Toroidal Receiver Mandrel Current Electromagnetic Ranging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electromagnetic ranging tools in subterranean operations face challenges in accurately determining the location and direction of a target wellbore, particularly in deep well interception or avoidance applications, due to the influence of formation resistivity and local disturbances on the received signal.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating the measurement of mandrel current into the inversion algorithm of electromagnetic induction tools using a toroidal receiver, which serves as a stable reference for excitation normalization and provides additional information on downhole parameters like formation resistivity and target well distance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If electromagnetic ranging tools use conventional signal measurement methods, then the tool structure remains simple, but the measurement precision deteriorates due to formation resistivity and local disturbances
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a toroidal receiver as an intermediary device that measures mandrel current, which serves as a stable reference signal. This intermediary measurement indirectly provides information about the excitation state without being directly affected by formation resistivity or local disturbances, thereby improving ranging precision without significantly complicating the tool structure
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback by using the measured mandrel current to normalize the received signal in the inversion algorithm. The measured current provides real-time information about the excitation state, which is fed back into the processing algorithm to compensate for variations and improve measurement accuracy
2Reliability
If electromagnetic ranging tools incorporate additional measurements like mandrel current, then the robustness of inversion algorithms improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The toroidal receiver serves multiple functions: it measures the mandrel current for normalization purposes, provides information about the excitation state, and can potentially be used for other electromagnetic measurements. This multi-functionality justifies the added complexity by providing multiple benefits from a single additional component
3Manufacturing precision
If electromagnetic ranging tools measure mandrel current using a toroidal receiver, then the accuracy of distance and direction calculations improves, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The toroidal receiver is designed to be mounted around the mandrel in a nested configuration, where the receiver coil surrounds the mandrel structure. This nesting approach integrates the additional measurement capability into the existing tool architecture without requiring separate mounting structures or complex assemblies
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 robustness and accuracy of electromagnetic ranging by providing a new perspective on model parameters, improving the precision of distance and direction calculations in challenging subterranean environments.
Implementation Method 1
measuring a first signal using a toroidal receiver, wherein the first signal includes a mandrel current
Implementation Method 2
introducing a current through a transmitter into a subterranean formation
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for incorporating mandrel current measurements in deep ranging inversion. A method may include introducing a current through a transmitter into a subterranean formation, wherein the transmitter may be a component of an electromagnetic induction tool disposed in a wellbore, wherein the electromagnetic induction tool may comprise the transmitter, a toroid receiver, and a second receiver comprising a coil or electrode, wherein the transmitter, the toroid receiver, and the second receiver may be disposed on a tubular; measuring a first signal utilizing the toroid receiver, wherein the first signal may comprise a tubular current; measuring a second signal utilizing the receiver and determining at least one downhole parameter utilizing the first signal and the second signal.