Downhole Core Orientation Device Vibration Threshold Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current core orientation systems face issues with inaccurate data due to vibrations during drilling, inefficient power usage, and human error in marking core samples, leading to increased costs and time losses in mining and construction operations.
Innovation Solution
A downhole core orientation data recording device that activates only when drilling vibrations are below a certain threshold, recording data during periods of silence to reduce power consumption and improve accuracy, and a hermetically sealed system with visual indicators for correct core orientation marking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If continuous data recording is performed during drilling operations, then complete orientation data is captured, but power consumption increases and battery life decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs data recording periodically at specific drilling events (commencement and completion) rather than continuously. The microprocessor detects vibration patterns indicating drill start/stop and triggers recording only at these periodic intervals, reducing power consumption while capturing essential orientation data.
Solution Approach 2:
The system records orientation data in advance at drilling commencement before the actual drilling occurs. This preliminary recording captures the initial orientation state, and additional recording is made at drilling completion, eliminating the need for continuous monitoring throughout the drilling process.
2Quantity of substance
If orientation data is recorded during high-vibration drilling periods, then more data points are collected, but measurement accuracy decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system extracts and isolates specific drilling events (commencement and completion) from the continuous drilling process. By focusing only on these discrete events and recording orientation data at these specific moments when vibration patterns indicate event occurrence, the system obtains sufficient data points without the noise and inaccuracy of continuous vibration-period recording.
Solution Approach 2:
The microprocessor continuously monitors vibration patterns and uses this feedback to detect drilling commencement and completion events. Based on this feedback, the system intelligently triggers recording only when appropriate, ensuring data is captured at accurate moments rather than during high-vibration periods.
3Ease of operation
If manual marking of core orientation is performed, then flexibility in marking methods is maintained, but human error increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs the marking operation automatically without human intervention. The marker is positioned and activated by the system itself based on recorded orientation data, eliminating human error in the marking process while maintaining the ability to mark core samples effectively.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces manual human marking operations with an automated mechanical marking device. The microprocessor-controlled marker automatically positions and applies marks to the core sample based on electronic orientation data, substituting human manual operations with an automated mechanical system that eliminates human error.
4Loss of time
If core samples are not properly orientated, then processing time is reduced, but geological analysis accuracy decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs orientation determination and marking as a preliminary action immediately after core retrieval, before any geological analysis or processing. By establishing correct orientation early through automated detection and marking, subsequent processing can proceed efficiently without needing to correct orientation errors, thus reducing overall processing time while ensuring accuracy.
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 approach enhances the reliability and accuracy of core orientation data, reduces battery drain, and minimizes human error in marking, thereby optimizing data collection and analysis processes.
Implementation Method 1
a hermetically sealed core sample orientation data gathering device when deployed as part of a downhole core sample assembly
Data Source
AI summary
A method and system of validating orientation of a core obtained by drilling the core from a subsurface body of material, the method including: a) determining that vibration from drilling is below a nominated level, b) recording data relating to orientation of the core to be retrieved, the data recorded using a downhole core orientation data recording device, c) separating the core from the subsurface body, and d) obtaining from the core orientation data recording device an indication of the orientation of the core based on the recorded data obtained when the vibration from drilling was below the nominated level and before the core was separated from the subsurface body. A method of determining orientation of a core sample obtained by drilling from aboveground into a subsurface body includes recording data relating to a core sample being obtained by the drilling when vibration from drilling is below a threshold; providing an input to a user operated communication device; the communication device identifying a time of the user input to the communication device; retrieving the data gathering device and core sample; communicating between the communication device and the retrieved data gathering device; determining from indications provided by the retrieved data gathering device an orientation of the core sample.