Steerable Downhole Tool Navigation in Irregular Holes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for downhole tool navigation are inadequate in highly-deviated and horizontal open or cased holes with non-uniform diameters and irregular perimeter surfaces, leading to tool jamming issues.
Innovation Solution
A navigation apparatus comprising a body member, a steerable head member, a determining unit to calculate a transversal target position, and a steering unit to adjust the head member's position using sensors and actuators, allowing the tool to navigate through complex subterranean hole profiles by comparing acquired data with stored hole configuration data.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional navigation methods are used in highly-deviated and horizontal holes with irregular profiles, then tool deployment is simplified, but tool jamming occurs due to poor hole conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The navigation apparatus performs preliminary actions by acquiring hole profile data using sensors (ultrasonic, mechanical arms) before tool deployment, storing this data for later comparison. This preliminary mapping of the hole geometry allows the system to predict and avoid obstructions before the tool encounters them, preventing jamming while maintaining ease of deployment
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback by continuously comparing acquired hole profile data with stored reference data during tool navigation. The determination unit analyzes this comparison in real-time to identify deviations and obstructions, providing feedback to the steering unit which adjusts the tool path accordingly. This closed-loop feedback mechanism ensures reliable navigation through complex hole geometries while maintaining simple deployment procedures
2Ease of operation
If conventional navigation methods are used in holes with non-uniform diameters and irregular perimeter surfaces, then deployment process remains simple, but navigation precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The navigation apparatus applies local quality by using multiple specialized sensor types (ultrasonic sensors for distance measurement, mechanical arm sensors for contact measurement) that are optimized for specific measurement tasks. Each sensor type provides precise measurements for local hole conditions, and the determination unit integrates these local measurements to achieve high overall navigation accuracy in holes with varying diameters and irregular surfaces
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs parameter changes by comparing hole profile data across multiple parameters including diameter, perimeter irregularity, and geometric shape. The determination unit analyzes changes in these parameters between acquired data and stored reference data to identify navigation adjustments needed. This multi-parameter analysis maintains high navigation accuracy while keeping the deployment process simple
3Device complexity
If no real-time hole profile monitoring is implemented, then device complexity is reduced, but tool jamming risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The navigation apparatus achieves multi-functionality by integrating multiple sensor types (ultrasonic, mechanical arms) that can detect various hole conditions including obstructions, diameter changes, and perimeter irregularities. This universal sensing capability allows a single navigation system to handle diverse hole geometries and obstruction types, maintaining reliability without requiring multiple separate systems that would increase complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements self-service by having the determination unit automatically analyze the acquired hole profile data and generate navigation commands without external intervention. The steering unit autonomously adjusts the tool path based on real-time sensor feedback, enabling the navigation system to monitor and correct its own trajectory. This self-service capability ensures reliable tool navigation while keeping the device complexity manageable through automated decision-making
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 effective navigation of tools in challenging subterranean environments by preventing jamming and allowing precise positioning within the hole, including centering in main holes and entering lateral branches, enhancing tool deployment and operation in complex well conditions.
Implementation Method 1
The sensor unit may be configured to measure ultrasonic waves reflected from a perimeter surface
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and apparatus for navigating a subterranean tool comprising a body member and a head member steerably associated with the body member. A determining unit is configured to determine a transversal target position of a nose of the head member relative to the body member and a steering unit is configured to steer the head member relative to the body member so that the nose of the head member is located at the transversal target position.