Downhole Crossbore Detection Using Electromagnetic Antennas
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Solution Overview
Problem
Horizontal directional drilling operations face challenges in detecting crossbores, which can lead to hazards such as leaks or future consequences from undetected underground pipe intersections, as existing methods require manual location and verification, lacking real-time detection capabilities.
Innovation Solution
A crossbore detection system comprising a drill bit, a first antenna for signal transmission, and a second antenna for signal reception, with a sensor that detects changes in the signals indicative of the drill bit striking an underground object, using circuitry and antennas to transmit and receive electromagnetic signals to discriminate the presence of underground pipes and generate warnings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual location and verification methods are used to detect crossbores, then operators can identify underground pipe intersections, but real-time detection capability is lost and hazards cannot be avoided immediately
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary detection by continuously monitoring electromagnetic signals before the drill bit actually strikes the underground pipe. The antennas detect changes in the electromagnetic field caused by the proximity of conductive pipes, allowing operators to take preventive action before hazardous contact occurs.
Solution Approach 2:
The system establishes continuous feedback by transmitting electromagnetic signals through the ground and monitoring the returned signals in real-time. When the drill bit approaches or contacts an underground pipe, the electromagnetic field changes are detected and immediately fed back to operators, enabling real-time decision-making and hazard avoidance.
2Productivity
If no detection system is used during drilling, then the drilling operation can proceed without interruption, but underground pipe intersections remain undetected creating safety hazards
Solution Approach 1:
The electromagnetic field serves as an intermediary between the drill bit and the underground pipe. Instead of directly detecting physical contact, the system uses electromagnetic signals that interact with the conductive pipe material, providing indirect but early warning of potential hazards while allowing continuous drilling operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces mechanical detection methods (such as physical contact sensors or manual verification) with electromagnetic field-based detection. This substitution allows for non-contact, real-time monitoring of the drilling environment, maintaining operational continuity while detecting hazards that mechanical systems would miss.
3Device complexity
If existing manual verification methods are used, then equipment complexity is minimized, but real-time detection and warning capabilities are not achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The electromagnetic signal transmission system serves multiple functions: it transmits signals through the ground, detects changes in the electromagnetic field caused by underground pipes, and provides real-time warning information. This multi-functionality achieves real-time detection without requiring separate complex detection systems for each function.
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
The system provides real-time detection of crossbores, enabling operators to take immediate action and avoid hazards, while not substituting for manual location methods but enhancing safety by alerting operators of unknown pipe strikes during drilling operations.
Implementation Method 1
a first antenna configured to transmit a series of signals, a second antenna configured to receive the series of signals transmitted by the first antenna
Implementation Method 2
The sensor detects changes in the series of signals received by the second antenna indicative of the drill bit having struck an underground object
Data Source
AI summary
A crossbore detection system. The system is located in a downhole tool proximate a drill bit. The system comprises circuitry sensitive to a subsurface environment and a sensor that detects changes in the circuitry. The sensor detects changes in the circuitry that indicates that the drill bit has struck an underground pipe. The sensor may detect a series of electromagnetic signals indicative of the strike or may detect changes to an impedance bridge at a capacitive sensor.