Downhole Computing System for Real-Time Depth Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current drilling technologies face inaccuracies in measuring depth and orientation downhole due to pipe stretching and compression, leading to misplacement of wellbores and slow data transmission from downhole to surface, which delays drilling processes and results in underperforming wells.
Innovation Solution
A system that continuously determines measured depth, orientation, and true vertical depth downhole using a pair of sensors spaced apart by a known distance, employing time-varying pattern matching algorithms like Advanced Sequential Pattern Matching Algorithms and Deep Neural-Network Based Algorithms to estimate depth and penetration rate, allowing for real-time data processing and storage within the borehole.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If depth information is measured at the surface, then the measurement process is simple, but pipe stretching and compression cause depth measurement errors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional approach by measuring depth downhole instead of at the surface. The depth measurement system is relocated from the surface to the downhole environment, where sensors measure the distance between downhole tools and the drill bit, eliminating errors from pipe stretching and compression.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary measurement system consisting of sensors and processors deployed downhole. These intermediaries directly measure depth parameters at the location where drilling occurs, providing accurate real-time data without being affected by surface-level mechanical variations.
2Measurement precision
If orientation measurements are transmitted to the surface at every connection, then data is collected frequently, but the assumption of straight-line travel between survey points creates trajectory errors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements continuous measurement of wellbore trajectory using downhole sensors that continuously track orientation and position. This continuous data collection eliminates the need to assume straight-line travel between discrete survey points, providing accurate real-time trajectory information without interrupting the drilling process.
3Productivity
If data transmission is done through mud pulse telemetry or electromagnetic telemetry, then data can be transmitted from downhole to surface, but the slow transmission rate delays the drilling process
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables the downhole system to process and determine depth and trajectory information locally using onboard processors. This self-service capability eliminates the need to transmit raw sensor data to the surface for processing, allowing real-time depth and orientation determination downhole without being constrained by slow telemetry transmission rates.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus and method for estimating measured depth, rate of penetration, and true vertical depth of a drill bit and bottom hole assembly in a borehole using multiple longitudinally separated sensors for detecting properties of the borehole or formation and an orientation sensor. The multiple sensors may be paired with each pair of sensors including a first sensor and a second sensor. The sensors within a pair may be of the same of different types. The rate of penetration can be determined by comparing trends derived from data gathered by the longitudinally separated sensors and the time at which each records specific features of the formation or borehole. Multi-sensor fusion may be employed to enhance the accuracy of the orientation estimation. Combined with orientation information, a known longitudinal separation, and a measured depth, the true vertical depth can be determined without input from the surface.