RFID Tagged Rock Cuttings Depth Analysis

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional methods for analyzing rock cuttings, such as collecting them in a shale shaker, are not applicable in underbalanced drilling scenarios using coiled tubing, as the cuttings are inaccessible in closed loop systems, necessitating an inline sensing system for accurate depth determination.

Innovation Solution

The use of RFID tags injected through a drill pipe to attach to rock cuttings, allowing for inline detection and labeling of well composite data with a specific depth using an RFID sensor and inline sensor system, enabling real-time data acquisition and enhanced formation evaluation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If conventional methods (shale shaker collection) are used for analyzing rock cuttings, then analysis can be performed, but the method is not applicable in underbalanced drilling scenarios using coiled tubing where cuttings are inaccessible

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveapplicability to underbalanced drilling scenariosVSAvoidaccessibility of cuttings

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

RFID tags serve as intermediaries that attach to rock cuttings and enable their detection and tracking through the drilling system. These tags allow the system to identify and analyze cuttings even when they are inaccessible in closed loop underbalanced drilling scenarios, bridging the gap between the cuttings and the detection system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces mechanical collection methods (shale shaker) with an electromagnetic detection system (RFID sensing). This substitution enables cutting analysis in scenarios where mechanical collection is not feasible, such as in coiled tubing underbalanced drilling, by using electromagnetic fields to detect RFID tags on cuttings rather than physically collecting them.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Measurement precision

If an inline sensing system is implemented to detect RFID tags on rock cuttings, then real-time depth determination is achieved, but the system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedepth determination accuracyVSAvoidinline sensing system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The RFID tags and sensing system are designed to perform multiple functions: they track cuttings depth, enable real-time identification, and facilitate formation evaluation. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate systems for each task, thereby managing complexity while achieving precise depth determination.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The RFID tags are passive and self-powered by the electromagnetic field from the reader, requiring no additional power supply or complex control mechanisms. This self-service characteristic simplifies the overall system complexity while enabling continuous real-time tracking of cuttings depth.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Productivity

If RFID tags are injected through drill pipe to attach to rock cuttings, then real-time analysis is enabled, but the system requires additional components and processes

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvereal-time data acquisition speedVSAvoidsystem components and processes

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

RFID tags are injected through the drill pipe in advance and attach to rock cuttings before they reach the detection point. This preliminary action ensures that tags are already in place when cuttings arrive at the inline sensor, enabling immediate real-time analysis without requiring additional processing steps at the detection point.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system utilizes the existing drilling fluid circulation system to transport RFID tags downhole and back to the surface. By leveraging the hydraulic already present in the drilling system, the patent avoids requiring separate injection and transport mechanisms, thereby reducing overall system complexity while enabling real-time tag delivery.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #29Pneumatics and hydraulics

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 accurate and real-time analysis of rock cuttings by determining their origin depth, facilitating improved formation evaluation and geosteering decisions, even in closed loop systems where conventional methods fail.

Implementation Method 1

RFID tags, which may be wirelessly and passively sensed by an RFID sensor

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRadio frequency identification (RFID): Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

carbon nanotubes disposed on the substrate to form a coil for wireless passive radio frequency identification of the RFID tag

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic resonance: Resonance

Data Source

PatentUS20240328311A1Methods and systems for evaluating rock cuttings using RFID tags

Publication Date: 2024.10.03 SAUDI ARABIAN OIL CO

AI summary

A method for evaluating rock cuttings using RFID tags involves injecting a first batch of RFID tags through a drill pipe to a first depth, attaching of at least a subset of the RFID tags to rock cuttings resulting from drilling activity, transporting the rock cuttings uphole, detecting the subset of the RFID tags attached to the rock cuttings, by an RFID sensor, determining well composite data based on the rock cuttings, and labeling the well composite data as being associated with the first depth.