Drill Collar Bending Detection via Internal Assembly Strain
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for directly determining deformation of drill collar components in drilling systems are costly, complex, or inefficient, making it difficult to accurately assess the forces acting on these components, which can affect the drilling system's performance and trajectory.
Innovation Solution
Indirectly determine the deformation of drill collar components by using strain gauges coupled to alternative components within the drilling system, such as a chassis or electronics board, which transmit strain deformations to control the operation of the drilling system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional techniques are used to directly determine deformation of drill collar components, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses an intermediary component (such as a sensor mounted on a drill collar component or a separate measurement device) to indirectly measure the deformation of the drill collar. Instead of directly measuring the drill collar deformation, the system measures a related parameter (e.g., strain on an adjacent component, displacement of a reference point) and uses this intermediate measurement to infer the actual deformation, thereby reducing system complexity while maintaining measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a simplified model or copy of the drill collar deformation measurement system. Instead of implementing a complex direct measurement system on the actual drill collar, the invention uses a representative model or simulation that replicates the deformation characteristics, allowing for accurate measurement without the full complexity of direct measurement on the production system.
2Measurement precision
If sensors are attached directly to drill collar components, then measurement precision is improved, but ease of manufacture deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies sensors or measurement devices to drill collar components during the manufacturing process rather than during field installation. By performing the sensor attachment as a preliminary action during fabrication, the system achieves high measurement precision while maintaining ease of manufacture, as the sensor integration becomes part of the standard manufacturing workflow rather than a complex field modification.
3Measurement precision
If conventional direct detection methods are used, then measurement precision is improved, but loss of time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a continuous measurement system that operates throughout the drilling operation without interruption. The sensor system continuously monitors drill collar deformation in real-time, eliminating the need for periodic stoppages to take measurements. This continuous action maintains high measurement precision while minimizing time loss, as the measurement process becomes an ongoing background function rather than a discrete time-consuming operation.
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 reduces costs and complexity while providing accurate feedback on the forces acting on the drill collar, enabling better control of the drilling system's operation and trajectory.
Implementation Method 1
a strain gauge coupled to the chassis, and the strain gauge can output a signal associated with a strain deformation of the internal assembly
Data Source
AI summary
A drilling system includes an internal assembly comprising a chassis, a flow diverter, or both, and a strain gauge coupled to the chassis, the flow diverter, or both, in which the strain gauge is configured to output a signal associated with a strain deformation of the internal assembly. The drilling system also includes a drill collar coupled to the internal assembly, in which the internal assembly extends along the drill collar, and the drill collar encloses the internal assembly of the internal assembly such that a strain deformation of the drill collar causes the strain deformation of the internal assembly.