Multi-Axis Accelerometer Borehole Deployment Positioning

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional borehole seismic techniques face challenges in accurately determining the orientation and position of seismic sensors during deployment, which can lead to inaccurate mapping of seismic events and require time-consuming processes to establish known shot locations.

Innovation Solution

The use of multi-axis sensors, such as highly sensitive multi-axis accelerometers, to acquire and process accelerometer data during tool deployment in a borehole, allowing for real-time determination of tool position and well profile by double integrating the data over time.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional borehole seismic techniques are used to determine sensor orientation and position, then the process is well-established, but it is time-consuming and requires establishing known shot locations in advance

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccuracy of sensor orientation and position determinationVSAvoidtime required for orientation determination and shot location establishment

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces conventional mechanical surveying methods with accelerometer-based inertial measurement. Multi-axis accelerometers mounted on the sensor array record acceleration waveforms during deployment, and double integration of this data provides real-time position and orientation information without requiring surface shot locations or post-deployment processing

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The accelerometer data acquisition occurs during the deployment process itself, capturing position and orientation information as the sensors are lowered into the borehole. This eliminates the need for separate orientation determination steps and known shot location establishment, as the measurements are taken while the tool is being deployed

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Productivity

If multi-axis accelerometers are used to acquire acceleration waveforms during deployment, then real-time position and orientation data can be obtained, but the system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvespeed of orientation and position determinationVSAvoidcomplexity of accelerometer array and data processing system

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The accelerometer array serves multiple functions: it provides orientation determination, position tracking, and well profile characterization during deployment. This multi-functionality justifies the added system complexity by eliminating the need for separate survey equipment and processes

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The deployment system itself becomes the measurement platform. The accelerometers are mounted on the deployment tool and automatically record data during the deployment process, eliminating the need for separate measurement equipment and manual orientation determination procedures

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Measurement precision

If accelerometer data is double-integrated over time to determine position, then accurate well profile information is obtained, but integration errors may accumulate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccuracy of well profile and position measurementsVSAvoidaccumulation of integration errors over time

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses the recorded acceleration waveforms and their integration results to provide feedback on tool position and orientation during deployment. This allows for real-time monitoring and correction of integration drift by comparing against expected deployment trajectories and well log data

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

This approach enables efficient and reliable acquisition and processing of borehole measurements, reducing the time required for sensor orientation determination and providing accurate well profile information during deployment, thereby enhancing the effectiveness of borehole seismic surveys.

Implementation Method 1

at least one multi-axis receiver configured to detect acceleration waveform signals while the sensor section is being deployed in the borehole

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectInertial measurement: Accelerometer

Data Source

PatentUS8857254B2Methods and systems for acquiring acceleration waveforms in a borehole

Publication Date: 2014.10.14 SCHLUMBERGER TECH CORP

AI summary

Methods and apparatus for acquiring acceleration waveform measurements while deploying a tool along a borehole. A conveyance and a sensor section are configured to deploy the sensor section in the borehole. At least one multi-axis receiver is configured to detect acceleration waveform signals while the sensor section is being deployed in the borehole.