Drill String Probe Deployment for Real-Time Formation Measurement

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional methods for determining properties of subterranean formations during wellbore drilling are costly and time-consuming, as they require removing the drill string and replacing it with a measurement structure, and do not allow for real-time data collection.

Innovation Solution

Drill strings equipped with probe deployment structures and downhole communication devices that enable probes to be inserted into the formation for real-time property measurement and data transmission during drilling, allowing for concurrent drilling and data collection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If the drill string is removed and replaced with a measurement structure to determine subterranean formation properties, then measurement capability is improved, but drilling productivity and time efficiency deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesubterranean formation property measurementVSAvoiddrilling productivity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the drill string with probe deployment structures and measurement tools, merging the drilling function and measurement function into a single integrated system. This allows the drill string to simultaneously perform drilling operations and deploy probes for measuring subterranean formation properties, eliminating the need to remove the drill string for measurements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The drill string is designed with multi-functionality, serving both as a drilling tool and as a platform for deploying measurement probes. The universal design enables the same drill string to perform both mechanical drilling and geological measurement tasks without requiring separate equipment, thereby maintaining productivity while enabling precise measurements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Measurement precision

If the drill string is removed and replaced with a measurement structure, then measurement capability is improved, but operational time and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesubterranean formation property measurementVSAvoidoperational time

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The integrated drill string allows measurement operations to occur continuously during the drilling process without interruption. The probe deployment structure enables measurements to be taken while the drill string remains in place, maintaining continuous useful action rather than requiring stoppage for equipment replacement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Solution Approach 2:

The measurement probes are pre-integrated onto the drill string before drilling begins. This preliminary configuration ensures that measurement capability is already in place when drilling starts, eliminating the need for subsequent equipment replacement and enabling immediate, continuous measurements throughout the drilling operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Measurement precision

If conventional measurement methods are used, then measurement capability is achieved, but real-time data collection is lost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveformation property measurementVSAvoidreal-time formation data

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent incorporates feedback mechanisms through downhole communication devices that transmit measurement data in real-time to surface equipment. This feedback loop enables continuous monitoring of subterranean formation properties during drilling, allowing operators to make immediate decisions based on current formation conditions rather than relying on delayed or post-drilling analysis.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

Downhole communication devices serve as intermediaries between the measurement probes and surface equipment, enabling real-time data transmission through the drill string. This intermediary system bridges the gap between the measurement point at the bottom of the well and the surface control equipment, facilitating continuous information flow throughout the drilling operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS11401799B2Drill strings with probe deployment structures, hydrocarbon wells that include the drill strings, and methods of utilizing the drill strings

Publication Date: 2022.08.02 EXXONMOBIL UPSTREAM RESEARCH COMPANY(US)

AI summary

Drill strings with probe deployment structures, hydrocarbon wells that include the drill strings, and methods of utilizing the drill strings are disclosed herein. The drill strings include a pipe string and a drill bit attached to the pipe string. The drill strings also include a probe deployment structure attached to the pipe string and a downhole communication device attached to the pipe string. The probe deployment structure includes a probe and is configured to selectively insert the probe into a subterranean formation via a wellbore of the hydrocarbon well. The probe is configured to measure at least one property of the subterranean formation. The downhole communication device is configured to communicate with the probe. The hydrocarbon wells include a drill string support structure, which supports the drill string, a wellbore extending within a subsurface region, and the drill string extending within the wellbore.