Drilling Microchip Recovery via Mud Return Line Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for obtaining downhole data during well drilling are deficient, as they often rely on estimation, are performed after drilling a section of the well, or only measure data near the drill bit.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a drilling microchip system that includes a microchip with an identifier, a mud return line, a microchip detector, and a computer system. The microchip is pumped into the drill string and up the annulus using drilling fluid, allowing it to measure and store downhole data, which is then detected by the microchip detector and communicated to the computer system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If current methods are used to obtain downhole data, then the process is simpler, but the data accuracy and comprehensiveness deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical downhole measurement systems with a simpler approach: injecting微型传感器 (micro sensors) carried by drilling fluid to collect data. This substitution achieves comprehensive downhole data collection without requiring complex mechanical equipment deep in the wellbore, thereby improving measurement precision while avoiding increased device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the hydraulic system (drilling fluid circulation) to transport micro sensors downhole and back to the surface. By leveraging the existing hydraulic infrastructure, the system achieves comprehensive data collection without adding complex mechanical retrieval systems, resolving the contradiction between data accuracy and system complexity.
2Loss of information
If data is collected only near the drill bit, then the equipment complexity is reduced, but the data coverage deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The micro sensors can detect multiple parameters (temperature, pressure, flow rate, etc.) throughout the entire wellbore during their circulation journey. This multi-functional capability ensures comprehensive data coverage from the surface to the drill bit and back, achieving complete information collection without requiring separate specialized systems for each measurement point.
Solution Approach 2:
The continuous circulation of drilling fluid carries micro sensors through the entire wellbore repeatedly, enabling continuous data collection throughout the drilling process. This continuous action ensures complete data coverage of the entire wellbore without gaps, while utilizing the existing fluid circulation system rather than adding complex stationary measurement equipment at multiple locations.
3Loss of time
If data is collected after drilling a section, then the equipment complexity is reduced, but the timeliness of data acquisition deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The micro sensors collect data during the drilling process itself, before the drilling section is completed. This preliminary data collection occurs in real-time as the drill bit progresses, eliminating the need for post-drilling measurement operations and providing timely data for immediate decision-making without requiring complex real-time monitoring infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides real-time feedback by detecting micro chips in the returned drilling fluid and retrieving associated data immediately. This feedback mechanism enables timely data acquisition during the drilling process, allowing for real-time adjustments to drilling parameters without waiting for post-drilling analysis, while utilizing existing fluid return infrastructure.
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 system enables the acquisition of comprehensive downhole data for the entire well while drilling, improving the accuracy and timeliness of data collection compared to existing methods.
Implementation Method 1
The microchip detector is configured to interact with the identifier to indicate a presence of the drilling microchip in the detection range
Implementation Method 2
pumping a drilling microchip, having an identifier, into the drill string and up the annulus of the well using the drilling fluid
Data Source
AI summary
A system includes a drilling microchip, a mud return line, a microchip detector, and a computer system. The drilling microchip has an identifier and configured to be pumped into the drill string and up the annulus using the drilling fluid to obtain data about the well. The mud return line is hydraulically connected to the annulus of the well and a shale shaker. The microchip detector is connected to the shale shaker and has a detection range. The microchip detector is configured to interact with the identifier to indicate a presence of the drilling microchip in the detection range. The computer system is electronically connected to the microchip detector. The microchip detector is configured to send a signal to the computer system upon indication of the presence of the drilling microchip.