Autonomous Magnetic Survey Correction for Real-Time Drilling Direction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for determining drilling direction in subsurface and sub-seabed drilling operations rely on outdated global magnetic models or costly aeromagnetic surveys, which are impractical for continuous use during drilling.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing autonomous marine vehicles equipped with magnetometers to continuously update and measure real-time magnetic field surveys on-site, combining disturbance and crustal field measurements to adjust drilling direction in real-time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If aeromagnetic survey is conducted to obtain up-to-date magnetic field data, then measurement precision is improved, but cost and operational complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical/aeromagnetic survey system with an autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV) equipped with magnetometers. The AUV autonomously navigates and collects magnetic field data, substituting the complex aeromagnetic survey operation with a simpler, automated underwater vehicle system that achieves comparable measurement precision without the high cost and operational complexity of aircraft-based surveys.
2Device complexity
If global magnetic model is used as reference, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision deteriorates due to outdated data
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the AUV continuously collects real-time magnetic field data and compares it against the global magnetic model. The system iteratively updates the local magnetic field model based on the difference between measured values and model predictions, ensuring measurement precision is maintained while keeping the system relatively simple through automated feedback-driven corrections.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary action by having the AUV conduct initial magnetic field surveys to establish local magnetic field characteristics before drilling operations begin. This preliminary data collection creates an updated local magnetic model that replaces outdated global model data, improving measurement precision for subsequent drilling operations without requiring continuous complex aeromagnetic surveys.
3Measurement precision
If aeromagnetic survey is used to update magnetic field data, then measurement precision is improved, but productivity decreases due to impracticality for continuous use
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from static, periodic aeromagnetic surveys to a dynamic, continuous data collection system using the AUV. The AUV can be deployed repeatedly and autonomously collects magnetic field data in real-time during drilling operations, enabling continuous updates to the magnetic field model without interrupting productivity. This dynamic approach maintains measurement precision while significantly improving operational efficiency compared to periodic aeromagnetic surveys.
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 and continuous control of drilling direction by providing up-to-date, on-site magnetic field data, reducing costs and improving drilling precision by iteratively correcting the drill bit's path based on real-time magnetic measurements.
Implementation Method 1
obtain a magnetic field survey by measuring a magnetic flux density
Data Source
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AI summary
A system and method for magnetic survey uses an autonomous vehicle configured to traverse over the area in a grid pattern with a magnetometer coupled to the autonomous vehicle and configured to obtain magnetic measurements at a controlled rate, the magnetometer obtaining a uniform sampling of the magnetic measurements in each grid of the grid pattern; and a processor configured to obtain the magnetic survey based on the magnetic measurements.