Sensor Assembly for Surface Pulser Verification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current Logging While Drilling (LWD) and Measuring While Drilling (MWD) operations face challenges in validating the operation of logging tools before they are installed in a drill collar, leading to potential failures and significant rig downtime due to undetected issues in the tools before they are lowered into the wellbore.
Innovation Solution
A system and method utilizing a sensor assembly proximate to the pulser of a logging tool outside the wellbore to detect changes in a detectable object, convert these changes into synthetic pressure pulses, and transmit them to a data acquisition computer for comparison with expected pressure pulses, allowing for the verification of the tool's operation without the need for actual pressure pulses to be generated in the drilling fluid.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If logging tools are tested inside the wellbore using actual pressure pulses, then the reliability of tool operation is improved, but the loss of time and productivity worsen due to repeated tripping operations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by enabling logging tools to be tested on the surface before being deployed into the wellbore. The test system allows validation of pulser operation and pressure pulse generation capability outside the wellbore, so that defective tools can be identified and replaced before costly tripping operations are required.
2Loss of time
If logging tools are tested on the surface outside the wellbore, then the loss of time is reduced, but the reliability of testing worsens due to inability to simulate actual downhole conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses an intermediary approach by introducing a fluid coupling mechanism that simulates the downhole environment on the surface. The test system employs a fluid-filled chamber and pressure transducer that replicate the mechanical and hydraulic conditions of actual wellbore operation, allowing accurate validation of pulser performance without requiring in-wellbore testing.
3Measurement precision
If complex logging tools are used to provide vital drilling information, then the measurement precision is improved, but the device complexity worsens increasing the likelihood of component failure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by implementing a comprehensive test system that validates the operation of complex logging tools before deployment. The system specifically tests the pulser component, pressure pulse generation, and signal transmission capability on the surface, allowing identification and replacement of defective complex components before they fail during actual drilling operations.
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 the testing and verification of logging tool operations outside the wellbore, reducing the risk of tool failure and rig downtime by simulating downhole conditions, ensuring the tool's integrity before installation, and providing a detailed report on the tool's health and readiness for deployment.
Implementation Method 1
emulating pressure pulses from the pulser by converting, via the sensor assembly, the detected pulser operation into synthetic pressure pulses
Data Source
AI summary
A system including a logging tool that comprises a pulser, and a sensor assembly removably attached the pulser while the logging tool is outside of a wellbore, where the logging tool operates the pulser and causes change of a detectable object in the pulser, wherein the sensor assembly detects change of the detectable object and transmits a signal to a data acquisition computer that is representative of the detected change. A method including operations of removably attaching a sensor assembly to a body of a pulser of a logging tool, detecting operation of the pulser via the sensor assembly, and emulating pressure pulses from the pulser by converting, via the sensor assembly, the detected pulser operation into synthetic pressure pulses.