Borehole Mapping Tool for Detecting Reaming Path Deviations
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing directional drilling methods face significant deviations in borehole paths due to varying formations, leading to pipeline misplacement and increased failure risk, particularly during reaming and pipe pulling operations.
Innovation Solution
A borehole mapping tool with location probes and drilling fluid nozzles is used to accurately map the completed borehole, allowing detection and correction of deviations before pipeline installation, utilizing magnetometers for verification and drilling fluid for lubrication and material removal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If directional drilling is used to form pilot holes along defined pathways, then the pilot hole can follow the desired path within acceptable tolerance, but significant deviations occur during subsequent reaming and pipe pulling operations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs borehole mapping before pipeline installation to detect deviations in advance. Location probes record the actual borehole centerline position at multiple points along the borehole length, enabling identification of deviations from the planned path before the pipeline is pulled through, allowing corrective measures to be taken preliminarily.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides feedback by comparing the mapped borehole centerline positions with the planned borehole path. The location probe data is processed to determine actual borehole geometry and deviations, which are then fed back to operators to adjust pipeline installation or borehole correction procedures accordingly.
2Adaptability or versatility
If reaming operations are performed to enlarge the pilot hole, then the borehole can accommodate the desired pipeline, but the borehole may walk around harder sections of rocky formation or drop from the pilot hole path
Solution Approach 1:
Mapping is performed after reaming operations to detect any path deviations that occurred during the enlargement process. The location probes record the actual centerline position of the reamed borehole, enabling identification of walking or dropping phenomena before pipeline installation begins.
3Ease of operation
If undetected deviations in the borehole path occur, then the pipeline may be placed in a different location than desired, but added stress on the pipeline increases the possibility of in-service failure
Solution Approach 1:
The system detects borehole path deviations preliminarily before pipeline installation by mapping the actual borehole centerline. This allows operators to identify sections where the borehole may cause excessive stress or misplacement, enabling corrective actions such as directional correction or selective routing decisions before the pipeline is committed to the path.
4Productivity
If constraints in pipeline development increase and more pipelines are placed in existing rights of way, then infrastructure utilization improves, but the importance of ensuring pipelines do not deviate from planned paths increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mapping system provides preliminary detection of borehole path accuracy before pipeline installation in congested rights-of-way. By recording actual centerline positions and comparing with planned paths, the system enables verification that multiple pipelines will maintain their designated separations and trajectories, preventing conflicts and deviations in high-density pipeline corridors.
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
Ensures accurate mapping of borehole centerlines, reducing the likelihood of pipeline misplacement and in-service failures by detecting and correcting deviations, enhancing operational efficiency and safety.
Implementation Method 1
The location probes 18 are operable to determine the position of the probes 18 with respect to a coordinate system
Implementation Method 2
drilling fluid for lubrication and material removal
Data Source
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AI summary
A borehole mapping tool may include a probe casing having first and second ends that is sized to receive at least one location probe. An outer casing sized to be closely received by a borehole surrounds the probe casing so that an interior space is defined therebetween. A first end cap is mounted to a first end of the outer casing so that the first end of the probe casing extends beyond the first end cap. A second end cap is mounted to a second end of the outer casing so that the second end of the probe casing extends beyond the second end cap.