Magnetic Ranging While Rotating Downhole Tool
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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 acquiring measurements close to the drill bit while drilling, especially due to the rotation of the drill bit.
Innovation Solution
A method using a downhole drilling tool with a magnetometer and accelerometer set that can acquire and process magnetic field measurements while rotating, allowing for real-time magnetic ranging during drilling operations by transforming the measurements into a rotation-independent reference frame to compute distance and direction to a target well.
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 deteriorates due to halted operations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by enabling magnetic ranging measurements to be taken while the drill string is rotating during drilling operations, rather than requiring the drill string to be stationary. The system uses multiple magnetometers positioned at different locations around the drill string to capture magnetic field data from rotating positions, then processes these measurements to compute accurate ranging information to target wells. This dynamic measurement approach allows continuous drilling operations to proceed without interruption while still obtaining the necessary magnetic ranging data.
2Loss of time
If magnetic ranging measurements are made close to the drill bit while rotating, then early course adjustment notification is improved, but measurement reliability deteriorates due to rotation effects
Solution Approach 1:
The system positions magnetometers close to the drill bit in a rotating drill string and captures magnetic field measurements while the drill string rotates. Multiple measurements taken at different rotational positions are processed to compute ranging information, enabling early notification of course adjustments. The dynamic nature of rotation is utilized rather than avoided, with the system designed to handle and process data from rotating sensor positions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines measurements from multiple magnetometers positioned at different locations around the drill string to compensate for rotation effects. By merging data from multiple sensor positions and using processing algorithms that account for rotational movement, the system maintains measurement reliability while operating in the dynamic rotating environment close to the drill bit.
3Measurement precision
If multiple magnetometers are used to compensate for rotation, then measurement accuracy while rotating is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges measurements from multiple magnetometers positioned around the drill string to achieve accurate ranging information while rotating. The processing system combines data from these multiple sensors and uses algorithms that account for the rotational positions of each magnetometer, enabling accurate measurements without requiring an overly complex mechanical stabilization system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical stabilization systems with a computational approach. Instead of using complex mechanical means to keep sensors stationary or precisely track rotational position mechanically, the system uses multiple simpler magnetometers with electronic processing and mathematical algorithms to compensate for rotation and extract accurate ranging information from the combined measurements.
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 while drilling, maintaining drilling fluid circulation, and providing early notification of course adjustments, thus improving the efficiency and accuracy of wellbore navigation.
Implementation Method 1
The measured magnetic field may be induced in part by ferromagnetic material or an electromagnetic source (or sources) in the target well such that the measured magnetic field vector may enable the relative location of the target well to be computed
Implementation Method 2
The accelerometer measurements may be processed to determine a gravity vector and a tool orientation
Implementation Method 3
The magnetometer measurements may be transformed to a rotation independent reference frame to obtain rotation invariant measurements
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. The downhole tool includes a magnetometer set and an accelerometer set rotatably coupled to the tool. The magnetometer set and the accelerometer set acquire corresponding magnetometer measurements and accelerometer measurements while rotating. The magnetometer measurements are transformed to a rotation independent reference frame to obtain rotation invariant measurements which are in turn processed to compute at least one of a distance and a direction from the drilling well to the target well.