Gyroscope Measurement Correction for Directional Drilling

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing directional measurement systems in drilling operations face challenges in accurately estimating directional parameters, such as true north and azimuth, due to environmental vibrations and magnetic interference, which affect gyroscope measurements and require bulky indexing mechanisms.

Innovation Solution

A method and system that deploy a borehole string with a gyroscope device and a magnetometer device, collecting data during rotation and correcting gyroscope measurements using magnetic field data to estimate directional parameters, allowing for accurate directional measurements without bulky indexing mechanisms.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If gyroscope measurements are used for directional parameter estimation, then directional accuracy is improved, but environmental vibrations and magnetic interference cause measurement errors

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedirectional parameter estimation accuracyVSAvoidvibrations and magnetic interference

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

A magnetometer device is introduced as an intermediary sensor to measure magnetic field variations caused by drill string rotation. These magnetic measurements serve as a reference signal to identify and correct gyroscopic measurement errors, thereby resolving the contradiction between maintaining directional accuracy and dealing with environmental interference

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements a feedback mechanism where magnetometer measurements are continuously used to detect and correct gyroscope drift. The corrected directional parameters are then fed back to the steering system, creating a closed-loop control that compensates for vibrations and magnetic interference in real-time

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Measurement precision

If indexing mechanisms are used to correct gyroscope errors, then directional measurement accuracy is improved, but device complexity and size increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedirectional measurement accuracyVSAvoidindexing mechanism complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces complex mechanical indexing mechanisms with a computational correction approach. Instead of physically indexing or repositioning sensors to correct gyroscope drift, the system uses magnetometer data and algorithms to mathematically correct the directional measurements, significantly reducing mechanical complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

Magnetic field measurements from the magnetometer serve as an intermediary reference that enables error correction without mechanical intervention. This intermediary measurement pathway allows the system to achieve accurate directional parameters through software-based correction rather than complex mechanical indexing

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Adaptability or versatility

If gyroscope devices are used in rotating systems, then directional parameter estimation is enabled, but measurement accuracy deteriorates due to rotation-induced errors

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverotating system compatibilityVSAvoidgyroscope measurement accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses magnetometer measurements as a feedback reference that is independent of rotation-induced gyroscopic errors. By continuously comparing and correcting gyroscope readings against the magnetic reference frame, the system maintains measurement precision while operating in rotating conditions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The magnetometer provides an intermediary measurement channel that is not affected by the same rotation-induced errors as the gyroscope. This dual-sensor approach allows the system to maintain accuracy in rotating systems by using the magnetometer as a stable reference frame

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 accurate estimation of directional parameters like true north and azimuth during drilling operations, reducing errors from vibrations and magnetic interference, and allowing for effective use of gyroscopes in rotating systems without the need for complex indexing mechanisms.

Implementation Method 1

the downhole component including a gyroscope device and a magnetometer device

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectGyroscope effect: Gyroscope

Implementation Method 2

collecting gyroscope measurement data from the gyroscope device and magnetic field measurement data from the magnetometer device

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic field detection: Magnetometer

Data Source

PatentUS11624274B2Correction of gyroscopic measurements for directional drilling

Publication Date: 2023.04.11 BAKER HUGHES OILFIELD OPERATIONS LLC

AI summary

A method of estimating a directional parameter of a downhole component includes deploying a borehole string in a borehole, the borehole string including the downhole component, the downhole component being rotatable, the downhole component including a gyroscope device and a magnetometer device. The method also includes collecting gyroscope measurement data from the gyroscope device and magnetic field measurement data from the magnetometer device during rotation of the downhole component, and estimating, by a processor, the directional parameter of the downhole component, where the estimating includes correcting the gyroscope measurement data based on the magnetic field measurement data.