Stoneley Wave Downhole Proximity Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for determining the distance to the bottom of a borehole are uncertain and prone to human error, as they rely on pipe counts and surface block positions, which can lead to slow and risky drill string lowering processes.
Innovation Solution
A downhole tool system that emits and detects Stoneley waves to calculate the distance to the borehole bottom using temporal measurements and processor calculations, minimizing the impact of the drill string during bottoming operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If pipe count and surface block position methods are used to determine drill string depth, then the measurement process is simple, but the measurement precision and reliability are poor leading to uncertainty and human error
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical measurement methods (pipe counting and surface block positioning) with an acoustic wave-based measurement system. Stoneley waves are generated by a downhole tool and detected by sensors to measure the distance to the borehole bottom, substituting mechanical operations with acoustic field-based measurement that provides continuous, accurate depth information without human intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces Stoneley waves as an intermediary medium to transfer measurement information from the downhole tool to the surface detectors. The acoustic waves propagate through the borehole fluid and interact with the borehole bottom, carrying depth information that can be precisely measured by detecting wave travel time and characteristics.
2Reliability
If the drill string is lowered slowly to minimize impact uncertainty, then the reliability of bottoming operation is improved, but the productivity of drilling operation decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements real-time feedback by continuously measuring the distance from the downhole tool to the borehole bottom using Stoneley wave detection. This feedback provides accurate depth information that allows the drilling system to control the lowering speed precisely, maintaining safe operation while optimizing productivity through informed decision-making rather than conservative slow lowering.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary measurement of the borehole bottom position using Stoneley waves before the drill string reaches the bottom. This advance knowledge of the target depth allows for controlled, optimized lowering operations that minimize impact risks while maintaining efficient drilling speeds, eliminating the need for excessively slow conservative lowering.
3Device complexity
If pipe count method is used to track drill string position, then the device complexity is low, but the measurement precision deteriorates due to human error and uncertainty
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical counting methods with an automated acoustic measurement system. Stoneley wave propagation and detection provide continuous, objective measurement of drill string position and borehole depth, eliminating human error in counting and recording while providing superior measurement precision through physical wave-based detection.
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 provides an accurate and reliable measurement of the borehole depth, enhancing safety and reducing costs by minimizing uncertainty and the risk of damage during drilling operations.
Implementation Method 1
a Stoneley wave emitter, located in a downhole tool, designed to emit Stoneley waves into a borehole
Implementation Method 2
calculating a distance from the downhole tool or a bottom-hole assembly to the bottom of the borehole based at least in part on the temporal measurement
Data Source
AI summary
A downhole tool system may include a Stoneley wave emitter, located in a downhole tool, designed to emit Stoneley waves into a borehole. The downhole tool system may include one or more Stoneley wave sensors, located in the downhole tool, and a processor. The processor may be designed to receive signals from the one or more Stoneley wave sensors based on the detection of the Stoneley waves. The processor may use the signals to obtain a temporal measurement of the Stoneley waves. Based at least in part on the temporal measurement, the processor may calculate a distance from the downhole tool or a bottom-hole assembly to the bottom of the borehole.