Spiral DAS Cable Rig Noise Near-Surface Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
During drilling operations, surface rig-generated noise is typically considered as interference in seismic-while-drilling datasets, masking valuable information about near-surface structures such as karsts, cavities, or faults, which are critical for safe drilling practices.
Innovation Solution
A distributed acoustic sensing (DAS) cable is positioned in a spiral configuration around the drilling rig to passively monitor rig-generated noise, using fiber-optic cables to record and analyze seismic waves, allowing for the identification of anomalies in the near-surface geology by interpreting backscattered laser pulses and generating velocity models through multichannel analysis of surface waves.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If surface rig-generated noise is filtered out during SWD data processing, then drilling operation data quality is improved, but valuable information about near-surface structures is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful rig-generated noise into a beneficial seismic source. Instead of filtering out the vibrations from drilling equipment, the system uses these same vibrations to probe and characterize near-surface structures. The noise becomes the signal needed for geological characterization, eliminating the need to choose between data quality and information preservation.
2Measurement precision
If DAS cable is positioned in spiral configuration around drilling rig, then near-surface structure detection capability is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a spiral configuration for the DAS cable around the drilling rig, utilizing curved geometry to achieve comprehensive spatial coverage. This spiral arrangement allows the cable to capture seismic waves propagating in multiple directions, improving the ability to detect and locate subsurface anomalies while maintaining a relatively simple single-cable deployment approach.
3Measurement precision
If passive monitoring of rig-generated noise is used for near-surface characterization, then additional seismic sources are eliminated, but measurement capability is improved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements passive monitoring where the drilling rig's own operational vibrations serve as the seismic source for near-surface characterization. Instead of requiring separate active seismic sources, the system utilizes the rig-generated noise already present during drilling operations, allowing the drilling equipment to serve dual purposes: both drilling operations and seismic data acquisition.
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 method effectively characterizes near-surface structures by distinguishing seismic waves from drilling rig noise, providing valuable information on subsurface geology and potential drilling hazards, enhancing drilling safety and efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
positioning a distributed acoustic sensing (DAS) cable in a spiral configuration layout around a drilling rig... The DAS cable is interrogated using multiple distributed fiber-optic sensing (DFOS) laser pulses
Implementation Method 2
the DAS cable includes a fiber-optic cable. The DAS cable is interrogated using multiple distributed fiber-optic sensing (DFOS) laser pulses
Implementation Method 3
different types of drilling rig equipment, for example, engines, mud pumps, shale shakers, vehicles, and generators, can be used to assist in drilling wells. These machines can create surface vibrations that induce seismic energy
Data Source
AI summary
Example methods and systems for near-surface characterization through passive monitoring of rig-generated noise are disclosed. One example method includes positioning a distributed acoustic sensing (DAS) cable in a spiral configuration layout around a drilling rig, where the drilling rig includes one or more pieces of drilling rig equipment, and the DAS cable includes a fiber-optic cable. The DAS cable is interrogated using multiple distributed fiber-optic sensing (DFOS) laser pulses during a drilling operation of the drilling rig. Multiple backscattered laser pulses are received from the DAS cable after the DAS cable is interrogated using the multiple DFOS laser pulses. A respective location of each of one or more anomalies in sub-terrain around the drilling rig is determined based on the multiple backscattered laser pulses.