Downhole 3D Geo Steering Viewer for Drilling Apparatus
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current drilling technologies face challenges in accurately steering a bottom hole assembly (BHA) and visualizing surrounding geology during drilling operations, leading to complex and labor-intensive adjustments, often resulting in inaccurate wellpath steering due to reliance on textual data and lack of intuitive visualization tools.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a system that provides three-dimensional visualizations of the downhole environment, including lithology windows and drill plans, using data from sensors and external geological surveys, allowing for intuitive control of BHAs and improved steering decisions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional textual data formats are used to transmit drilling information, then data transmission is simple and straightforward, but the operator must perform complex mental processing to formulate a visual impression and steering plan
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a visual copy or replica of the downhole environment and drill plan that the operator can directly observe. Instead of requiring the operator to mentally construct a visual impression from textual data, the system generates a graphical representation (such as a 3D visualization or augmented reality display) that mirrors the actual drilling conditions, allowing immediate visual assessment and intuitive steering decisions
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a visual interface or display system as an intermediary between the raw drilling data and the operator's decision-making process. This intermediary translates complex textual and numerical data into intuitive visual formats (such as graphical overlays, color-coded formations, or spatial representations), reducing the cognitive load and time required for the operator to formulate steering plans
2Loss of information
If external geology information from offset surveys is used, then geological data is available for analysis, but the information is general in nature and difficult to interpret without extensive training
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by tailoring the geological information display to the specific local conditions of the current wellbore. Instead of presenting general offset survey data that requires interpretation, the system overlays or integrates external geology information with actual downhole measurements at each specific location, highlighting only the locally relevant geological features and formations that affect the current drilling operation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transforms two-dimensional or tabular geological data into three-dimensional visual representations that match the spatial context of the wellbore. By rendering geological formations, faults, and reservoir structures in 3D space aligned with the actual well trajectory, the system makes geological information immediately interpretable without requiring extensive geological training
3Measurement precision
If regular corrections to the drilled wellpath are made based on discrete survey points, then the wellbore position can be tracked, but the process is labor intensive and sometimes inaccurate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements continuous tracking and visualization of the wellbore position between discrete survey points. By using real-time or near-real-time data (such as measurement-while-drilling information, continuous inclination and azimuth measurements, or predictive modeling), the system maintains an updated visual representation of the wellbore trajectory, allowing the operator to make smaller, more frequent corrections based on continuous feedback rather than large corrections based on periodic discrete measurements
Data Source
AI summary
Systems, devices, and methods for producing a three-dimensional visualization of one or more of a drilled wellbore, a bottom hole assembly, a drill bit, a drill plan, and one or more lithology windows is provided for drill steering purposes. A drilling motor with a toolface in communication with a sensor system is provided. A controller in communication with the sensor system is operable to generate a depiction of the drill plan, a depiction of the drilling motor, and one or more lithology windows, and to combine these depictions in a three-dimensional visualization of the down hole environment. This visualization may be used by an operator to steer the drilled wellbore.