Pulse Power Drilling Assembly Real-Time Formation Evaluation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Pulse power drilling operations face challenges in real-time formation evaluation and control due to delays associated with traditional logging while drilling tools, which can lead to inefficient drilling and potential drilling into undesirable formation zones.
Innovation Solution
A pulse power drilling assembly with integrated sensors and computing devices that measure and analyze electrical discharge parameters in real-time, allowing for immediate feedback and control adjustments without the need for additional downhole tools, enabling faster detection of formation changes and optimal drilling operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If traditional logging while drilling tools are used for formation evaluation, then formation characteristics can be determined, but there are delays in real-time feedback and control
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple measurement functions into the pulse power drilling assembly itself. The electrodes used for drilling also serve as measurement probes, and the control system integrates both drilling control and formation evaluation functions in a single integrated system, eliminating the need for separate logging tools and reducing feedback delays.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements real-time feedback by continuously measuring discharge parameters during drilling operations and immediately using this information to determine formation characteristics and adjust drilling parameters. This closed-loop feedback system eliminates the time delay associated with traditional post-drilling analysis.
2Measurement precision
If additional downhole tools are added for formation evaluation, then measurement capabilities are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pulse power drilling assembly performs multiple functions: the electrodes serve both as drilling tools and as measurement probes for formation evaluation. The same electrical discharge used to drill the formation also provides the measurement signal, allowing the system to perform both drilling and formation characterization without additional specialized tools.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the drilling function and formation evaluation function into a single integrated system. The control system processes both drilling control and formation analysis functions, eliminating the need for separate logging while drilling tools and reducing overall device complexity.
3Speed
If real-time measurement of discharge parameters is implemented, then formation changes are detected faster, but measurement and analysis requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses the electrical discharge parameters that are already inherent to the pulse power drilling process itself for formation measurement. By analyzing characteristics of the discharge that occurs during normal drilling operations, the system obtains formation information without requiring separate measurement activities or complex additional instrumentation.
Solution Approach 2:
The same electrical discharge used for drilling serves dual purposes: it performs the drilling function and simultaneously provides measurement information about formation characteristics. This multi-functional approach enables real-time detection without adding separate measurement systems or increasing operational complexity.
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 real-time formation evaluation and control, reducing drilling delays and improving operational efficiency by providing immediate feedback for adjusting drilling parameters, thus preventing unwanted formation penetration and optimizing drilling paths.
Implementation Method 1
Each discharge is designed to generate a high energy fluid in the form of a plasma in formation material at the bottom surface of a borehole. The plasma is a highly conductive, ionized gas containing free electrons and resultant positive ions from which the electrons have been disassociated.
Implementation Method 2
The injected energy carried by the plasma is expended as a mechanical fracturing force by heating the formation fluids within the formation material.
Data Source
AI summary
A first characteristic of a first discharge of electrodes of a pulse power drilling assembly in a borehole of a subterranean formation is determined. The first characteristic is based on a measurement of the first discharge. A second characteristic of a second discharge of the electrodes is determined. The second discharge occurs after the first discharge, and the second characteristic is based on a measurement of the second discharge. A difference between the first characteristic and the second characteristic is determined. A boundary layer of the subterranean formation is determined based on the difference.