Downhole Dynamics Sensor for Formation Evaluation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for determining formation properties during subsurface drilling operations face challenges in accurately and timely identifying changes in formations due to the physical distance between the disintegrating device and the sensors, leading to delays and potential alterations in formation properties by the time sensors can detect them.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of dynamics information sensors on the downhole string to monitor vibrations and oscillations induced by the drilling process, combined with a transfer function to analyze these signals and determine formation properties in real-time, allowing for immediate identification of formation changes without the need for complex sensors near the disintegrating device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If sensors are placed at a physical distance from the disintegrating device, then the device complexity is reduced, but the measurement precision and response time deteriorate due to delays in detecting formation changes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces direct mechanical contact sensors with dynamics information sensors that detect vibrations and oscillations transmitted through the downhole string. This substitution allows sensors to be positioned remotely while maintaining measurement capability through indirect detection of drilling-induced dynamics, resolving the contradiction between sensor placement simplicity and measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The downhole string acts as an intermediary medium that transmits dynamics information from the disintegrating device to the sensors. By placing sensors on the downhole string rather than directly at the disintegrating device, the system uses the string itself as a signal transmission pathway, enabling remote sensing while maintaining accuracy through the string's mechanical coupling to the drilling operation.
2Loss of time
If sensors are positioned close to the disintegrating device, then the response time improves, but the device complexity and sensor protection requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The downhole string serves as an intermediary that enables near-real-time detection without requiring sensor placement at the most challenging location. The string transmits dynamics information rapidly from the disintegrating device to sensors positioned on the string, minimizing detection lag while avoiding the complexities of protecting sensors in the harshest environment.
Solution Approach 2:
The system substitutes direct measurement at the disintegrating device with indirect measurement through dynamics transmission via the downhole string. This approach achieves comparable response times by leveraging the string's mechanical coupling while simplifying sensor placement and protection requirements.
3Ease of operation
If conventional sensors are used at a distance, then the ease of operation improves, but the reliability of formation property determination deteriorates due to formation alterations during transmission time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces conventional formation property sensors with dynamics information sensors that detect drilling-induced vibrations. This substitution enables remote sensing while maintaining reliability by measuring the dynamics of the drilling process itself rather than attempting to measure formation properties after they may have been altered during the time delay.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary detection of formation characteristics through dynamics information before significant formation alterations can occur. By detecting vibrations and oscillations during the drilling process, the system captures formation properties at the moment of interaction, ensuring reliability while maintaining ease of operation through remote sensor placement.
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 accurate determination of formation properties and changes, reducing the lag associated with conventional methods and allowing for immediate adjustments in drilling operations, thereby enhancing drilling efficiency and precision.
Implementation Method 1
monitoring dynamics information signals in the downhole string with a dynamics information sensor to obtain dynamics information data
Implementation Method 2
applying a transfer function to the dynamics information data to obtain a dynamics information signature
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and systems for determining formation properties in subsurface operations include drilling into a formation with a disintegrating device disposed on a downhole string, monitoring dynamics information signals in the downhole string with a dynamics information sensor to obtain dynamics information data, applying a transfer function to the dynamics information data to obtain a dynamics information signature, and analyzing the dynamics information signature to determine a formation property of the formation drilled by the disintegrating device.