Downhole Tool Universal Joint for Wellbore Gauge and Dogleg Severity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for measuring wellbore gauge and dogleg severity during subterranean drilling lack redundancy and precision, limiting their effectiveness in real-time automated drilling and logging while drilling applications.
Innovation Solution
A downhole tool with first and second axially spaced stabilizers coupled to a universal joint is deployed, allowing measurements of axial directions and tilt angles to estimate wellbore gauge and dogleg severity by processing changes in these parameters, enabling real-time measurement of wellbore diameter and curvature during drilling or reaming.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional methods for measuring wellbore gauge and dogleg severity are used, then measurement capability is provided, but measurement precision and redundancy are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The downhole tool is divided into multiple tool body sections (first tool body section, second tool body section) coupled by a universal joint, with stabilizers distributed at different axial positions. This segmentation allows independent measurement of axial directions at multiple locations, enabling both precise gauge measurement and redundant dogleg severity calculation through multiple measurement paths.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple measurement functions into a single downhole tool assembly. The same stabilized tool structure with universal joint and multiple stabilizers is used to measure both wellbore gauge (through axial direction changes) and dogleg severity (through tilt angle changes), providing redundant measurements and improved precision for both parameters simultaneously.
2Measurement precision
If multiple stabilizers and universal joint are added to improve measurement precision, then measurement accuracy improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The universal joint serves multiple functions: it connects the first and second tool body sections, allows relative tilting for dogleg severity measurement, and enables the stabilizers to contact the wellbore wall at various positions for gauge measurement. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components for each measurement type, thereby limiting complexity increase.
Solution Approach 2:
The stabilizers naturally contact the wellbore wall during normal drilling operations, and this contact automatically provides the measurement data needed for both gauge and dogleg severity calculations. The tool structure uses its own operational movements (tilting, stabilizer contact) to generate measurement signals without requiring additional active measurement mechanisms, reducing overall system complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods for measuring wellbore gauge and dogleg severity are disclosed. The methods include deploying a downhole tool in a subterranean wellbore. The downhole tool includes first and second axially spaced stabilizers deployed on at least one tool body section coupled to a universal joint. The method for measuring wellbore gauge further includes measuring first and second axial directions of the tool body section when the universal joint is tilted in corresponding first and second cross-axial directions and processing the first and second measured axial directions to estimate the wellbore gauge. The method for measuring dogleg severity further includes measuring first and second tilt angles of the universal joint when the universal joint is tilted in corresponding first and second cross-axial directions and then processing the first and second measured tilt angles to estimate the dogleg severity.