Automatic Drilling Apparatus for Horizontal Well Perforation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional well perforation methods are inefficient for horizontal wells due to gravity limitations, and existing packers lack autonomous functionality for precise sealing and perforation in complex well geometries.
Innovation Solution
An automatic drilling apparatus with a tool body, motive device, drill bit, setting tool, sensors, and computer that can autonomously detect obstructions, clear them, and perform precise perforation and sealing in wells, including horizontal sections, by actuating the drill bit and setting tool based on sensor data.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If traditional gravity-based perforation devices are used in horizontal wells, then the device can be lowered into position, but the device cannot reach the desired location due to friction overcoming gravitational force
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses sensors to automatically detect obstructions and drill bits to clear them, enabling the device to service itself without external intervention during the perforation process, thereby overcoming the limitation of manual positioning in horizontal wells
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical gravity-based positioning with an automated system using sensors, computer control, and drill bits that can actively clear obstructions and reach desired locations regardless of gravitational limitations
2Manufacturing precision
If manual perforation methods are used, then the process can be performed with simple equipment, but the precision and efficiency are insufficient for complex well geometries
Solution Approach 1:
The automatic drilling apparatus integrates multiple functions including sensing, drilling, sealing, and perforation into a single device, enabling it to perform various operations with high precision across different well geometries without requiring multiple separate tools
Solution Approach 2:
The computer-controlled system automatically detects obstructions, actuates drill bits to clear them, and positions sealing elements without manual intervention, achieving high precision through autonomous operation
3Extent of automation
If packers are used for sealing, then section isolation is achieved, but the packers lack autonomous functionality for precise sealing and perforation
Solution Approach 1:
The packer system incorporates sensors and computer control to automatically detect conditions, position sealing elements, and coordinate with drill bits for obstruction clearing, enabling autonomous operation that enhances both automation extent and sealing reliability through precise control
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor-computer system provides real-time feedback on well conditions, obstruction detection, and sealing element positioning, allowing the system to automatically adjust and optimize the sealing and perforation process for reliable operation
Data Source
AI summary
An automatic drilling apparatus having a tool body, a motive device connected to the tool body, and a drill bit connected to the tool body. The apparatus also includes a setting tool connected to the body, at least one sensor disposed on the tool body, and a computer disposed in the tool body, wherein the computer is configured to actuate the motive device, the drill bit, the setting tool, and the at least one sensor.