Marker Signal for Subterranean Drilling Coordinate Drift
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Subterranean drilling operations face challenges with coordinate drift in both space and time due to deformation and temperature variations, leading to inconsistencies in bottom hole assembly positioning, which affects the accuracy and efficiency of wellbore construction.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that monitor drilling criteria at the surface and communicate a marker signal to the bottom hole assembly upon meeting specific conditions, allowing the assembly to determine its coordinates and maintain precise positioning through repeated signal communication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If the bottom hole assembly is advanced hundreds or thousands of feet below the surface in long non-linear wellbores, then drilling depth and horizontal distance are increased, but coordinate positioning drift occurs in both three-dimensional space and time
Solution Approach 1:
The system transmits marker signals from the surface down the drill string to the bottom hole assembly, providing feedback reference points that enable the BHA to correct its coordinate positioning drift. The BHA determines its coordinates by receiving these marker signals and compares them against its inertial measurements, allowing it to maintain accurate positioning despite long drilling distances and non-linear wellbore paths.
2Measurement precision
If logic elements and sensors in the bottom hole assembly are used for coordinate determination, then positioning capability is provided, but drift from absolute coordinate positioning occurs over time
Solution Approach 1:
The system establishes a known reference point at the surface by transmitting marker signals with predetermined coordinates. The bottom hole assembly uses these pre-established reference markers to periodically reset and correct its inertial navigation system, preventing cumulative drift over time and maintaining consistent coordinate positioning reliability.
3Reliability
If marker signals are transmitted down the drill string to the bottom hole assembly, then coordinate drift is mitigated, but communication system complexity is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The drill string itself serves as an intermediary medium for transmitting marker signals from the surface to the bottom hole assembly. By utilizing the existing drill string infrastructure and drilling fluid circulation system, the patent avoids the need for separate dedicated communication channels, thereby mitigating coordinate drift while minimizing additional system complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of subterranean drilling comprising monitoring at least one drilling criteria at the surface; communicating a marker signal to a bottom hole assembly of a drill string upon meeting a condition of the at least one drilling criteria; and repeating the marker signal at least two consecutive times the condition is met. In an embodiment, the marker signal can be repeated every time the condition is met. A system for subterranean drilling comprising a drill rig adapted to monitor at least one drilling criteria at the surface; a communication element adapted to communicate a marker signal to a bottom hole assembly of a drill string upon meeting a condition of the at least one drilling criteria, wherein the communication element is adapted to communicate the marker signal to the bottom hole assembly at least two consecutive times the condition is met.