UAV Magnetic Ranging for Subterranean Drilling Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current magnetic ranging methods for directional drilling are limited by the need for human operators to position surface-based magnetometers, which inhibits accuracy and speed, especially in inaccessible or hazardous locations, and fail to effectively track rotating magnets in horizontal drilling systems.
Innovation Solution
Utilizing a UAV-mounted tri-axial magnetometer to detect the magnetic field emitted by a rotating or stationary magnetic tool target, allowing for precise location determination of a subterranean drilling tool, with data processing on board the UAV or transmitted to a computer for automated or manual control of the drilling direction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manually positioned surface-based magnetometers are used, then the system can detect magnetic fields from drilling tools, but the speed and accuracy are significantly inhibited and human operators cannot easily access sensitive or rugged areas
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical positioning system with an automated aerial drone platform that carries the magnetometer. The drone uses flight control systems and GPS navigation to automatically position itself above the drilling site, eliminating the need for human operators to physically access difficult terrain while maintaining optimal detection distances for accurate magnetic field measurements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from ground-based magnetometer positioning to aerial positioning by deploying the magnetometer on a drone. This vertical dimension change allows the system to overcome terrain obstacles and access areas that are inaccessible to ground-based operators, while maintaining the required proximity for accurate magnetic field detection.
2Measurement precision
If the magnetometer is positioned closer to the drilling tool for better accuracy, then measurement precision improves, but the system becomes more complex and harder to deploy in inaccessible locations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple functions into the aerial drone platform: it serves as both the positioning system and the support structure for the magnetometer. The drone's flight control system, navigation capabilities, and payload suspension mechanism work together to automatically maintain optimal detection distances and angles, simplifying deployment while improving measurement accuracy.
3Measurement precision
If human operators manually reposition the magnetometer as the drilling tool moves, then continuous accurate tracking is possible, but the process is time-consuming and reduces productivity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements an automated tracking system where the drone independently monitors the drilling tool's position using magnetic field measurements and GPS data, then autonomously adjusts its own position to maintain optimal detection parameters. This self-service capability eliminates the need for manual intervention and allows continuous tracking without reducing drilling operation speed.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses real-time feedback from the magnetometer readings and GPS positioning to continuously adjust the drone's position and orientation. The flight control system processes magnetic field strength and direction data, compares it with target positioning parameters, and automatically corrects the drone's position to maintain optimal detection accuracy throughout the drilling operation.
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 high-speed and accurate directional drilling in challenging environments without human intervention, optimizing drilling paths and reducing the need for constant repositioning of magnetometers.
Implementation Method 1
The second component of a magnetic ranging system of this type in a typical directional drilling application is a receiver comprising a multi-axis magnetometer capable of the detection of the target magnetic field generated by the signal generator
Data Source
AI summary
The invention comprises a method of controlling the position of a subterranean directional drilling tool in relation to a desired subterranean drill bore path using a system including a directional drilling tool capable of drilling within an associated subterranean drill bore, the drilling tool having a control bus capable of receiving control inputs to control the operational drilling direction of the tool. Embodiments may also include a magnetic tool target attached to the drilling tool for emission of a detectible magnetic field. Embodiments may also include at least one UAV capable of controllably hovering or landing at a above-ground sensing location and including a tri-axial magnetometer capable of detecting the magnetic field emitted by the magnetic tool target and yielding detected magnetic field data from which the distance and position of the drilling tool in relation to the UAV can be determined.