Downhole Sensing Device Deployment Control Apparatus
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Solution Overview
Problem
In reverse circulation (RC) drilling operations, deploying downhole sensing devices without physical connection to the surface is challenging due to high vibration levels, safety concerns with winches, and the need for rapid and efficient borehole surveying to prevent collapse, leading to lost productivity and increased costs.
Innovation Solution
A downhole sensing device deployment control apparatus that allows for controlled speed and positioning of sensing devices within the borehole using drag devices, rotation control mechanisms, and pressure control systems, enabling gravity or pressure-assisted deployment without surface connection, and includes features like viscous damping, seals, and latching mechanisms to ensure accurate placement and retrieval.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a winch/wireline system is used to deploy the sensing device, then deployment control is improved, but safety risks increase and deployment speed is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the winch/wireline system from the deployment process entirely. Instead, the sensing device is deployed by being released into the borehole to descend under its own weight, eliminating the safety risks associated with winch operations while maintaining deployment control through alternative means.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensing device performs its own deployment by utilizing gravity to descend the borehole independently. The device is released from the drill string and uses its self-weight to travel down the hole, eliminating the need for external winch assistance and enabling faster deployment.
2Productivity
If the sensing device is deployed without surface connection, then deployment speed is improved, but control over descent speed is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a drag device as an intermediary mechanism between the sensing device and the borehole wall. This drag device creates controlled friction against the borehole wall, allowing descent speed control without requiring surface connection or winch systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses compressed air flow as a pneumatic mechanism to control the descent speed of the sensing device. By adjusting the air flow rate, operators can control the speed at which the device descends the borehole, maintaining operational control while achieving rapid deployment.
3Productivity
If drilling continues simultaneously with surveying, then productivity is improved, but measurement precision is reduced due to vibration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs the surveying operation during the natural rod extraction process that occurs between drilling intervals. By timing the survey to coincide with when rods are being removed and the borehole is relatively stable, the system captures measurements without requiring separate survey operations, thereby maintaining both productivity and measurement quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables continuous operational flow by integrating surveying into the existing drilling cycle. Rather than stopping drilling for separate survey operations, the system continuously progresses by performing surveys during rod extraction intervals, eliminating idle time while managing vibration through proper timing and device placement.
4Measurement precision
If rods are removed slower to allow sensing device data acquisition, then measurement precision is improved, but productivity is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The sensing device performs data acquisition autonomously during its descent and while stationary at the bottom of the borehole. The device independently collects survey data without requiring external control of the rod extraction speed, eliminating the need to slow down rod removal operations and maintaining drilling productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensing device completes its data acquisition tasks during the rod extraction interval before normal drilling resumes. By performing measurements during this naturally occurring window, the system ensures sufficient data collection time without extending the overall drilling schedule or reducing productivity.
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
Facilitates rapid and safe deployment of sensing devices, reduces downtime by allowing simultaneous drilling and surveying, and maintains the integrity of fragile electronic components by controlling descent speed and preventing water ingress, thereby enhancing operational efficiency and reducing costs.
Implementation Method 1
A drag device may be provided... viscous damping... to control speed of the sensing device progressing within the borehole
Implementation Method 2
At least one seal may be provided... to prevent water entering the inner pipe
Implementation Method 3
A latch mechanism may be provided to secure the sensing device at the bottom of the borehole
Implementation Method 4
A cushion mechanism may be provided to absorb impact of the sensing device... to prevent damage to the sensing device
Data Source
AI summary
A downhole sensing device deployment control apparatus (10) includes means to control speed of the sensing device progressing within a borehole associated with a drilling operation. A mechanical, electrically powered and/or hydro-dynamic drag/damping means/device (12) can be provided as part of the control apparatus to control speed of deployment down the borehole. The drag device (12) can have a plurality of wheels or rollers to contact an internal bore of an inner pipe of a drill string. Rotation control means (24), (26) can be provided to control an amount of rotation and/or direction of rotation of the wheels or rollers relative to travel of the sensing device within the borehole. Valving (60) can be provided. A two stage (dual) flow/pressure control valve (100) can be provided. A sensing device (release 216) and downhole position latch (202) can be provided. The sensing device can be pumped into the borehole, such as by compressed air.