Drill String Logging Tool Sleep Mode for Wellbore Evaluation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current wellbore evaluation methods, such as wireline logging, are time-consuming and costly, especially in directional drilling, where tools may get stuck, and require complex transmission systems and multiple trips, disrupting the drilling process.

Innovation Solution

A drill string-mounted logging tool with a sleep mode and on-board power supply that activates upon a wake-up signal to collect data during drilling, allowing continuous evaluation of casing and cement integrity without the need for pre-trip setup or access to the drill string's uphole end, using sensors like acoustic, ultrasonic, or infrared devices for 360° scanning.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If wireline logging is used to inspect the wellbore, then data about casing and cement conditions can be obtained, but the drilling process must be suspended and the drill string removed, taking 4-6 hours

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecasing and cement evaluation dataVSAvoiddrilling process suspension time

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The logging tool is mounted on the drill string before drilling begins, positioned in advance at the downhole location where it will remain during drilling operations. This preliminary positioning eliminates the need for later drill string removal and tool insertion, allowing continuous drilling while the tool collects data during tripping operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The logging tool remains continuously mounted on the drill string throughout the drilling process, collecting data continuously during tripping operations without requiring suspension of drilling activities. The tool transitions between active data collection during tripping and sleep mode during drilling, maintaining continuous operational capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

2Measurement precision

If a logging tool is run downhole through the drill pipe string after drilling, then casing inspection data can be obtained, but the uphole end of the drill pipe string must be cleared and accessed

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecasing inspection dataVSAvoidaccess to drill string uphole end

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The logging tool is pre-mounted on the drill string before drilling operations begin, eliminating the need for later access to the uphole end of the drill pipe string. The tool is positioned in advance and remains fixed during drilling, requiring no subsequent manipulation of the drill string assembly.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Loss of information

If the logging tool data obtaining function remains active during drilling, then data can be collected continuously, but power consumption increases and battery life decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontinuous data collectionVSAvoidlogging tool power consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The logging tool alternates between active data collection mode during tripping operations and sleep mode during drilling operations. This periodic activation pattern matches the operational cycles of the drill string, collecting necessary data during tripping while conserving power during steady-state drilling, thereby extending battery life without compromising essential data acquisition.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

4Measurement precision

If wireline logging is used in directional drilling, then casing evaluation can be performed, but the gravity propelled logging tool may get stuck in the wellbore

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecasing evaluation dataVSAvoidtool getting stuck risk

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The logging tool is extracted from the conventional wireline system and integrated directly onto the drill string. This removes the tool from the gravity-dependent wireline deployment mechanism, eliminating the risk of tools getting stuck in directional wellbores while maintaining full casing evaluation capabilities through direct mount on the drill string.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Data Source

PatentUS10145237B2Apparatus and method for evaluating a wellbore, in particular a casing thereof

Publication Date: 2018.12.04 EQUINOR ENERGY AS

AI summary

The apparatus for evaluating a wellbore while drilling includes a logging toolheld on a drill string and is adapted to obtain data from the wellbore while moving the drill string including the logging tool uphole and out of the wellbore. The logging tool includes a memory for storing obtained data and an on-board power supply battery. A computer being positioned at a surface level of the wellbore is adapted to obtain the data from the memory when the logging tool is also positioned at the surface level. The logging tool is adapted to perform a minimum power-consuming sleep mode with a data obtaining and storing function being disabled and the computer is adapted to transmit a wake-up signal downhole to enable the data obtaining and storing function of the logging tool just prior to tripping out the drill string from the wellbore. The wake-up signal preferably is a mud pulse signal sent through the drilling fluid used when drilling the wellbore.