Wellbore Instrument Depth Measurement Using Wheel Sensor Calibration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wellbore measurement technologies face inaccuracies due to 'stick-slip' motion and elongation/compression issues in wellbore instruments, leading to discrepancies between surface measurements and actual axial position of instruments within the wellbore.
Innovation Solution
A wheel sensor is used to measure movement along the wellbore, calibrated using surface measurements, to determine the depth-related parameters of instruments, combining wheel sensor data with accelerometer measurements to account for motion changes and maintain accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If surface measurements of conveyance movement are used to determine instrument depth, then measurement simplicity is maintained, but measurement precision deteriorates due to stick-slip motion and conveyance elongation
Solution Approach 1:
The measurement system is segmented into multiple independent components: surface conveyance measurements, downhole wheel sensor measurements, and accelerometer measurements. Each component measures a different aspect of instrument movement, and their results are integrated to achieve high precision depth measurement while maintaining reasonable system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The wheel sensor acts as an intermediary between the conveyance system and the instrument, directly measuring instrument movement relative to the wellbore wall. This intermediary measurement compensates for the inaccuracies in surface conveyance measurements caused by stick-slip motion and conveyance elongation
2Measurement precision
If wheel sensor measurements are used to track instrument movement, then measurement precision improves, but reliability deteriorates when the wheel loses contact with the wellbore wall
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple measurement methods are merged into a single integrated system: wheel sensor measurements for normal operation, accelerometer measurements for detecting stick-slip events and wheel loss of contact, and surface conveyance measurements for overall position tracking. This combination ensures measurement reliability across all operating conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from accelerometers to monitor wheel sensor performance and detect when the wheel loses contact with the wellbore wall. This feedback enables the system to switch between measurement methods or correct for wheel sensor failures, maintaining measurement reliability
3Measurement precision
If accelerometers are used to detect stick-slip motion, then measurement precision improves by compensating for motion changes, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The accelerometer serves multiple functions: detecting stick-slip motion, monitoring wheel sensor contact status, and providing backup velocity measurements. This multi-functionality justifies the added device complexity by delivering comprehensive measurement capabilities across diverse operating conditions
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
This method provides a more accurate determination of instrument depth and velocity by calibrating wheel sensor measurements with surface data, accounting for 'stick-slip' and elongation effects, ensuring precise axial position tracking within the wellbore.
Implementation Method 1
A roller is connected with the body, and a plurality of sensors is connected with the body. The plurality of sensors acquires roller data
Implementation Method 2
The apparatus also includes an electronic module. The electronic module is in communication with the set of sensors. An example method of monitoring an apparatus in a wellbore includes acquiring roller data related to the number of revolutions of a roller connected to a body of an apparatus
Data Source
AI summary
A method for determining a depth related parameter of an instrument in a wellbore includes measuring movement of the instrument along the wellbore using a wheel sensor urged into contact with a wall of the wellbore. Movement of an instrument conveyance is measured proximate the surface. Measurements from the wheel sensor are calibrated using measurements of movement of the instrument conveyance. The depth related parameter of the instrument is determined using the calibrated wheel sensor measurements.