Off-site Assembled MWD BHA with Sensor-Triggered Telemetry
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current Measurement While Drilling (MWD) systems require on-site assembly and testing, which is hazardous and counter to the goal of automating drilling operations, as it necessitates the presence of multiple workers and can lead to accidents due to the risk of battery explosions and electrical damage.
Innovation Solution
An improved MWD system that can be assembled and tested off-site, featuring a drill bit, downhole telemetry system, and sensors that use physical parameter monitoring to determine deployment conditions, automatically powering up and activating data transmission to the surface, thus reducing the need for on-site workers and enhancing safety.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If MWD systems are assembled and tested on-site, then the system can be deployed immediately, but the risk of battery explosions and electrical damage increases, requiring multiple workers and reducing safety
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by assembling and testing the MWD system components off-site before deployment. The BHA is configured with sensors and telemetry systems that are pre-assembled and tested in a controlled environment, eliminating the need for hazardous on-site assembly operations and reducing the risk of accidents during deployment.
2Adaptability or versatility
If MWD systems require on-site assembly and testing, then the system can be customized for specific wells, but the number of workers required increases and automation goals are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements universality by designing a modular BHA system with standardized components that can be assembled off-site and then deployed across multiple wells. The system maintains adaptability through configurable sensors and telemetry parameters that can be adjusted for different well conditions without requiring complete reassembly, thus supporting automation while preserving customization capabilities.
3Reliability
If MWD systems are assembled off-site, then safety is improved and automation is enhanced, but the system must be transported to the drill site
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the MWD system into modular components (BHA, sensors, telemetry systems) that can be assembled and tested separately off-site. This modular approach facilitates easier transportation to the drill site while maintaining system integrity and reducing logistics complexity compared to transporting a fully assembled system.
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 solution allows for safer and more efficient MWD system deployment, reducing the risk of accidents and enabling automation by allowing the system to be fully assembled and tested in a controlled environment, with reduced structural stress on components and improved reliability during drilling operations.
Implementation Method 1
a sensor configured for monitoring at least one physical parameter of the BHA
Implementation Method 2
a downhole telemetry system for communicating drilling information to the surface
Data Source
AI summary
An MWD system with a BHA sensor assembly that can be assembled and tested off-site and then transported to the field and that requires fewer on-site workers to install and operate the system. The BHA sensor assembly can include a sensor for monitoring at least one physical parameter of the BHA and a processor for collecting the data from the sensor, analyzing the data to determine whether a physical condition has been met, and, if so, activating the telemetry system to begin transmitting drilling information to the surface. In some embodiments, a determination that a physical condition has been met can be used to activate or discontinue local logging of data to memory. Data from sensors can also be used to trigger a modification of the types and/or rates of data that are transmitted to the surface and/or logged to memory.