Downhole Vibration Control via Distributed Measurement and Steering
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Solution Overview
Problem
Shocks and vibrations during oil and gas well drilling can lead to premature failure of the drillstring and bottomhole assembly, reducing drilling rig productivity and equipment lifespan.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for measuring and controlling shock and vibration, featuring a bottomhole assembly with drilling dynamics measurement units and a powered rotary steering system, where a controller receives measurements from these units to adjust the drill bit's operation in real-time, mitigating harmful vibration modes through commands to actuators and communication with the drilling rig.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If drilling operations continue without real-time shock and vibration monitoring, then drilling productivity is maintained, but premature failure of drillstring and bottomhole assembly occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary detection of shock and vibration conditions through multiple measurement units distributed along the bottomhole assembly. By identifying harmful vibration modes before they cause damage, the system enables preventive control actions that extend equipment lifespan without interrupting drilling operations
Solution Approach 2:
The controller receives real-time measurements from multiple drilling dynamics measurement units and continuously adjusts powered rotary steering system parameters based on detected vibration levels. This closed-loop feedback mechanism allows the system to maintain reliable operation by dynamically responding to changing downhole conditions
2Measurement precision
If multiple drilling dynamics measurement units are distributed along the bottomhole assembly, then measurement precision of shock and vibration is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The bottomhole assembly is divided into multiple segments with measurement units distributed at different locations. Each measurement unit independently monitors local drilling dynamics conditions, providing spatially-resolved data that improves overall measurement precision without requiring a single complex measurement system
Solution Approach 2:
The measurement units serve multiple functions: detecting shock, measuring vibration, and providing data for both diagnostic and control purposes. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate specialized sensors, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity while maintaining high measurement precision
3Reliability
If real-time control of drill bit is implemented via powered rotary steering system, then harmful vibrations are mitigated, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The powered rotary steering system applies control actions only when and where harmful vibrations are detected by the measurement units. Rather than continuous full-power operation, the system uses partial control actions targeted at specific vibration problems, reducing overall energy consumption while maintaining drillstring durability
Solution Approach 2:
The controller dynamically adjusts operating parameters of the powered rotary steering system based on real-time vibration measurements. By changing parameters such as rotation speed and steering force in response to detected conditions, the system mitigates harmful vibrations while optimizing energy consumption rather than operating at constant high energy levels
Data Source
AI summary
A system for measuring and control of shock and vibration is disclosed. The system may include a bottomhole assembly having a downhole end and an uphole end opposite the downhole end. A drill bit may be located at the downhole end of the bottomhole assembly and a powered rotary steering system may be located in the bottomhole assembly. The system may also include a first drilling mechanics module located in the bottomhole assembly, proximate the powered rotary steering system and the drill bit. The first drilling mechanics module may be coupled in electronic communication to the power rotary steering system. The system may also include a plurality of drilling dynamics measurement units distributed along a length of the bottomhole assembly, between the downhole end and the uphole end. The plurality of drilling dynamics measurement units may be coupled in electronic communication with the first drilling mechanics module.