Multi-Sensor Nuclear Density Measurement in Drill Bits
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for determining formation density during oil well drilling have low spatial resolution due to the distance between nuclear sensors, which can be improved but at the cost of measurement accuracy.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a first sensor in the drill bit and a second sensor distal from the first sensor in the bottomhole assembly to provide multiple nuclear measurements, with a processor to determine formation density from these measurements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the distance between the nuclear source and detectors is increased, then measurement accuracy is improved, but spatial resolution deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the measurement system into multiple sensor units positioned at different locations along the drill string. Each sensor unit independently measures formation density at its specific location, allowing the system to achieve both high measurement accuracy (through multiple measurements) and high spatial resolution (through close spacing of multiple sensors). This segmentation resolves the contradiction by replacing a single long-spacing measurement with multiple short-spacing measurements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a single-point measurement approach to a distributed measurement approach along the longitudinal dimension of the drill string. By positioning sensors at multiple axial locations (different positions along the drill bit and drill string), the system adds spatial dimensionality to the measurements, enabling simultaneous achievement of accurate density measurements and high spatial resolution through the combined data from multiple positions.
2Manufacturing precision
If multiple nuclear sensors are positioned close together, then spatial resolution is improved, but measurement accuracy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges data from multiple sensor units positioned at different locations along the drill string to produce a combined formation density log. Each sensor unit provides measurements with its own accuracy characteristics, and by combining these measurements through processing (such as averaging or weighted combination), the system achieves both the spatial resolution benefits of close sensor spacing and the measurement accuracy benefits of multiple independent 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
This approach enhances spatial resolution while maintaining accurate density measurements by combining data from both sensors, providing a more precise log of formation density.
Implementation Method 1
a first sensor in the drill bit configured to provide first signals for determining a first density of the formation proximate to the drill bit, a second sensor distal from the first sensor configured to provide signals for determining a second density of the formation
Data Source
AI summary
In one aspect, the present disclosure provides an apparatus for determining formation density. One embodiment of the apparatus includes a bottomhole assembly having a drill bit attached to end thereof for drilling through a formation, a first sensor in the drill bit configured to provide first signals for determining a first density of the formation proximate to the drill, a second sensor distal from the first sensor configured to provide signals for determining density of a second density of the formation, and a processor configured to determine the formation density from the first density and the second density.