Drilling Fluid Data Logger for Borehole Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional measurement-during-drilling (MWD) systems are limited in measuring parameters over the entire borehole, are expensive, require significant manpower and time, and have low data transmission rates due to harsh drilling environments and mechanical communication methods.
Innovation Solution
A data logger system comprising a mainboard with a controller, sensor unit, power unit, and communication unit, designed to be carried by drilling fluid, capable of real-time data collection and transmission, with a compact size and robust design to withstand high-pressure and high-temperature conditions, using a rechargeable battery and wireless charging for power management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional MWD systems are used with sensors installed near the drillbit, then the system can measure parameters at the drillbit location, but the system cannot access parameters over the entire borehole and requires significant manpower and time for operation
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the measurement function into multiple independent data loggers distributed along the borehole. Each data logger independently measures and stores parameters at its location, eliminating the need for complex centralized control and manual operation of a single MWD system. This segmentation allows comprehensive borehole parameter acquisition while simplifying operational procedures.
2Loss of information
If mechanical communication methods like mud pulse telemetry are used in traditional MWD systems, then the system can transmit data from bottomhole to surface, but the data transmission rate is extremely low (less than 10 bit/s)
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces mechanical communication methods (mud pulse telemetry) with electronic data storage and retrieval mechanisms. Each data logger stores measurement data locally in memory, and data is transferred to the surface with the physical logger itself, eliminating the bottleneck of mechanical data transmission and achieving much higher effective data rates.
3Reliability
If data loggers are designed to withstand harsh drilling environments (high temperature and high pressure), then the sensor accuracy and durability are maintained, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention uses a simple cylindrical protective shell structure to enclose the sensor assembly. This straightforward geometric form provides adequate protection against harsh drilling environments while minimizing manufacturing complexity and cost, avoiding the need for complex protective mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention selects materials and design parameters for the protective shell and sensor housing that are optimized for withstanding high temperature and high pressure conditions. By carefully choosing appropriate material properties and structural parameters, the system achieves reliable operation in harsh environments without requiring overly complex protective structures.
4Volume of moving object
If the data logger is designed in ultra-small size to fit the drillstring, then the device can be deployed in the drilling system, but the battery capacity and power management become more challenging
Solution Approach 1:
The invention implements periodic measurement and data sampling cycles to minimize power consumption. The sensor takes measurements at optimized intervals rather than continuously, and the microcontroller enters low-power states between measurements. This periodic operation allows the data logger to function with a small battery capacity while maintaining ultra-small overall device size.
Data Source
AI summary
A data logger comprises a mainboard and a jacketing, wherein the mainboard is covered with the jacketing, wherein the data logger is capable to be carried by said drilling fluid traveled in borehole, wherein the data in borehole is collected by the mainboard of the data logger during traveling.