Steering System Orientation via Magnetic Gradient Tensor

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Solution Overview

Problem

In directional drilling, inferring orientation parameters of a rotary steerable system from magnetic field parameters is challenging due to significant and unpredictable magnetic interference, especially when the azimuth of the rotary steerable tool is poorly defined, such as in nearly vertical orientations.

Innovation Solution

The system measures magnetic parameters above and below a flexible portion of the rotary steerable system to infer orientation parameters using advanced solving techniques and models, such as binary search methods, to provide accurate orientation parameters despite magnetic interference, without the need for additional equipment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If magnetic field parameters are used to infer orientation parameters of the rotary steerable system, then the measurement process does not require additional equipment, but the measurement precision deteriorates due to significant and unpredictable magnetic interference

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveequipment requirementVSAvoidorientation parameters accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces magnetic sensors positioned above and below the flexible collar as intermediary measurement points. These sensors measure magnetic field parameters at locations where the drill bit's magnetic interference has less direct impact, allowing indirect inference of the rotary steerable system's orientation parameters through mathematical modeling and data processing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces direct mechanical or gravitational sensing methods with magnetic field-based measurement. By using magnetic sensors to detect orientation parameters indirectly through magnetic field disturbances, the system avoids the need for additional mechanical sensors while still achieving the measurement objective, though with reduced precision due to magnetic interference.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Measurement precision

If magnetic sensors are positioned close to the drill bit to improve measurement accuracy, then the orientation parameters can be determined more accurately, but the magnetic interference from the drill bit increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveorientation parameters accuracyVSAvoidmagnetic interference

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the measurement system into multiple segments by placing magnetic sensors at different axial positions (above and below the flexible collar). This segmentation allows the system to capture magnetic field variations at multiple points, enabling mathematical differentiation and modeling to isolate the orientation-related magnetic signals from the drill bit's interfering magnetic field.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transitions from single-point measurement to multi-point spatial measurement by positioning sensors in different axial locations. This adds a spatial dimension (axial separation) to the measurement approach, creating a magnetic field gradient that can be analyzed to extract orientation information while compensating for drill bit interference through comparative analysis.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Length of moving object

If the rotary steerable tool operates in nearly vertical orientations, then the drilling can reach deep subterranean formations, but the azimuth definition becomes poor and orientation parameter inference becomes challenging

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewellbore depthVSAvoidazimuth definition

Core Design Contradiction:

Length of moving objectVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a feedback mechanism where magnetic field measurements from multiple sensor positions are continuously processed through mathematical models to infer orientation parameters. The system uses the measured magnetic field gradients and patterns to continuously update and refine the estimated azimuth and inclination, providing feedback control even in nearly vertical orientations where traditional azimuth reference becomes ambiguous.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

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 optimizes the operation of the steering system by accurately determining orientation parameters, enabling precise control of the drill bit path even in environments with substantial magnetic interference.

Implementation Method 1

a magnetometer and an accelerometer disposed on the rotary steerable system

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic field detection: Magnetic Field

Data Source

PatentUS10890062B2Inferring orientation parameters of a steering system for use with a drill string

Publication Date: 2021.01.12 HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES INC

AI summary

A method to steer a drill bit of a rotary steerable system within a wellbore can include introducing the rotary steerable system into the wellbore. The method can further include establishing a magnetic model associated with the drill bit. Magnetic field parameters are measured at various locations of the rotary steerable system. A magnetic gradient tensor of the magnetic field parameters can be determined. Orientation parameters are solved with respect to the magnetic model and based on the magnetic gradient tensor. The drill bit can be steered based on the calculated parameters.