MWD Tripping Indicator for Autonomous Survey Data Collection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for surveying wellbores are inefficient in accumulating data during the tripping process, as they rely on manual activation or communication that is disrupted when the drill string is pulled out of the wellbore, leading to data loss and increased battery consumption.
Innovation Solution
A system and method where a processor in the downhole assembly autonomously activates and controls survey instruments using sensors to measure parameters like acceleration and rotational speed, determining when the drill string is tripped out of the wellbore and operating the survey instruments accordingly, allowing for continuous data collection during this phase.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If survey instruments are operated continuously during tripping, then data collection is improved, but battery consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The survey instrument operation is made dynamic by continuously monitoring tripping indicators (accelerometers, rotary encoders) and automatically adjusting the instrument state between active and inactive based on detected tripping conditions, allowing adaptive data collection that responds to real-time wellbore conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses self-contained sensors and processors within the MWD system to autonomously detect tripping conditions and control survey instrument operation without requiring external signals, enabling the system to self-manage data collection and energy consumption based on internal sensor data
2Productivity
If manual activation methods are used, then device complexity is reduced, but productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements feedback loops where sensors continuously monitor wellbore conditions (acceleration, rotation), the processor analyzes this data to detect tripping states, and the survey instrument operation is automatically adjusted based on this feedback, creating a closed-loop control system that enhances productivity
Solution Approach 2:
Manual mechanical activation of survey instruments is replaced with electronic sensing and automated processing systems that detect tripping conditions through accelerometers and rotary encoders, substituting mechanical operations with electronic control to improve efficiency
3Quantity of substance
If survey data is collected during tripping, then quantity of survey data increases, but reliability of data quality may worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts survey instrument operation based on real-time detection of stable vs. unstable tripping conditions, activating data collection only when sensors indicate suitable conditions (minimal vibration, stable positioning) to ensure data quality while maximizing data volume during appropriate intervals
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 efficient and continuous data collection during the tripping process, reducing data loss and battery consumption by autonomously operating survey instruments based on sensor readings, ensuring comprehensive wellbore survey data is obtained.
Implementation Method 1
measuring a parameter of interest relating to a wellbore tubular in the wellbore, such as acceleration
Implementation Method 2
The survey instrument may be a gyroscopic survey instrument
Implementation Method 3
The survey instrument may be a magnetometer
Data Source
AI summary
A method for surveying a formation includes conveying a survey instrument into the wellbore; measuring one or more parameters of interest relating to a wellbore tubular in the wellbore; and operating the survey instrument after the measured parameter of interest indicates that the wellbore tubular is being tripped out of the wellbore.