Pulsed-Power Drilling Dielectric Mapping via Electromagnetic Sensors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current pulsed-power drilling technologies face challenges in accurately mapping dielectric properties of rock formations during electrocrushing drilling operations, which affects the efficiency and effectiveness of wellbore formation in subterranean rock for hydrocarbon recovery.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a pulsed-power drilling system with integrated sensor analysis that uses high-energy electrical pulses and electromagnetic sensors to record responses, converting them into measurements for determining dielectric values and average directions of electrical arcs, enabling real-time dielectric mapping and optimization of drilling fluid properties.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If pulsed-power drilling is used to fracture rock formations, then drilling efficiency is improved, but the ability to accurately map dielectric properties during drilling deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces electromagnetic sensors as intermediary devices that detect electromagnetic responses generated during pulsed-power drilling. These sensors act as mediators between the drilling process and dielectric property measurement, allowing simultaneous drilling and mapping without direct interference between the two functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The drilling system is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: the pulsed-power electrodes serve both to fracture the rock formation and to generate electromagnetic signals for dielectric mapping. This multi-functionality allows the system to maintain drilling efficiency while enabling accurate dielectric property measurement through the electromagnetic responses.
2Loss of information
If electromagnetic sensors are integrated during pulsed-power drilling, then dielectric mapping capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The existing pulsed-power electrodes are utilized for dual purposes: rock fracture and electromagnetic signal generation. This eliminates the need for separate excitation sources, reducing overall system complexity despite adding sensing capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The drilling system generates its own electromagnetic signals through the pulsed-power operation, which are then detected by the electromagnetic sensors. This self-service approach eliminates the need for external signal sources and simplifies the system architecture while enabling dielectric mapping.
3Loss of time
If real-time measurements are taken during drilling, then drilling operation optimization is improved, but measurement reliability deteriorates due to harsh downhole conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical contact-based measurement methods with electromagnetic sensing. Electromagnetic fields can penetrate the harsh downhole environment without physical contact, providing reliable real-time measurements despite temperature, pressure, and chemical conditions that would compromise mechanical sensors.
Solution Approach 2:
Electromagnetic fields serve as intermediaries that transmit information from the rock formation and drilling fluid through the harsh downhole environment to surface or near-surface sensors. This intermediary approach maintains measurement reliability by avoiding direct exposure of sensitive measurement components to extreme conditions.
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 allows for precise dielectric mapping and improved drilling efficiency by providing real-time data for modifying drilling operations, enhancing the ability to fracture rock formations and recover hydrocarbons effectively.
Implementation Method 1
repeatedly applies a high electric potential across the electrodes of a pulsed-power drill bit, which ultimately causes the surrounding rock to fracture
Implementation Method 2
Electrocrushing drilling uses pulsed-power technology to drill a wellbore in a rock formation
Implementation Method 3
electromagnetic sensors to record responses, converting them into measurements for determining dielectric values
Data Source
AI summary
In some embodiments, a downhole drilling system may include a pulse-generating circuit, a drill bit including a first pair of electrodes electrically coupled to the pulse-generating circuit to receive a first electrical pulse from the pulse-generating circuit and form a first electrical arc between the first pair of electrodes during a pulsed drilling operation. The system further includes a sensor to record responses to the first electrical pulse during the pulsed drilling operation and a sensor analysis system communicatively coupled to the sensor, where the sensor analysis system is configured to obtain a first measurement from the sensor representing the responses recorded by the sensor during the pulsed drilling operation. Additionally, the system may determine a first value of a dielectric constant associated with a portion of a formation in proximity to the drill bit, where the first value of the dielectric constant is based on the first measurement.