Autonomous Downhole Tracking Receiver for Obstructed Drilling
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional horizontal directional drilling methods rely on walk-over tracking techniques, which are limited by obstructions and require operators to be directly above the drill bit, making it difficult to accurately locate and monitor the drill bit position, especially in scenarios where walking is not feasible.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a dipole magnetic field transmitter at the drill bit and a self-propelled autonomous receiver with a propulsion system and tri-axial antenna assembly, allowing the receiver to detect the magnetic field from above ground and move to a null point to determine the drill bit's position and depth without requiring direct alignment with the transmitter.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If walk-over tracking techniques are used, then the operator can manually locate the drill bit, but the operator must be directly above the drill bit and walking is blocked by obstructions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical walk-over tracking method with an electromagnetic field-based automated tracking system. A transmitter embedded in the drill bit generates electromagnetic fields that are detected by receivers on the surface, eliminating the need for operators to physically walk along the borepath and enabling automatic location even when terrain is obstructed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces electromagnetic fields as an intermediary between the drill bit and the surface receivers. The transmitter in the drill bit emits electromagnetic signals that propagate through the ground to receivers positioned above the surface, allowing indirect detection and location of the drill bit without direct physical access or line-of-sight requirements.
2Measurement precision
If the operator walks along the borepath to track the drill bit, then location can be determined, but time is lost and productivity is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables continuous automated tracking of the drill bit throughout the drilling operation. The electromagnetic field transmitter operates continuously as the drill bit advances, and receivers continuously detect and process signals to determine real-time position, eliminating interruptions for manual walking and measurement while maintaining continuous location data acquisition.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-tracking without requiring operator intervention. The automated receiver system continuously monitors electromagnetic field signals, processes the data to determine drill bit position, and provides location information automatically, freeing the operator from manual tracking tasks and improving overall productivity.
3Device complexity
If traditional tracking methods are used, then simple equipment is sufficient, but three-dimensional location and monitoring from above ground is not achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs multi-functional receiver units that can detect electromagnetic field signals, determine three-dimensional position, calculate depth, and provide location data from above ground. These receivers perform multiple functions including signal reception, spatial analysis, depth calculation, and real-time monitoring, achieving comprehensive three-dimensional tracking capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from traditional two-dimensional surface tracking to three-dimensional location capability by adding vertical depth measurement. The system calculates depth based on the strength and characteristics of electromagnetic field signals received from the transmitter, enabling precise three-dimensional positioning of the drill bit in both horizontal and vertical dimensions.
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
Enables accurate three-dimensional location and monitoring of the drill bit from above ground, allowing for precise placement and tracking of the drill bit without the need for the operator to be on the borepath, even in obstructed areas, improving the efficiency and accuracy of horizontal directional drilling operations.
Implementation Method 1
The dipole magnetic field transmitter is supported by the downhole tool. A dipole magnetic field is emitted from the downhole tool at an underground location.
Implementation Method 2
The antenna assembly detects the magnetic field and generates an antenna signal.
Data Source
AI summary
A system for tracking a below-ground transmitter from an aerial receiver. The receiver has an antenna assembly, a processor, and a propulsion system. The antenna assembly detects the magnetic field from an underground transmitter and generates an antenna signal. The processor is programmed to receive the antenna signal and generate a command signal, which moves the receiver to a position above the transmitter. Once in the desired position, which may be a reference plane at a fixed elevation, the antenna assembly measures the magnetic field to determine the location of the drill bit along borepath.