Downhole Tool Deployment Detection Using Density and Neutron Measurements

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional downhole logging tools face challenges in determining the exact time and location of deployment within a drill pipe, leading to potential tool damage and battery exhaustion due to inadequate communication and timing issues, especially in deviated or horizontal wells.

Innovation Solution

The use of measurement-based auto-detection algorithms, such as density and neutron tools, to determine deployment status by analyzing changes in count rates, spectral shapes, and other parameters, allowing for delayed power-up and caliper arm opening only when the tool is securely deployed, reducing the risk of damage and battery depletion.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Duration of action of stationary object

If the tool power is enabled early to ensure sufficient battery life, then the battery depletion risk is reduced, but the tool may start logging before successful deployment causing data errors

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebattery lifeVSAvoiddeployment confirmation

Core Design Contradiction:

Duration of action of stationary objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The tool performs preliminary actions by continuously monitoring downhole conditions (density, neutron porosity, temperature, pressure) before enabling power. This allows the system to confirm deployment status and environmental suitability before initiating logging operations, preventing premature or incorrect data collection while ensuring battery is activated only when needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Ease of operation

If the caliper arm is opened early to ensure measurement readiness, then the measurement capability is improved, but the tool may get stuck or the arm may bend/break due to insufficient deployment confirmation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecaliper operationVSAvoidcaliper arm integrity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements feedback by continuously monitoring downhole conditions including density, neutron porosity, temperature, and pressure to confirm successful deployment before opening the caliper arm. This feedback mechanism ensures the caliper is opened only when the tool is securely deployed, preventing the arm from bending or breaking while maintaining measurement readiness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Measurement precision

If a long timer is set to account for multiple deployment delays, then the deployment timing accuracy is improved, but the tool waits unnecessarily long before starting to move up reducing productivity

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedeployment timingVSAvoidtool ascent time

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system replaces the mechanical timer approach with an automated detection system that uses downhole measurements (density, neutron porosity, temperature, pressure) to precisely determine deployment status. This substitution eliminates unnecessary waiting time while maintaining accurate deployment timing, as the system can immediately detect when deployment is complete and start the ascent without relying on predetermined timer settings.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Loss of time

If the tool is pushed down with the caliper arm open to ensure early measurement capability, then the measurement timing is improved, but the tool may get stuck and the arm may bend or break due to lack of deployment confirmation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemeasurement timingVSAvoidtool deployment

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of timeVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses feedback from continuous monitoring of downhole conditions (density, neutron porosity, temperature, pressure) to confirm successful deployment before opening the caliper arm. This ensures the tool is securely deployed before measurement operations begin, preventing the tool from getting stuck or the arm from bending/breaking while maintaining accurate measurement timing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

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 more efficient and reliable deployment of downhole tools, reducing the risk of damage and premature battery depletion by ensuring accurate timing and deployment confirmation, thereby enhancing logging operations in challenging well conditions.

Implementation Method 1

density tools... analyzing changes in count rates, spectral shapes

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectGamma ray attenuation: Absorption (EM radiation)

Implementation Method 2

neutron tools... analyzing changes in count rates, spectral shapes

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectNeutron interaction: Neutron Diffraction

Data Source

PatentUS9217325B2Detection of tool in pipe

Publication Date: 2015.12.22 SCHLUMBERGER TECH CORP

AI summary

Methods and systems for determining whether a tool has been deployed below a drill pipe are provided. A downhole tool can measure various characteristics, which then can be analyzed to determine the likelihood of a tool having been deployed below the drill pipe. For example, density and porosity measurements can be affected by the presence of casing or drill pipe, and thus such measurements can provide an indication of whether the tool has been deployed below the drill pipe.