Walkover Locator Yaw Sensing for Accurate Dipole Field Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for locating inground tools using dipole electromagnetic signals are complex, prone to inaccuracies due to terrain limitations, and fail to accurately determine the actual position of locate points, often leading to confusion and limited visualization of the drilling environment.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing a walkover locator with a triaxial antenna, yaw sensor, and GPS module to measure flux components and yaw orientation, enabling accurate determination of locate points and displaying their relative positions in three dimensions, distinguishing between front and rear locate points, and providing guidance for positioning directly above the transmitter.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the multi-step process using locate points is followed to find the overhead position, then the location can be determined, but the process is complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the complex multi-step locate point process into a simplified single-step solution by directly calculating overhead position from dipole field measurements. Instead of requiring crews to find locate points, mark them, draw lines, and walk along lines, the system computes the overhead position mathematically from field data, eliminating unnecessary steps while maintaining accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical field-based locate point following method with a computational approach. Rather than physically tracing curved horizontal flux lines to locate points and then intersecting lines, the system uses mathematical computation to directly determine overhead position from dipole field measurements, substituting computational processing for mechanical field-following procedures
2Measurement precision
If locate points are used to determine overhead position, then location can be found, but the position is shifted away from the actual overhead point when the transmitter is pitched
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the measurement parameters from locate point positions to direct dipole field field strength and gradient measurements. By measuring the dipole field directly at the overhead position and using gradient information, the system can calculate the true overhead position even when the transmitter is pitched, avoiding the shifting problem inherent in locate point methods
3Ease of operation
If only the front locate point is used as a prediction, then the process is simplified, but the actual position of the transmitter underground is not determined
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal system that can determine both the overhead position and the actual underground transmitter position using the same dipole field measurements. The system simultaneously provides surface location information and subsurface tool position information, making the locating process multi-functional rather than limited to surface predictions only
4Measurement precision
If the horizontal flux line following method is used, then locate points can be found with remarkable accuracy, but the predicted location diverges from the actual location at distances
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes the mechanical flux line following method with a computational field measurement approach. Instead of tracing curved horizontal flux lines and using tangents that diverge with distance, the system directly measures dipole field parameters and computes positions mathematically, eliminating the cumulative error that occurs when following curved field lines over distance
5Ease of operation
If traditional two-dimensional display of locate points is used, then the interface is simple, but the overall drilling environment cannot be visualized
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from two-dimensional display to three-dimensional visualization of the drilling environment. The system displays the overhead position, locate points, and transmitter location in 3D space, providing operators with spatial context and environmental information that cannot be conveyed in flat 2D representations, while maintaining interface simplicity through intuitive graphical display
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
The system provides precise, three-dimensional localization of inground tools by accurately determining the actual positions of locate points and distinguishing between them, enhancing operational efficiency and reducing errors in drilling operations.
Implementation Method 1
a triaxial antenna for measuring flux components of the dipole electromagnetic signal
Data Source
AI summary
A locator includes a yaw sensor for measuring a yaw orientation of the locator and a triaxial antenna for receiving a dipole electromagnetic signal to generate flux components. A processor generates a relative yaw orientation characterizing a difference between the yaw orientation of the walkover locator and a reference yaw orientation of the transmitter and determines an actual position of at least one of the locate points relative to the walkover locator based on at least one measured set of the flux components, the relative yaw orientation and the measured pitch orientation of the transmitter. The locator can measure GPS positions of locate points at least for use in identifying an overhead position. Selected combinations of various positions and features relative to the transmitter and locator can be shown in isometric views. The locator can be configured for automatic switching between locating modes based on proximity to a plane of symmetry.