Downhole Orientation Device Angular Displacement Measurement

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for orienting well equipment in deviated wellbores, such as coiled tubing drilling, are inefficient and inaccurate, particularly when deviations exceed 50 degrees, as they require multiple trips and lack repeatability due to the corkscrew pattern of coiled tubing movement.

Innovation Solution

A system comprising an orientation device and sensor mounted on downhole equipment to accurately determine angular displacement using eccentrically weighted structures and fiber optic sensors, allowing independent rotation and precise measurement of angular displacement relative to gravitational orientation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If coiled tubing is used to set the anchor and whipstock when deviation exceeds 50 degrees, then the well equipment can be oriented in highly deviated wells, but the drilling efficiency decreases substantially and the process becomes inaccurate due to corkscrew pattern movement

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to orient equipment in deviated wellsVSAvoiddrilling efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical orientation methods (anchor and whipstock setting) with a sensor-based measurement system that uses fiber optic sensors and accelerometers to detect angular displacement and orientation of downhole equipment, eliminating the need for inefficient mechanical setting processes

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The orientation device automatically measures and reports the angular displacement and orientation of the downhole equipment using integrated sensors, allowing the system to self-determine its position without requiring external mechanical intervention or multiple trips to the wellsite

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Ease of manufacture

If memory tool on standard coiled tubing is used for orientation, then the equipment can be oriented without specialized rigs, but two trips into the well are required and repeatability is poor due to corkscrew pattern

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of orientation without specialized rigVSAvoidtime for multiple trips

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The orientation device is pre-installed on the downhole equipment before the wellbore is deviated, allowing continuous measurement of angular displacement throughout the drilling process without requiring subsequent trips to adjust or re-orient the equipment

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The fiber optic sensors and accelerometers provide continuous feedback on the angular displacement and orientation of the downhole equipment, enabling real-time monitoring and adjustment without requiring multiple trips to the wellsite

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Ease of operation

If traditional anchor and whipstock method is used for kick out, then the drilling bottom hole assembly can be moved from main wellbore, but the process requires precise orientation that is difficult to achieve with coiled tubing

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of kick out operationVSAvoidorientation accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical orientation and kick out operations with a sensor-based system that measures angular displacement and provides precise orientation data, enabling accurate control of the drilling bottom hole assembly movement without complex mechanical procedures

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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

Enables accurate and efficient orientation of well equipment, improving drilling efficiency and reducing the need for multiple trips by providing precise angular displacement measurements, enhancing the repeatability and accuracy of whipstock placement in deviated wellbores.

Implementation Method 1

An orientation device and sensor can be positioned in the bottom hole assembly to detect angular displacement of the bottom hole assembly relative to a normal or predetermined orientation

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectGravity: Gravitation

Implementation Method 2

A sensor cooperates with an orientation device to determine the angular displacement of the downhole equipment

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectOptical Fibre: Optical Fibre

Data Source

PatentUS7757755B2System and method for measuring an orientation of a downhole tool

Publication Date: 2010.07.20 SCHLUMBERGER TECH CORP

AI summary

A technique provides an orientation system combined with downhole equipment used in a well. An orientation device is mounted in the downhole equipment, e.g. a bottom hole assembly, for actuation during angular displacement of the downhole equipment. A sensor is mounted to cooperate with the orientation device in detecting the angular displacement.