Downhole Position Measurement via Gamma Ray Correlation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing systems face challenges in accurately determining the position of downhole tools in subterranean wellbores, often requiring surface equipment manipulation and lacking verification of proper positioning, which can lead to well damage and inefficiencies.

Innovation Solution

A position measurement system comprising a position measurement tool with a sensor module and a telemetry module, and a marker that emits a signal, allowing for accurate depth correlation and position measurement without contact, enabling precise tool placement and operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If surface equipment manipulation is used to adjust tool position during measurement, then position adjustment is possible, but measurement accuracy deteriorates due to lack of verification and potential well damage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetool position adjustmentVSAvoidposition measurement accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical surface equipment manipulation with an electromagnetic measurement system. The marker assembly with radioisotope source and gamma ray detectors creates an automated measurement system that eliminates the need for manual surface equipment adjustment, thereby improving measurement accuracy while maintaining ease of operation through automated depth correlation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a marker assembly containing a radioisotope source as an intermediary between the measurement system and the wellbore environment. This marker emits gamma rays that are detected by the logging tool, enabling accurate position determination without direct mechanical contact or surface equipment manipulation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Measurement precision

If contact-based sensors are used to measure position, then measurement is possible, but the functionality of the device being measured is impeded

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveposition measurement capabilityVSAvoiddevice functionality

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces contact-based mechanical sensors with a non-contact electromagnetic measurement system. The gamma ray detection method allows position measurement without physical contact, preserving the full functionality of downhole devices while achieving accurate depth correlation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses gamma radiation as an intermediary to transfer position information without physical contact. The radioisotope source in the marker assembly emits gamma rays that penetrate the wellbore environment and are detected remotely, enabling measurement without impeding device functionality

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Productivity

If incorrect location operations are performed, then operations can proceed, but well damage occurs and rig time is wasted

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverig time efficiencyVSAvoidwell integrity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs preliminary position verification using the marker assembly and gamma ray correlation method before conducting downhole operations. This advance measurement ensures tools are correctly positioned, preventing well damage and avoiding the need for corrective operations that would waste rig time

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the gamma ray detection system continuously monitors tool position relative to the marker assembly. This real-time position information allows operators to verify correct location before operations, preventing well damage and ensuring efficient use of rig time

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

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

The system enables accurate and efficient determination of downhole tool position, reducing the risk of well damage and improving operational efficiency by eliminating the need for surface equipment manipulation during measurement acquisition.

Implementation Method 1

a marker, wherein the marker emits a signal measured by the sensor module

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRadioactive decay: Radioactive Decay

Data Source

PatentUS12221877B2Position measurement system for correlation array

Publication Date: 2025.02.11 HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES INC

AI summary

This disclosure may generally relate to operations performed in a wellbore. More particularly, systems and methods may be provided for measuring the position of a tool and/or tubular string downhole. The present disclosure may be able to determine an accurate position change in a downhole tool without requiring surface equipment manipulation during measurement acquisition. A position measurement system may comprise a position measurement tool, wherein the position measurement tool comprises a sensor module and a telemetry module; and a marker, wherein the marker emits a signal measured by the sensor module.