Seismic-While-Drilling Tool with Synchronized Hammer and Geophone

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Solution Overview

Problem

Seismic-While-Drilling (SWD) operations face complexity and uncertainty in predicting subsurface formation properties and drilling hazards, necessitating improved systems for efficient and safe data collection during drilling.

Innovation Solution

A system comprising a drilling tool with a geophone and drilling hammer, synchronized by a seismic data processor to generate and sense seismic vibrations, determining subsurface formation properties and displaying data through a user interface, with the drilling hammer operating at frequencies from 5 Hz to 40 Hz and energy ranging from 100 J to 600 J.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If traditional seismic-while-drilling systems are used to predict subsurface formation properties, then depth control and hazard prediction are improved, but system complexity and operational uncertainty increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedepth control accuracyVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the drilling hammer and geophone into a single integrated drilling tool assembly. The drilling hammer serves dual purposes: performing mechanical drilling functions and generating controlled seismic impulses. The geophone simultaneously detects drilling vibrations and captures returning seismic vibrations from subsurface formations. This merging eliminates the need for separate seismic generation and detection systems, thereby reducing system complexity while maintaining measurement precision for depth control and hazard prediction.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The drilling hammer is designed as a multi-functional device that performs both mechanical drilling (breaking rock formations) and seismic impulse generation (creating controlled vibrations for subsurface imaging). The geophone similarly serves dual functions: monitoring drilling process vibrations and detecting returning seismic signals. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed, simplifying the overall system while improving measurement capabilities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Measurement precision

If seismic vibrations are generated at higher frequencies to improve resolution, then measurement precision improves, but energy consumption and equipment stress increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesubsurface formation data accuracyVSAvoiddrilling hammer energy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The drilling hammer operates by delivering periodic impact blows to the drill bit, creating a series of discrete seismic impulses rather than continuous vibration. This periodic action allows the system to achieve effective subsurface imaging while controlling peak energy demands. The hammer rests between impacts, allowing energy dissipation and reducing cumulative energy consumption compared to continuous high-frequency vibration generation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The system varies the frequency and energy parameters of the drilling hammer impacts based on drilling conditions and subsurface targets. By adjusting impact frequency within an optimal range and modulating impact energy, the system achieves adequate measurement precision for subsurface formation characterization while preventing excessive energy consumption and equipment stress that would result from consistently high-frequency operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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

Enhances the accuracy and safety of drilling operations by providing real-time subsurface formation data, reducing uncertainty and improving depth control and hazard prediction.

Implementation Method 1

The drilling hammer may be operable to generate an impact in a petroleum exploration environment comprising a frequency ranging from approximately 5 Hz to approximately 40 Hz and an energy ranging from approximately 100 J to approximately 600 J

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectImpact Force: Impact Force

Implementation Method 2

The geophone may be operable to sense seismic vibration at a frequency ranging from approximately 5 Hz to approximately 40 Hz

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSeismic Vibration Detection: Vibration

Data Source

PatentUS11480048B2Seismic-while-drilling systems and methodology for collecting subsurface formation data

Publication Date: 2022.10.25 SAUDI ARABIAN OIL CO

AI summary

A system for collecting subsurface formation data in a petroleum exploration environment includes a drilling tool and a subsurface formation data hub. A drilling tool may include drill pipe, a geophone, a drilling hammer, and a drill bit. The subsurface formation data hub may comprise a seismic data processor and a user interface. The seismic data processor may be operable to drive the drilling hammer at a frequency and an energy, synchronize the geophone to sense seismic vibration at a frequency, and determine subsurface formation properties. The user interface may be operable to display subsurface formation data. A method of collecting subsurface formation data in a petroleum exploration environment may include defining a drilling hammer frequency and energy, synchronizing a geophone to sense seismic vibration at a frequency, generating an impact in the petroleum exploration environment, receiving a returning seismic vibration at the geophone, and collecting subsurface formation data.