Drill String Vibration Analysis for Rock Formation Properties
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing drilling methods fail to effectively measure local mechanical properties of rock formations, such as uniaxial compressive strength and Elastic Modulus, during the drilling process, which are crucial for optimizing blasting parameters and understanding geology in mining procedures.
Innovation Solution
A method utilizing drill string vibration measurements processed by a processor to calculate rock properties, including Elastic Modulus, density, and seismic velocity, without the need for additional vibration measurements, using techniques like artificial neural networks and signal correlation to derive relationships between digital signals and rock properties.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional seismic wave sensor methods are used to obtain drilling vibration signals, then seismic properties of rock formations can be obtained, but local mechanical properties such as uniaxial compressive strength and Elastic Modulus cannot be determined
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional seismic wave sensor methods with drill string vibration measurement methods. By measuring vibrations directly on the drill string during drilling operations, the system captures mechanical interaction data between the drill bit and rock formation, enabling determination of local mechanical properties such as uniaxial compressive strength and Elastic Modulus that cannot be obtained through conventional seismic methods.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces drill string vibration measurements as an intermediary between the drilling process and rock property characterization. The vibration signals generated during drilling serve as a mediator that carries information about rock mechanical properties, which are then processed through signal analysis and machine learning algorithms to extract quantitative property values.
2Measurement precision
If additional vibration measurements apart from the drill string are taken, then more comprehensive data can be obtained, but device complexity and measurement requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the drill string serve a dual function: both as the drilling tool and as the vibration measurement sensor platform. By attaching vibration sensors directly to the drill string, the system eliminates the need for separate measurement devices, reducing overall system complexity while enabling accurate rock property determination through self-contained measurement capability.
3Productivity
If real-time rock property determination is implemented during drilling, then drilling and blasting operations can be optimized, but processing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms raw vibration signals into meaningful rock property parameters through signal processing and machine learning. By changing the parameter representation from time-domain vibration signals to frequency-domain features and ultimately to rock mechanical properties, the system enables real-time optimization of drilling and blasting operations while managing processing complexity through automated algorithms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback loop where real-time rock property measurements are used to optimize drilling and blasting parameters. The processed vibration data provides continuous feedback about formation conditions, enabling dynamic adjustment of operational parameters to maximize efficiency and safety throughout the mining process.
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
Enables the determination of rock properties in real-time during drilling, optimizing drilling parameters and blasting operations by providing accurate mechanical property data for enhanced mining efficiency and safety.
Implementation Method 1
drill bit as an elastic wave energy source
Implementation Method 2
vibrations generated by interaction of a drill bit with rock formations
Implementation Method 3
signals corresponding to vibrations detected along a rotating part of a drill string
Data Source
AI summary
A method for determining properties of rock formations using drill string vibration measurements includes entering into a processor signals corresponding to vibrations detected along a rotating part of a drill string while drilling a borehole. The vibration signals are transformed into transformed signals representing elastic response of the drill string, the rock formations and borehole fluid to a filtered impulse originating at a known location along the drill string. Properties of the rock formations are calculated using the transformed signals.