Auger Drilling Trajectory Correction for Vertical Well Accuracy

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing drilling systems using continuous augers often experience significant deviations from the theoretical drilling trajectory, especially in the construction of foundation piles, which can exceed tolerance limits of 0.5% deviation.

Innovation Solution

A drilling system with a pilot device that corrects deviations by rotating relative to the ground in a predetermined angular position opposite to the direction of deviation, using a control device to activate the pilot device when deviations exceed a threshold, ensuring the drilling trajectory aligns with the theoretical path.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If a continuous auger is used to drill wells, then drilling efficiency is improved, but drilling trajectory accuracy deteriorates with deviations reaching up to 5%

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedrilling efficiencyVSAvoiddrilling trajectory accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

A pilot device is introduced as an intermediary element between the auger and the ground. This pilot device has an inclined face that interacts with the soil to guide the auger's trajectory, acting as a mediator that translates the auger's rotational motion into controlled directional movement while maintaining drilling efficiency

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system incorporates a deviation measurement device that continuously monitors the actual drilling trajectory and compares it with the theoretical vertical path. When deviation is detected, the control device adjusts the pilot device's angular position to correct the trajectory, creating a closed-loop feedback system that maintains precision while preserving productivity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Manufacturing precision

If the pilot device is activated to correct trajectory deviations, then drilling trajectory accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedrilling trajectory accuracyVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The pilot device is designed with dynamic characteristics, allowing it to rotate relative to the auger around its longitudinal axis. This rotational freedom enables the pilot device to adapt its orientation based on real-time deviation conditions, providing a simple yet effective correction mechanism without requiring complex actuation systems

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The drilling system is segmented into functionally independent components: the auger for drilling, the pilot device for trajectory control, the deviation measurement device for detection, and the control device for coordination. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently while maintaining overall system manageability despite the increased number of elements

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP3645823B1Vertical drilling system of the auger type provided with a trajectory correction device
Publication Date: 2025.12.10 SOLETANCHE FREYSSINET SAS
  • EP3645823B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3645823B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP3645823B1 patent drawingFigure 4A~4C

AI summary

The invention relates to a system (10) for drilling a vertical well in the ground (S) along a substantially vertical theoretical drilling trajectory, comprising a drilling device (30) comprising a hollow core (32) having a longitudinal axis, the hollow core being provided with a drilling tool; a rotary guidance device (40) having an active state, in which the guidance device is oriented and held relative to the ground (S) in an angular correction position, and a passive state, in which the guidance device does not modify the movement trajectory of the drilling device; a device (80) for measuring deviation in the hollow core; a control device configured to pivot the guidance device when a deviation is measured, so as to bring it, in its active state, to an angular correction position determined so that, when considered in the horizontal plane, the trajectory correction direction associated with the angular correction position is opposite the deviation direction.