Interleaved LWD Tool Instruments for Compact Drilling
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Solution Overview
Problem
The length of conventional logging-while-drilling (LWD) tools with multiple instruments restricts drilling trajectory and increases costs due to the need for longer drill strings, leading to depth synchronization issues and inefficient data comparison from sensors measuring different formation characteristics at different times.
Innovation Solution
The integration of multiple instruments into a compact, interleaved configuration within a single drill string section, allowing for nuclear magnetic resonance, resistivity, porosity, and gamma density measurements by positioning components such as NMR sensors and resistivity receivers in a way that mitigates interference and optimizes spacing for effective sensing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple instruments are added to the LWD tool to assess more formation characteristics, then the measurement capability is improved, but the tool length increases to eighteen meters or longer
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a linear arrangement of instruments along the drill collar to a three-dimensional interleaved configuration. Multiple instruments are positioned at different radial distances from the central axis and at different axial positions, utilizing spatial dimensions to pack more measurement capabilities into a compact tool length.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements nesting by placing instruments within the internal cavity space of the drill collar and by arranging instruments so that their components are nested within each other's spatial envelopes. This allows multiple instruments to occupy the same general volume without interfering with each other.
2Length of moving object
If the LWD tool length is reduced by incorporating fewer instruments, then the tool length decreases, but the amount and type of formation characteristics that can be assessed is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple instrument functions into a single integrated LWD tool by interleaving them in three-dimensional space. Instead of using separate tools or multiple drill collars, the invention combines resistivity, porosity, and other measurement capabilities into one compact assembly that can be deployed simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
By utilizing radial and axial spatial dimensions within the drill collar, the patent achieves high instrument density without increasing the overall tool length. The interleaved arrangement allows multiple instruments to share the same axial and radial space envelope.
3Adaptability or versatility
If sensors are placed in different drill collars to measure formation characteristics, then the measurement coverage is improved, but the total length and cost of the LWD tool increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple sensor functions that would traditionally be distributed across separate drill collars into a single integrated tool. The interleaved instrument configuration allows all sensors to be housed in one drill collar section, eliminating the need for multiple collars and reducing overall tool length.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal drill collar section that can accommodate multiple types of instruments simultaneously. This multi-functional design allows a single tool to perform various measurement functions that would otherwise require specialized separate tools or multiple collars.
4Measurement precision
If the transmitter and receiver are spaced apart for a finite length to effectively sense formation characteristics, then the measurement effectiveness is improved, but the individual sensor length increases leaving empty drill collar space
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves the length conflict by moving to three-dimensional spatial arrangement. Transmitters and receivers are positioned at different radial distances from the central axis and at different axial positions, allowing sufficient spacing for effective sensing while minimizing the overall tool length through efficient space utilization.
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 configuration reduces the overall length of the LWD tool, enhances data accuracy by minimizing interference, and allows for simultaneous or sequential NMR experiments, improving the assessment of formation characteristics while maintaining effective signal penetration and isolation.
Implementation Method 1
a nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) sensor module interleaved with a nuclear source and at least one nuclear detector
Implementation Method 2
a resistivity receiver module, a gamma density module, and a second resistivity receiver module
Data Source
AI summary
Logging-while-drilling (LWD) tools may include multiple instruments interleaved into a compact configuration in a single drill string section that may be capable of nuclear magnetic resonance, resistivity, porosity, gamma density measurements, or any combination thereof. For example, a LWD tool may include a drill collar section containing: a nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) electronics module and an NMR sensor module interleaved with a nuclear source and at least one nuclear detector.