Optical Toolface Offset Measurement for Downhole Tool Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for determining the angular offset between downhole tools in oil and gas well construction are inaccurate and prone to human error, requiring significant operational time and posing safety risks due to the need for personnel to manually align and measure components on the rig floor.
Innovation Solution
A projection device and method using a mount with clamps and a projection instrument to generate a beam of light, aligned with reference lines on downhole tools, and a detection sensor to accurately calculate the angular offset remotely, reducing human intervention and enhancing precision.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual alignment and measurement methods are used to determine angular offset between downhole tools, then the process can be performed with simple equipment, but the measurement precision deteriorates and human error increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical alignment and measurement methods with an optical projection system. A projection device projects a light beam along a reference line, and a sensor detects the beam's position to automatically calculate angular offset, eliminating manual measurement errors and improving precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The projection device creates an optical copy (light beam) of the reference line from the MWD tool and projects it to the downhole directional tool. This optical copy allows precise angular measurement without direct physical contact or manual alignment, reducing human error.
2Productivity
If personnel manually align and measure components on the rig floor, then operational procedures remain simple, but safety risks increase and operational time extends
Solution Approach 1:
The measurement system performs self-alignment and self-measurement functions. The projection device automatically projects the reference line, and the sensor automatically detects and calculates the angular offset without requiring personnel to manually align components or take measurements on the rig floor.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical beam serves as an intermediary between the MWD tool's reference line and the downhole directional tool. Instead of personnel directly measuring and aligning components, the light beam transmits the reference line information across the assembly, enabling remote and safer measurement.
3Adaptability or versatility
If additional downhole components are added between MWD tool and directional tool, then functional capabilities are enhanced, but the difficulty of detecting and measuring angular offset increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from direct linear measurement methods to optical projection in a different dimensional approach. By projecting a light beam that can traverse through or around additional components, the system maintains measurement capability regardless of the number of intermediate components in the assembly.
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
The solution provides precise angular offset measurements, minimizing human error, reducing operational time, and ensuring safer operations by allowing remote measurement, thus improving the accuracy and efficiency of well trajectory control.
Implementation Method 1
a projection instrument operatively coupled to the mount and operable to generate and convey a beam of light
Data Source
AI summary
A bottom-hole assembly includes a measurement while drilling (MWD) tool with a first reference line, a downhole directional tool operatively coupled to the MWD tool and arranged downhole therefrom, the downhole directional tool including a second reference line, a projection device securable to the MWD tool and including a mount that includes opposing upper and lower clamps, and a spacer extending between the upper and lower clamps, an instrument line provided on the mount and alignable with the first reference line and a projection instrument operatively coupled to the mount and operable to generate and convey a beam of light and a projection detection sensor securable to the downhole directional tool and aligned with the second reference line, the projection detection sensor being arranged to receive the beam of light.