Core Orientation Detection from Drill Rig Break Patterns
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current core orientation methods for determining the in situ orientation of core samples are limited by reliance on trigger signals or time stamping, which can be inaccurate and fail to account for variations in drilling parameters, leading to potential errors in core sample orientation data.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that continuously acquire drilling data, including core orientation and rig operational data, to detect specific patterns indicative of the core sample breaking, allowing for precise determination of core orientation before extraction, using a data acquisition tool with sensors and a telemetry system to communicate data to the surface for analysis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If trigger signals or time stamping are used to determine core orientation, then the system complexity is reduced, but the measurement precision and reliability of core orientation data deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical trigger-based orientation determination with a data-driven approach using machine learning algorithms that analyze drilling parameters (weight on bit, torque, rotational speed, vibration) to automatically identify core breaking events and determine orientation, eliminating the need for complex mechanical triggering mechanisms while improving precision
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces drilling parameters as intermediary data that mediate between the drilling process and orientation determination. By analyzing changes in drilling parameters during core breaking, the system indirectly detects orientation events with higher precision than direct trigger methods
2Ease of operation
If trigger signals are used to capture core orientation data, then data acquisition is simplified, but the reliability of orientation data deteriorates due to failure to account for variations in drilling parameters
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback by continuously monitoring drilling parameters and using machine learning algorithms to compare real-time data against learned patterns of core breaking events. This feedback mechanism allows the system to adapt to variations in drilling conditions while maintaining reliable orientation determination
Solution Approach 2:
The patent monitors changes in drilling parameters (weight on bit, torque, rotational speed, vibration) as indicators of core breaking events. By detecting parameter changes rather than relying on fixed triggers, the system maintains reliability across varying drilling conditions
3Measurement precision
If continuous drilling data acquisition is implemented to detect core breaking patterns, then measurement precision improves, but use of energy and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by continuously acquiring only the specific drilling parameters necessary for pattern recognition (weight on bit, torque, rotational speed, vibration) rather than all possible drilling data. This selective acquisition maintains precision while reducing energy consumption compared to comprehensive data collection
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2a~2b
Figure 3
AI summary
A method (60) of determining core orientation of a core sample (12) cut from the ground by a drill rig (10) having a drill string and a drill bit (20) coupled to a downhole end of the drill string. Drilling data (Cn, Rn) is continuously acquired while the drill rig (10) is operating to cut and retrieve the core sample (12). The drilling data is a combination of core orientation data Cn and rig operational data Rn, where the rig operational data is constituted by either one or both of: (a) near bit rig data Nn; and, (b) at surface rig data Sn. The drilling data is analysed for a specific pattern of rig operational data Rn indicative of the core sample being broken from ground by operation of the drill rig (10). On detection of the specific pattern, the orientation of the core sample prior to being broken from the ground is the acquired core orientation data Cn coinciding with that specific pattern of rig operational data Rn.