Downhole Orientation Sensor Hybrid Gravitational Magnetic Measurement

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Solution Overview

Problem

Directional wellbore operations face challenges in accurately determining the orientation of downhole tools, particularly at low inclinations or vertical positions, where existing methods provide unreliable measurements.

Innovation Solution

The system employs a combination of gravitational field sensors and magnetic field sensors to measure the orientation parameters of the BHA, providing a range of possible inclinations and azimuths along with associated probabilities, which are used to steer the BHA effectively.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If gravitational field sensors are used to measure orientation, then measurement capability is provided, but measurement reliability deteriorates at low inclinations or vertical positions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveorientation measurement capabilityVSAvoidmeasurement reliability at low inclinations

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines gravitational field sensors and magnetic field sensors into a hybrid measurement system. The gravitational sensors provide inclination data while magnetic sensors provide azimuth data, creating a complementary measurement approach that overcomes the limitations of each individual sensor type at low inclinations. This merging of measurement capabilities allows the system to maintain reliability where single-sensor systems fail.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary computational layer that processes data from both gravitational and magnetic sensors. This intermediary system calculates orientation parameters by combining measurements from both sensor types, effectively mediating between the raw sensor data and the final orientation determination. The intermediary processing enables reliable orientation measurement at low inclinations by synthesizing information from multiple sources.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Device complexity

If single sensor type is used, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision deteriorates at low inclinations

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesensor system complexityVSAvoidorientation measurement accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges gravitational field sensors and magnetic field sensors into a unified measurement system. This combination provides complementary measurement capabilities where gravitational sensors measure inclination and magnetic sensors measure azimuth, achieving superior overall measurement precision without requiring an excessively complex system. The merged system leverages the strengths of both sensor types to provide accurate orientation data across all inclination angles.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Ease of operation

If traditional orientation measurement methods are used, then ease of operation is maintained, but measurement precision deteriorates at low inclinations

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperational simplicityVSAvoidorientation measurement accuracy at low inclinations

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a self-service measurement approach where the system automatically selects and processes the appropriate sensor data based on the operational conditions. The system self-determines when to use gravitational sensors versus magnetic sensors versus a combination of both, eliminating the need for manual intervention while maintaining high measurement precision. This automated self-service approach preserves ease of operation while dramatically improving measurement accuracy at low inclinations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

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 enables accurate determination of the BHA's orientation even at low inclinations, allowing for precise steering and control of the wellbore trajectory, thereby improving the efficiency and accuracy of directional drilling operations.

Implementation Method 1

measuring a gravitational field

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectGravitational field: Gravitation

Implementation Method 2

measuring a magnetic field

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic field: Magnetic Field

Data Source

PatentUS12305500B2System and method for identifying inclination and azimuth at low inclinations

Publication Date: 2025.05.20 HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES INC

AI summary

A downhole tool and method for identifying the inclination and/or azimuth of the downhole tool at low inclinations or unknown inclinations. The downhole tool is connectable to a tubing in a wellbore and comprises a magnetic field sensor operable to measure a magnetic field parameter in the wellbore. The downhole tool also comprises a controller operable to determine an orientation parameter for the downhole tool located in the wellbore using the magnetic field parameter, a dip angle for the magnetic field parameter, and a selected inclination value.