Instrumented Drillpipe with Casing Sensors for Deviated Well Monitoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Drilling operations in deviated oil or gas wells face challenges such as high frictional torques, mechanical stress on drill strings, and incomplete knowledge of conditions within the drill string, leading to inefficiencies and safety risks due to sedimentation and buckling phenomena.
Innovation Solution
A drillpipe with a profiled design featuring a casing with integrated sensors for measuring physical parameters like temperature, pressure, and acceleration, connected to a data transmission system, is used to monitor mechanical behavior and optimize drilling operations by providing real-time data along the drill string.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If bottom hole assemblies with measuring instruments are provided to understand events at hole bottom, then knowledge of bottom hole conditions is improved, but knowledge of drill string conditions remains incomplete
Solution Approach 1:
The drill string is segmented into multiple zones (first end, first intermediate zone, central tubular zone, second intermediate zone, second end) with sensors distributed at different locations. This segmentation allows measurement of conditions at multiple points along the drill string, providing comprehensive information about mechanical behavior, frictional torques, and operational parameters throughout the entire drill string assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
A casing is introduced as an intermediary component that houses sensors and data transmission means. The casing is fixed on the pipe at the central tubular zone and contains the measurement and communication equipment, protecting it while enabling data collection from the drill string interior conditions.
2Length of moving object
If drill strings are used in deviated bores to reach great depths and horizontal displacements, then exploration capability is improved, but frictional torques reach very high values compromising equipment
Solution Approach 1:
Sensors are installed in advance on the drill string before deployment, enabling real-time monitoring of frictional torques and mechanical conditions. This preliminary instrumentation allows operators to detect high frictional torque conditions early and adjust drilling parameters or procedures to prevent equipment compromise.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor system provides continuous feedback on frictional torques, mechanical stresses, and operational parameters along the drill string. This feedback enables real-time optimization of drilling operations, allowing adjustments to be made when frictional torques approach critical levels, thereby preventing equipment damage.
3Productivity
If drill strings rotate in deviated wells, then drilling operation is maintained, but frictional torques increase and mechanical stress on tubular components is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The drill string is pre-equipped with sensors that monitor mechanical stress and rotational conditions before deployment. This allows real-time detection of stress buildup during rotation in deviated wells, enabling preventive measures to be taken before mechanical failure occurs.
Solution Approach 2:
Continuous feedback on mechanical stress, torque, and rotational parameters is provided by the sensor system. This enables operators to optimize rotation speed, weight on bit, and other parameters to maintain productive drilling while keeping mechanical stresses on tubular components within safe limits.
4Measurement precision
If a profiled element with casing and sensors is added to the drillpipe, then measurement capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The drillpipe is designed with multi-functionality, serving both as a structural drilling component and as a platform for measurement and data collection. The casing houses multiple sensors and data transmission means, combining drilling, measurement, and communication functions in a single integrated system rather than requiring separate equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor system and data transmission equipment are nested within the casing, which itself is fixed on the drillpipe. This nested arrangement protects the sensitive measurement and communication equipment while integrating it into the existing drillpipe structure, minimizing additional complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A drillpipe for a drill stem to drill a hole. The drill stem includes a drill string and a bottom hole assembly. The drillpipe includes a first end having a first inertia, a second end having a second inertia, a first intermediate zone adjacent to the first end, a second intermediate zone adjacent to the second end, and a central substantially tubular zone with an external diameter smaller than the maximum external diameter of at least the first or the second end. A casing is fixed on the pipe over a portion of the external surface thereof, at least one physical parameter sensor is disposed in the casing, and at least one data transmission/storage mechanism is connected to the sensor output, the casing being disposed at a distance from the first and second ends, the casing being integral with the central zone at a distance from the first and second intermediate zones and having a smaller inertia than the first and second inertias.