RFID-Based Bent Housing Actuation for Directional Drilling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing directional drilling systems face delays and reduced hole quality due to the need to pull the drill string out of the wellbore to adjust the external bend of the bottom hole assembly, which is either fixed or requires surface-based adjustments.
Innovation Solution
An RFID housing actuation system that allows for remote adjustment of the bend angle of the bottom hole assembly by using RFID tags and a signal processing module to control a motor, enabling precise positioning of the drive shaft and drill bit without tripping the drill string.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the external bend of the bottom hole assembly housing is made adjustable, then the ability to control wellbore angle is improved, but the time required for adjustment increases due to the need to pull the drill string out of the wellbore
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical adjustment method (requiring physical access to the bottom hole assembly by pulling the drill string) with an RFID-based remote control system. RFID tags are positioned at different bend angle positions, and an RFID reader at the surface detects the tag position to control the bend angle remotely, eliminating the need to pull the drill string for adjustment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces RFID tags as intermediaries to represent different bend angle positions. Instead of directly manipulating the mechanical bend, the system uses RFID tags as mediators to communicate the desired bend angle position from the surface, allowing remote control without physical intervention at the bottom hole assembly.
2Device complexity
If the external bend of the bottom hole assembly housing is fixed, then the structural simplicity is maintained, but the hole quality and wellbore curvature control are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the fixed external bend from a static structure to a dynamic, adjustable component. The bend angle can be changed by selecting different RFID tags, allowing the system to adapt to different wellbore curvature requirements while maintaining a relatively simple overall housing structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables change in the bend angle parameter without changing the physical structure of the housing itself. By using RFID tags to select different angular positions, the system varies the operational parameter (bend angle) while maintaining the same structural simplicity.
3Ease of operation
If adjustments to the external bend require pulling the drill string out of the wellbore, then the adjustment capability is achieved, but the drilling productivity is reduced due to operational delays
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical operation of pulling and re-running the drill string with an electromagnetic RFID-based control system. The RFID reader detects the position of RFID tags and controls the bend angle remotely, eliminating the time-consuming mechanical adjustment process and maintaining drilling productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service adjustment where the bend angle can be modified without requiring physical intervention or removal of the drill string. The RFID-based system allows the bottom hole assembly to adjust its own configuration remotely based on the detected tag position.
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 adjustment of the wellbore angle from the surface, reducing drilling delays and improving hole quality by allowing for precise control of the drill bit's angle without the need to remove the drill string, thereby enhancing drilling efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
An RFID tag may be positioned on a piston that is slideably coupled to the housing assembly. The RFID reader may be for detecting the RFID tag in response to the RFID tag being in a detectable range of the RFID reader
Data Source
AI summary
An assembly usable with a bottom hole assembly in a wellbore can include a fixed housing member coupleable to a bent housing member at a housing coupling location. The bent housing member can rotate relative to the fixed housing member and can include an offset opening for receiving a drive shaft. The assembly can include an RFID tag positioned on a piston that is slideably positioned within the fixed housing member. An RFID reader can be positioned on the fixed housing member for detecting the RFID tag in response to the RFID tag being in a detectable range of the RFID reader. The RFID reader can also be for transmitting information about the RFID tag for controlling a motor to rotate and position the drive shaft at a selected angular position.