Core Orientation Determination via Drilling Data Pattern Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current core orientation methods for determining the in situ orientation of core samples are either unreliable due to reliance on mechanical or time-based triggers, or require complex systems for accurate measurement and recording.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that continuously acquire drilling data, including core orientation and rig operational data, to detect a specific pattern indicative of the core sample being broken from the ground, allowing for precise determination of orientation before separation, using a data acquisition tool with sensors and a telemetry system for real-time data communication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If mechanical or time-based triggers are used to determine core orientation, then the system complexity is reduced, but the reliability and accuracy of orientation determination deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical trigger systems (such as physical markers at toe of hole) and time-based triggering systems with an automated pattern recognition system that analyzes drilling parameters (weight on bit, torque, rotational speed, vibration) to detect core breaking events. This substitution eliminates the need for complex mechanical marking systems and manual timing operations, thereby reducing overall system complexity while improving reliability through automated, objective detection of core orientation at the precise moment of core breaking.
2Measurement precision
If real-time detection of core breaking events is implemented, then the accuracy of orientation measurement is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a multi-functional data acquisition system that simultaneously monitors multiple drilling parameters (weight on bit, torque, rotational speed, vibration, flow rate) using existing sensor technology. This universal approach allows the system to detect core breaking events through pattern recognition across multiple parameters, achieving high measurement precision without requiring specialized single-purpose equipment. The system leverages the existing drill rig's operational data infrastructure, thereby improving accuracy while minimizing additional device complexity.
3Reliability
If continuous data acquisition is performed, then the reliability of detecting the specific pattern is improved, but the loss of time for data processing increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary filtering and analysis of drilling data during the drilling operation itself, continuously monitoring parameters and pre-identifying potential core breaking events through pattern recognition. By preparing and analyzing data in real-time during drilling, the system ensures that when a core breaking event occurs, the orientation data is already captured and processed, minimizing post-processing time. This preliminary action maintains high reliability of detection while reducing the time loss associated with retrospective data analysis.
Data Source
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 analyzed 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.