Magnetic Ranging During Drill String Rotation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing magnetic ranging techniques require the drill string to be stationary, making them costly and time-consuming, and are not suitable for making measurements close to the drill bit while drilling, especially due to the rotation of the bit.
Innovation Solution
A method for magnetic ranging that involves a downhole drilling tool with a magnetic field sensor that measures the magnetic field vector while rotating, allowing for real-time computation of distance and direction to a target well, even when drilling fluid circulation is maintained.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If magnetic ranging measurements are made while the drill string is stationary, then measurement accuracy is improved, but drilling productivity is reduced and time is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by transitioning from static magnetic ranging measurements to dynamic measurements taken while the drill string is rotating. The system captures magnetic field data at multiple rotational positions and uses computational algorithms to process the dynamic data into accurate ranging measurements, thereby enabling continuous drilling operations without stopping for measurements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements continuity of useful action by enabling magnetic ranging measurements to be performed continuously during drilling operations rather than requiring intermittent stops. The system maintains uninterrupted drilling while simultaneously acquiring and processing magnetic field data to provide real-time well location information.
2Loss of time
If magnetic ranging measurements are made close to the drill bit while rotating, then the timeliness of course adjustments is improved, but measurement complexity increases due to rotation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-positioning magnetic sensors in the drill string assembly at locations optimized for measuring magnetic field variations. The system prepares the measurement apparatus in advance with sensors strategically placed to detect magnetic signatures of nearby wells, and pre-configures computational algorithms to process the rotational measurement data.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses an intermediary approach by introducing computational processing as a mediator between the raw magnetic field measurements taken during rotation and the final ranging results. The system employs algorithms that act as intermediaries to filter, analyze, and interpret the dynamic measurement data, converting complex rotational measurements into accurate distance and direction information.
3Productivity
If magnetic ranging is performed while maintaining drilling fluid circulation, then operational efficiency is improved, but measurement stability is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the extraction principle by separating the magnetic field measurement function from the drilling fluid circulation system. The system uses magnetic sensors that detect magnetic field variations independently of the drilling fluid environment, extracting the ranging measurement capability from potential interference sources while allowing drilling operations to continue uninterrupted.
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 magnetic ranging measurements to be acquired and processed during drilling, reducing costs and improving the timeliness of course adjustments by allowing measurements to be made close to the drill bit, even in rotating conditions.
Implementation Method 1
A downhole drilling tool is rotated in a drilling well in sensory range of magnetic flux emanating from a target well having an AC magnetic source deployed therein. The downhole tool includes a magnetic field sensor deployed therein. The magnetic field sensor measures a magnetic field vector while rotating.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for magnetic ranging includes rotating a downhole tool in a drilling well in sensory range of magnetic flux emanating from a target well having an AC magnetic source deployed therein. The downhole tool includes a magnetic field sensor deployed therein. The magnetic field sensor measures a magnetic field vector while rotating. The measured magnetic field vector is processed to compute at least one of a distance and a direction from a drilling well to a target well.