Surface Magnetometer Drill String Dynamic Event Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional techniques for monitoring dynamic modes along a drill string are complex and require sensors along the drill string, whereas it is desirable to obtain dynamic state information without this complexity, using only surface or a combination of surface and downhole instrumentation.
Innovation Solution
Monitoring various signals using surface instrumentation, such as magnetometers and accelerometers, to establish reference signals for noise cancellation in MWD telemetry systems, allowing for the identification of drilling dynamic behaviors and event locations along the drill string by correlating noise sources with drilling dynamics, including electromagnetic, acoustic, and vibrational modes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If sensors are located along the drill string to monitor dynamic modes, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical sensor distribution system with an electromagnetic field-based detection system. Surface instrumentation measures electromagnetic signals generated by drill string dynamic modes, eliminating the need for physical sensors along the drill string while maintaining monitoring capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces electromagnetic fields as an intermediary between the drill string dynamic modes and the surface measurement system. The electromagnetic signals serve as a mediator that carries information about drill string vibrations and movements from the downhole environment to the surface instrumentation.
2Measurement precision
If distributed sensors are used along the drill string, then dynamic state information is obtained accurately, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the sensing function from the drill string itself and relocates it to the surface. By removing sensors from the downhole environment and placing them on the surface, the system eliminates the operational complexities of installing, maintaining, and protecting sensors in harsh downhole conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates electromagnetic signal copies of the drill string's dynamic states. Instead of directly measuring physical vibrations with contact sensors, the system captures electromagnetic signatures that replicate the dynamic behavior, providing accurate information without physical intervention in the drill string.
3Device complexity
If surface instrumentation only is used, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent adds the electromagnetic field dimension to the measurement system. By measuring electromagnetic signals in addition to traditional mechanical parameters, the system gains new information about event locations and characteristics, improving precision without adding physical sensors to the drill string.
Solution Approach 2:
The surface instrumentation system performs multiple functions: it measures electromagnetic signals, processes the data to identify dynamic modes, determines event locations, and provides real-time monitoring. This multi-functionality achieves high measurement precision while maintaining low device complexity.
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 identification of drill string events like whirl and contact with the casing, facilitating preventative action and discriminating between downhole and surface events, with surface measurements providing accurate location estimation of dynamic events along the drill string.
Implementation Method 1
a magnetometer on a drilling rig at an above-ground location such as on the draw works of the drilling rig or on a blowout preventer
Implementation Method 2
a mechanical sensor mounted on the drilling rig at a second above-ground location
Data Source
AI summary
Procedures are described for monitoring dynamics along a drill string during the drilling process using only surface instrumentation or using a combination of surface and downhole instrumentation. Events such as drill collar whirl may be identified from signatures found in signals generated by an electromagnetic sensor such as a magnetometer and/or from a mechanical sensor such as accelerometer. Additional embodiments are described.