize wireless data transmission. In the wireless transmission mode, the female extension joint (12) and the male extension joint (13) are replaced by the plug (14). The drill string assembly with a mud motor is in wireless transmission mode, and data transmission is carried out through the antenna (15) in the upper connecting short section (5) and the lower connecting short section (8).

5. The integrated logging-while-drilling and measurement tool assembly according to claim 4, characterized in that: The drill string assembly with mud motor configuration adds a conversion joint between the upper connecting section (5), the mud motor (11), and the flexible section (7) to achieve compatible connection of different types of drill string.

6. The integrated logging-while-drilling and measurement drill string assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that: The bidirectional communication power supply section (2) is divided into two types: high-frequency pulse type and low-frequency pulse type. The resistivity logging section (4) is divided into two types: deep azimuth resistivity logging section and integrated measurement while drilling and logging conventional resistivity logging section. The two types of bidirectional communication power supply sections (2) and the two types of resistivity logging sections (4) form a one-to-one matching combination. The high-frequency pulse type bidirectional communication power supply section is matched with the deep azimuth resistivity logging section, and the low-frequency pulse type bidirectional communication power supply section is matched with the conventional resistivity logging section.

7. The integrated logging-while-drilling and measurement tool assembly according to claim 6, characterized in that: The deep azimuth resistivity logging sub is a compact, fully integrated sub structure with a near-bit compact layout design, enabling near-bit measurement, early identification of far-field conductive boundaries, and real-time visualization of reservoir boundaries. The conventional resistivity logging sub enables real-time directional information acquisition, azimuth gamma logging with imaging capabilities, and high-frequency phase resistivity and low-frequency attenuation resistivity logging.

8. The integrated logging-while-drilling and measurement tool assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that: The azimuth density neutron logging subsection (1), bidirectional communication power supply subsection (2), acoustic logging subsection (3), and resistivity logging subsection (4) all adopt anti-vibration electronics and high temperature and high pressure resistant packaging design, which are suitable for drilling environments with high temperature, high pressure and strong vibration. Each subsection has a built-in compensation algorithm to eliminate environmental interference from drilling fluid and tool vibration.

9. The integrated logging-while-drilling and measurement drill string assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that: The resistivity logging sub (4) adopts a short-section design, which is close to the drill bit or integrated above the guide execution unit (10) to realize the close-range layout of the measurement point and the drill bit and minimize the measurement lag. The resistivity logging sub (4) is arranged with multiple gamma detectors along the circumference, which, together with the existing tool face attitude sensor, realizes multi-sector azimuth detection and high-resolution imaging.

10. The integrated logging-while-drilling and measurement drill string assembly according to any one of claims 1-9, characterized in that: All the short sections in the drill bit assembly are modularly designed and are detachably mechanically connected. The two configurations can be quickly switched by simply adding or removing the mud motor (11) without adjusting the sequence of the remaining short sections.

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