Rotary Steerable Gamma Sensor Pressure Sleeve Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing rotary steerable drilling systems lack accurate and timely gamma radiation measurements near the drill bit, hindering directional drilling precision due to non-rotating gamma sensors located far from the drill bit.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating scintillation detection sensors in a pressure sleeve assembly coupled to a rotating drive shaft within the rotary steerable tool, allowing for sensitive gamma radiation measurements at the rotating section, with optional shielding for directional measurements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If gamma detection sensors are housed in non-rotating parts of the drill string or located far above the drill bit, then the sensors are protected from rotational stresses and easier to install, but the measurement precision and response time for directional drilling decisions are degraded
Solution Approach 1:
The gamma detection sensor is nested within a pressure sleeve assembly that is itself nested within the rotating section of the rotary steerable tool. The pressure sleeve assembly rotates with the drive shaft, and the sensor is protected within this nested structure, allowing close proximity to the drill bit while maintaining sensor protection
Solution Approach 2:
The pressure sleeve assembly acts as an intermediary between the gamma detection sensor and the external environment. It provides a protective barrier while allowing the sensor to detect gamma radiation from formations, and its rotation with the drive shaft enables the sensor to be positioned in the rotating section near the drill bit
2Loss of time
If gamma detection sensors are placed in the rotating section near the drill bit, then the response time for directional drilling decisions is improved, but the sensors are exposed to rotational stresses and packaging becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The gamma detection sensor is nested within a pressure sleeve assembly that is itself nested within the rotating section of the rotary steerable tool. The pressure sleeve assembly rotates with the drive shaft, and the sensor is protected within this nested structure, allowing close proximity to the drill bit while maintaining sensor protection
Solution Approach 2:
The pressure sleeve assembly is designed to rotate dynamically with the drive shaft at rotational speeds up to 200 RPM. This dynamic rotation capability allows the sensor to be positioned in the rotating section near the drill bit for real-time measurements while the sleeve protects the sensor from rotational stresses
3Productivity
If the pressure sleeve assembly rotates at high speeds up to 200 RPM, then the gamma radiation measurements are obtained closer to the drill bit for real-time feedback, but the mechanical stresses on the sensor mounting increase
Solution Approach 1:
The gamma detection sensor is nested within a pressure sleeve assembly that is itself nested within the rotating section of the rotary steerable tool. The pressure sleeve assembly rotates with the drive shaft, and the sensor is protected within this nested structure, allowing close proximity to the drill bit while maintaining sensor protection
Solution Approach 2:
The pressure sleeve assembly provides beforehand cushioning and protection for the gamma detection sensor against mechanical stresses from high-speed rotation. The sleeve is designed to withstand rotational speeds up to 200 RPM, cushioning the sensor from direct exposure to centrifugal forces and vibrations before they can damage the sensor
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 quick and accurate steering decisions by providing precise gamma radiation data near the drill bit, improving directional control and wellbore placement efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
Incorporating scintillation detection sensors in a pressure sleeve assembly coupled to a rotating drive shaft within the rotary steerable tool, allowing for sensitive gamma radiation measurements at the rotating section
Data Source
AI summary
In accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure, a rotary steerable tool and a gamma sensor assembly are provided. These systems may include scintillation detection sensors mounted in a pressure sleeve assembly coupled to a rotating drive shaft and/or an electronics insert of the rotary steerable tool. The sensors may each be mounted in an atmospheric pressure environment within a respective pressure sleeve. The pressure sleeves may each rotate with the drive shaft and the electronics insert. The sonde-based arrangement of the systems may facilitate relatively high sensitivity measurements taken at a rotating portion of the rotary steerable tool. This may allow directional gamma measurements and bulk gamma measurements to be determined at the rotating section of rotary steerable tool.