Azimuthal Orientation Determination in Rotary Steerable Drilling Tools
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Solution Overview
Problem
Rotary steerable tools face challenges in accurately determining the magnetic tool face of non-rotating sections due to housing roll and interference from ferrous materials, which can lead to reduced accuracy in drilling direction control.
Innovation Solution
The use of two independent measurements, combining magnetometer readings from the rotating section with angular displacement sensors to determine the magnetic tool face of the non-rotating section, allowing for accurate orientation without relying on magnetometers in the non-rotating section.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If magnetometers are used in the non-rotating section to determine magnetic tool face, then direct measurement is achieved, but measurement precision deteriorates due to ferrous material interference and housing roll
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetometer is extracted from the non-rotating section and relocated to the rotating section where ferrous material interference is minimized. The system measures magnetic tool face in the rotating section and uses angular displacement sensing to calculate the magnetic tool face for the non-rotating section, thereby avoiding direct exposure of the magnetometer to harmful ferrous material fields.
Solution Approach 2:
An angular displacement sensor acts as an intermediary between the rotating section (with magnetometer) and the non-rotating section. By measuring the relative angular displacement between these sections, the system can transfer the magnetic measurement from the rotating section to determine the orientation of the non-rotating section without direct magnetometer placement in the harmful environment.
2Measurement precision
If magnetometers are placed in the non-rotating section, then direct magnetic tool face measurement is possible, but device complexity increases due to shielding and calibration requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetometer is extracted from the complex environment of the non-rotating section and placed in the simpler environment of the rotating section. This eliminates the need for complex ferrous material shielding and calibration systems that would be required if the magnetometer remained in the non-rotating section surrounded by ferrous materials.
Solution Approach 2:
The rotating section serves multiple functions: it houses the magnetometer for magnetic field measurement, provides rotation capability, and acts as a platform that can be positioned in different orientations. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components for each function, thereby reducing overall device complexity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If housing roll is allowed to occur, then steering mechanism flexibility is maintained, but measurement precision deteriorates due to azimuthal orientation changes
Solution Approach 1:
The angular displacement sensor continuously monitors the relative orientation between the rotating and non-rotating sections, providing real-time feedback on housing roll. This feedback is used to calculate and correct the magnetic tool face measurement, allowing the system to maintain measurement precision even when housing roll occurs and the steering mechanism moves freely.
Solution Approach 2:
The angular displacement sensor serves as an intermediary that measures housing roll and enables the system to compensate for its effects. By measuring the relative angular displacement, the system can mathematically determine the true magnetic tool face of the non-rotating section even when housing roll causes azimuthal orientation changes, thus maintaining measurement precision while preserving steering flexibility.
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 method enables precise determination of the azimuthal orientation of non-rotating sections, improving the accuracy of drilling direction control and reducing the impact of housing roll, thereby enhancing the efficiency and accuracy of petroleum recovery operations.
Implementation Method 1
determining a rotating magnetic tool face with respect to magnetic North using a magnetometer
Implementation Method 2
determining an angular displacement between the rotating section and the non-rotating section
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatus, systems, and methods may operate to determine the rotating magnetic tool face associated with a rotating section of a drillstring, to determine angular displacement between the rotating section of the drillstring and a substantially fixed section housing the rotating the section, and to determine the magnetic tool face of the substantially fixed section by combining the rotating magnetic tool face and the angular displacement. Additional apparatus, systems, and methods may operate in a similar manner to determine tool face locations.