Multi-Phase Drilling Device Distributed Sensing
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current deep sensing tools for subterranean operations, such as locating wellbores or hydrocarbon reservoirs, often require pre-existing boreholes or are confined to drilling, limiting their effectiveness and efficiency in deep sensing applications.
Innovation Solution
A multi-phase drilling device equipped with detachable phases and sensors that can operate without creating a borehole, using a wireline for communication and power, allowing for distributed sensing capabilities to measure formation properties and locate subterranean objects like blow-out wells without the need for a pre-existing borehole.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of stationary object
If wireline sensors are used for deep sensing, then sensing range is improved, but requirement for pre-existing borehole increases device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The drilling device is designed to perform multiple functions: it can both create boreholes and conduct distributed sensing operations. The device includes sensors that can detect formation properties and subterranean objects while the drilling phases are being deployed, eliminating the need for separate wireline sensor deployments in pre-existing boreholes.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensing capability is integrated into the dynamic drilling process itself. As the drilling phases are sequentially deployed and detached, sensors mounted on these phases continuously collect data along the borehole path, transforming a static sensing requirement into a dynamic measurement process that occurs during drilling operations.
2Measurement precision
If MWD sensors coupled to drill string are used, then sensing capability is improved, but device is confined to borehole construction reducing versatility
Solution Approach 1:
The drilling device with integrated sensors serves dual purposes: it constructs boreholes through the drilling phases while simultaneously performing formation evaluation and locating subterranean objects. This eliminates the need for separate MWD operations and enables the device to be used for both exploration and construction tasks.
Solution Approach 2:
The drilling device is divided into multiple detachable phases that can be sequentially deployed. Each phase can be equipped with sensors, allowing distributed sensing along the entire borehole path. This segmentation enables the sensing function to be separated from the drilling function, allowing the device to perform sensing operations independently of active drilling.
3Adaptability or versatility
If distributed sensing with detachable phases is implemented, then versatility is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into multiple detachable phases, each capable of being equipped with sensors. This segmentation allows the sensing capability to be distributed along the borehole path without requiring a completely complex integrated system. Each phase can be independently configured and deployed, simplifying the overall system architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensors are integrated within the drilling phases structure. The sensing components are nested within the mechanical phases that perform drilling functions, allowing dual functionality without requiring separate external sensor systems. This nesting reduces overall system complexity by combining multiple functions within a unified modular structure.
Data Source
AI summary
An example method for distributed sensing in a subterranean formation may include drilling to a first depth in the subterranean formation using a drilling device and detaching a first phase of the drilling device at the first depth. The first phase may include a first coil of line and a first sensor. The drilling assembly may drill to a second depth and decouple a second phase of the drilling device, with the second phase including a second coil of line and a second sensor. Measurements may be generated at the first and second depths using the first and second sensors, respectively.