Rate of Penetration Determination Using Sensor Arrays
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for determining the rate of penetration and rotation of drilling or logging tools in wellbores face challenges such as erratic movement, synchronization errors between uphole and downhole clocks, and insufficient precision for high-resolution measurements, leading to inaccurate depth and azimuth calculations.
Innovation Solution
A method and device that utilize sensor arrays to acquire and compare logging data frames at different time instants, calculating the relative change in depth and azimuth to determine the rate of penetration and rotation, and optionally correlating these measurements with surface data to correct for errors and improve accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional depth measurement methods (calibrated measure wheel or drill string length measurement) are used, then the depth can be determined, but the measurement precision is insufficient for high resolution measurements and the depth calculations become inaccurate due to erratic movement and synchronization errors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical depth measurement systems (calibrated measure wheel, drill string length measurement) with an electromagnetic field-based positioning system. Downhole transmitters emit electromagnetic signals that are received by surface equipment, allowing precise determination of tool position without mechanical contact or synchronization requirements. This substitution eliminates errors caused by cable stretch, drill string tension, and clock synchronization issues.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces electromagnetic fields as an intermediary between the downhole tool and surface equipment for position determination. Instead of directly measuring depth through mechanical means, the system uses electromagnetic signal transmission as a mediator to transfer position information, eliminating the need for direct mechanical coupling and its associated measurement errors.
2Measurement precision
If surface equipment measures depth using calibrated measure wheel or drill string length, then depth can be determined, but synchronization errors between uphole and downhole clocks introduce additional errors in logging data correlation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces time-based synchronization mechanisms with electromagnetic field-based position determination. By using electromagnetic signals to directly measure position at the surface, the system eliminates the need for synchronized clocks between surface and downhole locations, thereby preventing information loss from clock desynchronization errors.
3Reliability
If downhole assembly moves erratically (bouncing effects, sticking and releasing effects, friction), then depth determination becomes difficult, but traditional methods cannot accurately track the precise depth at any instant
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical depth tracking with electromagnetic field-based positioning that is independent of the tool's mechanical motion. The electromagnetic signals provide continuous position information that accurately reflects the tool's location even during erratic movement, bouncing, or sticking events, maintaining both reliability and precision.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and devices for determining a rate of penetration and/or rate of rotation for a drilling assembly or logging tool while drilling or logging a wellbore are provided. The methods can include the steps of:at respective first and second time instant, acquiring and storing a first logging data frame using a first array of sensors and a second logging data frame using a second array of sensors where wherein the logging data relate to at least one property of a zone surrounding the wellbore and the second logging data frame overlaps at least partially the first logging data frame;comparing the first and second logging data frames;determining a relative change in depth and/or azimuth between the first and second logging data frames; andcalculating the rate of penetration and/or rate of rotation based on the relative change in depth and/or azimuth determined and a difference between the first and second time instants.