Real-time Wellbore Trajectory Correction via Force Sensors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current drilling technologies face inaccuracies in wellbore trajectory measurement due to misalignment, sag, or bending in the drill string, leading to errors in azimuth and inclination measurements, which affect the precision of hydrocarbon reservoir exploitation.
Innovation Solution
The method involves using sensors on the drill string to measure force parameters and wellbore diameters, which are then used to correct survey parameters in real-time or near real-time, enabling more accurate directional drilling by accounting for physical distortions in the drill string, such as sag or bending, through a processor programmed with mathematical models to predict and correct directional survey values.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If survey sensors are positioned along the drill string to measure inclination and azimuth, then the ability to define wellbore trajectory is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates due to sag and bending of the drill string
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces force sensors as intermediary devices to measure the sag and bending of the drill string. These force sensors detect the physical distortions caused by sag, and the measured forces are used to calculate correction values that compensate for the measurement errors in azimuth and inclination, thereby resolving the contradiction between trajectory definition capability and measurement precision
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where force sensor measurements are continuously used to correct survey sensor readings. The system measures the actual forces causing sag, calculates the corresponding angular deviations, and applies real-time corrections to the inclination and azimuth measurements, ensuring continuous improvement of measurement precision throughout the drilling process
2Manufacturing precision
If real-time correction of survey parameters is performed, then wellbore placement accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional sensors and processing requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the force sensors serve multiple functions: they measure not only the sag and bending forces for correction calculations but also provide data for real-time wellbore trajectory control and steering decisions. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated correction systems, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity while maintaining high placement accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the correction calculation function with the existing survey measurement system. The force sensor data is integrated into the same processing workflow that handles inclination and azimuth measurements, combining multiple correction functions into a unified real-time processing system. This integration approach minimizes additional complexity compared to having separate correction systems
Data Source
AI summary
A method for determining wellbore trajectory includes determining survey parameters in the wellbore; measuring force parameter(s) in the wellbore; and correcting the survey parameters using the measured force parameter(s). The downhole measured force parameters may include forces associated with an operation of a steering device such as an internal reaction force, and/or a bending moment. In variants, the method may include measuring a wellbore temperature; measuring a wellbore parameter in addition to the temperature; and correcting a survey parameter using the measured parameter and the measured temperature. These methods may include correcting survey parameters using measured wellbore diameters. Also, a processor in the wellbore may be programmed to perform the correction while in the wellbore and/or control a steering device using measurements provided by a sensor for measuring internal reaction forces.