Geosteering Drill Bit Inclination Control via Gamma Sensor Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current geosteering techniques face challenges in maintaining directional drilling within the target production zone during lateral borehole drilling, often resulting in delays and increased completion costs due to repeated upward and downward deflections, which can limit production and lead to the drill bit 'porpoising' outside the production zone.
Innovation Solution
A downhole tool configuration featuring a drill bit, a rotary steerable system, and a gamma sensor, pre-programmed with angular correction and multiplier values, allows for continuous adjustment of the drill bit's inclination to maintain the lateral borehole within the target zone by using gamma radiation data to determine the drill bit's location and apply correction values to steer it accurately.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If current geosteering techniques are used to evaluate downhole data, then directional drilling control is achieved, but delays occur and portions of the lateral borehole are located outside of the production zone
Solution Approach 1:
The system pre-programs multiple inclination correction values and their associated gamma radiation values into memory before drilling operations begin. During drilling, the system automatically compares real-time gamma sensor readings against these pre-programmed values to instantly determine the required correction, eliminating evaluation delays while maintaining precise directional control
2Reliability
If repeated upward and downward changes in borehole direction are made to stay in the production zone, then directional control is maintained, but completions costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs self-service automation where the rotary steerable system automatically adjusts borehole direction based on real-time gamma sensor data and pre-programmed correction values. This automated closed-loop control maintains reliable borehole positioning within the production zone while minimizing the frequency and magnitude of directional changes, thereby reducing completions costs
3Length of moving object
If downward deflection of the borehole is increased to reach target zone, then initial access is achieved, but production from regions of the production zone is limited or precluded
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements continuous feedback control by monitoring gamma sensor readings that indicate borehole position relative to the production zone. The rotary steerable system uses this feedback to automatically adjust inclination in real-time, ensuring the borehole maintains optimal positioning within the production zone throughout lateral drilling, thereby maximizing production zone coverage while achieving necessary depth
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 solution enables precise control over directional drilling, reducing the likelihood of the drill bit leaving the production zone and minimizing completion costs by continuously adjusting the drill bit's inclination in real-time, maintaining the borehole within a specific range of the target zone.
Implementation Method 1
using the gamma sensor to obtain gamma radiation values, evaluate the gamma radiation in the area of said target zone
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a downhole tool and method suitable for geosteering within a lateral formation. The downhole tool includes a gamma sensor for monitoring gamma radiation within the lateral formation. The method provides for monitoring of the location of the drill bit or a RSS within a borehole and correcting the angle of inclination to maintain the drill bit or RSS within the target zone of the lateral formation.