Drill String Sensor Segmentation for Seismic Data Acquisition
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current seismic data acquisition methods during drilling operations are limited by slow data transmission rates and are often restricted to times when mud pumps are operating, making them expensive and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that utilize a plurality of sensors along a drill string, synchronized with GPS time signals, to acquire and buffer seismic data during drilling operations by changing the drill string length and actuating seismic disturbances, allowing for efficient data communication to a processing device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If mud pulse telemetry is used for data transmission during drilling, then data can be transmitted during drilling operations, but the transmission speed and amount of data are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The drill string is divided into multiple segments with sensors distributed along its length. Each sensor captures seismic data independently, allowing parallel data collection that overcomes the limited transmission capacity of mud pulse telemetry by distributing the data acquisition load across multiple points.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from single-point data collection to multi-point distributed sensing along the drill string. This spatial dimensionality change allows simultaneous data acquisition at multiple depths, effectively increasing the total data throughput despite limited transmission speed at each point.
2Loss of information
If seismic data acquisition is performed during drilling operations, then valuable formation data can be obtained, but rig time is consumed making the process expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables continuous seismic data acquisition throughout the drilling process rather than requiring separate dedicated measurement intervals. Sensors continuously monitor formation characteristics as the drill string progresses, eliminating idle time and ensuring that drilling operations proceed without interruption while data collection occurs simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The drilling operation itself serves dual purposes: it both advances the wellbore and positions the sensors for data collection. The normal drilling movements and depths automatically provide the spatial framework for seismic measurement without requiring additional rig time or separate measurement campaigns.
3Ease of manufacture
If data transmission is limited to times when mud pumps are operating, then data can be transmitted using existing infrastructure, but functionality is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The drill string serves multiple functions simultaneously: it performs drilling operations, provides a platform for distributed sensors, and acts as a transmission medium through mud pulse telemetry. This multi-functionality allows the system to operate within existing infrastructure constraints while expanding data acquisition capabilities beyond traditional single-purpose systems.
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 faster and more efficient data acquisition and transmission, reducing rig time and costs while providing valuable formation data without interrupting drilling operations.
Implementation Method 1
actuating a series of one or more seismic disturbances while acquiring seismic data via the plurality of sensors
Implementation Method 2
synchronizing the plurality of sensors with a GPS time signal
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus and method are provided for obtaining formation data while drilling. The apparatus may include a drill string and a plurality of sensors. At least two of the plurality of sensors are spaced apart along the drill string a approximately the same distance as a length of a segment of the drill string. The segment of the drill string is either added to or removed from the rest of the drill string as the drill string moves in the borehole during a drilling operation. The method may include providing numerous sensors along a drill string and repeating a cycle of various functions. The cycle may include performing an operation moving the drill string relative to the borehole and stopping movement of the drill string. Additional functions may include changing an overall length of the drill string and performing the formation property while the drill string is relatively stationary.