Seismo-Electromagnetic Drilling Tool for Real-Time Medium Characterization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional drilling operations face challenges in characterizing medium properties such as pore fluid pressures and geological formations before drilling, leading to uncertainties and inefficiencies, especially in depleted reservoirs where pore pressure distribution is unknown until the drill bit penetrates the medium.
Innovation Solution
A drilling system equipped with a tool at the end of a drill string that emits focused acoustic and/or elastic energy into the medium using pressure sources, generating electromagnetic signals through seismo-electromagnetic conversion, which are detected by sensors to provide real-time information on medium properties ahead of the drill bit, enabling more accurate risk assessment and operational adjustments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If surface-based seismic measurements are used to survey the medium, then the survey coverage is extensive, but the measurement precision of medium properties (such as pore fluid pressures) is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces conventional mechanical surface-based seismic measurement systems with an electromagnetic sensing system that detects seismo-electromagnetic signals generated during drilling. The electromagnetic sensor detects signals generated by the interaction between drilling-induced seismic waves and the medium, providing more precise measurements of medium properties including pore fluid pressures while maintaining comprehensive survey coverage through the drilling operation itself.
2Productivity
If drilling operations proceed without prior knowledge of pore pressure distribution, then drilling can commence, but drilling risks increase due to uncertainties in medium properties
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where electromagnetic sensors continuously detect seismo-electromagnetic signals during drilling operations. These signals provide real-time information about medium properties such as pore fluid pressures ahead of the drill bit. The drilling operation proceeds continuously while the system continuously monitors and provides feedback on medium conditions, enabling dynamic risk assessment and operational adjustments without interrupting the drilling process.
3Device complexity
If conventional surveying methods are used, then the process is simple, but the ability to detect and measure medium properties accurately is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces seismo-electromagnetic conversion as an intermediary mechanism that translates mechanical drilling-induced seismic waves into detectable electromagnetic signals. The electromagnetic sensor detects these converted signals, which carry information about medium properties. This intermediary approach enables accurate detection of medium properties without requiring complex direct measurement equipment, as the seismo-electromagnetic conversion process naturally transforms the mechanical drilling interaction into measurable electromagnetic form.
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 localized characterization of medium properties, reducing drilling risks and improving operational efficiency by providing real-time data for informed decision-making during drilling operations, thereby enhancing the predictability and cost-effectiveness of drilling processes.
Implementation Method 1
a sensor positioned within the tool. The sensor is configured to detect an electromagnetic or electrostatic signal generated by seismo-electromagnetic or seismo-electric conversion at the one or more predetermined positions
Implementation Method 2
determining propagation of acoustic and/or elastic waveforms from one or more predetermined positions in a medium based on a predetermined acoustic and/or elastic model of the medium
Implementation Method 3
time-reversing the modeled signals to calculate a time-reversed signal for each location of the of the two or more pressure sources, and emitting the time-reversed signal from each of the two or more pressure sources to generate focused acoustic and/or elastic energy at each of the one or more predetermined positions
Implementation Method 4
emitting acoustic and/or elastic energy into a medium from at least one of two or more pressure sources positioned within a tool attached to an end of a drill string to generate reflected acoustic and/or elastic signals from the medium and measuring the reflected acoustic and/or elastic signals with one or more pressure sensors positioned within the tool
Data Source
AI summary
Drilling systems and related methods are disclosed. A drilling systems may include a tool configured to be positioned at an end of a drill string adjacent a drill bit, and the tool may be configured to detect localized seismo-electromagnetic conversion from one or more predetermined positions within a medium ahead of the drill bit. The tool may include two or more pressure sources configured to generate focused acoustic and/or elastic energy at the one or more predetermined positions to generate the localized seismo-electric conversion.