CA2527605C - System, apparatus, and method of conducting measurements of a borehole - Google Patents
System, apparatus, and method of conducting measurements of a borehole Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- CA2527605C CA2527605C CA 2527605 CA2527605A CA2527605C CA 2527605 C CA2527605 C CA 2527605C CA 2527605 CA2527605 CA 2527605 CA 2527605 A CA2527605 A CA 2527605A CA 2527605 C CA2527605 C CA 2527605C
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- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- borehole
- caliper
- drilling
- caliper arm
- drilling assembly
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Classifications
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E21—EARTH DRILLING; MINING
- E21B—EARTH DRILLING, e.g. DEEP DRILLING; OBTAINING OIL, GAS, WATER, SOLUBLE OR MELTABLE MATERIALS OR A SLURRY OF MINERALS FROM WELLS
- E21B47/00—Survey of boreholes or wells
- E21B47/02—Determining slope or direction
- E21B47/024—Determining slope or direction of devices in the borehole
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E21—EARTH DRILLING; MINING
- E21B—EARTH DRILLING, e.g. DEEP DRILLING; OBTAINING OIL, GAS, WATER, SOLUBLE OR MELTABLE MATERIALS OR A SLURRY OF MINERALS FROM WELLS
- E21B47/00—Survey of boreholes or wells
- E21B47/08—Measuring diameters or related dimensions at the borehole
Abstract
A method is provided for conducting measurements of a borehole while drilling the borehole in a geological formation. First, a rotatable drilling assembly is provided that has, at a forward end, a drill bit and a borehole measurement tool connected rearward of the drill bit. The measurement tool includes at least one caliper arm extendible outward from the measurement tool. The method involves drilling the borehole by operating the rotatable drilling assembly. While drilling, the wall of the borehole is contacted with at least one extendable caliper arm of the borehole measurement tool and the extension of the caliper arm contacting the borehole wall is measured, thereby determining a distance between the measurement tool and the borehole wall. During rotation of the drilling assembly, contact is maintained between the caliper arm and the borehole wall and the measuring step is repeated at multiple positions of the drilling assembly.
Description
SYSTEM, APPARATUS, AND METHOD OF CONDUCTING
MEASUREMENTS OF A BOREHOLE
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates generally to a system, apparatus, and method of conducting measurements of a borehole penetrating a geological formation. More particularly, the system, apparatus and/or method relates to conducting measurements of the borehole, such as borehole caliper profile and preferably while drilling.
MEASUREMENTS OF A BOREHOLE
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates generally to a system, apparatus, and method of conducting measurements of a borehole penetrating a geological formation. More particularly, the system, apparatus and/or method relates to conducting measurements of the borehole, such as borehole caliper profile and preferably while drilling.
[0002] The collection of data on downhole conditions and movement of the drilling assembly during the drilling operation is referred to as measurement-while-drilling ("MWD") techniques.
Similar techniques focusing more on the measurement of formation parameters than on movement of the drilling assembly are referred to as logging-while-drilling ("LWD") techniques.
The terms "MWD" and "LWD" are often used interchangeably, and the use of either term in the present disclosure should be understood to include the collection of formation and borehole information, as well as of data on movement of the drilling assembly. The present invention is particularly suited for use with both MWD and LWD techniques.
Similar techniques focusing more on the measurement of formation parameters than on movement of the drilling assembly are referred to as logging-while-drilling ("LWD") techniques.
The terms "MWD" and "LWD" are often used interchangeably, and the use of either term in the present disclosure should be understood to include the collection of formation and borehole information, as well as of data on movement of the drilling assembly. The present invention is particularly suited for use with both MWD and LWD techniques.
[0003] Measurements of the subject borehole are important in the measurement of the parameters of the formation being penetrated and in the drilling of the borehole itself.
Specifically, measurements of borehole shape and size are useful in a number of logging or measurement applications. For example, it is known to measure the diameter, also known as the caliper, of a borehole to correct formation measurements that are sensitive to size or standoff.
100041 The prior art provides wellbore caliper devices for making these borehole measurements.
These devices include the wireline tools described in United States Patent Nos. 3,183,600,
Specifically, measurements of borehole shape and size are useful in a number of logging or measurement applications. For example, it is known to measure the diameter, also known as the caliper, of a borehole to correct formation measurements that are sensitive to size or standoff.
100041 The prior art provides wellbore caliper devices for making these borehole measurements.
These devices include the wireline tools described in United States Patent Nos. 3,183,600,
4,251,921, 5,565,624, and 6,560,889. For example, the '921 Patent describes a wireline tool having a tool body equipped with caliper arms that can be extended outward to contact the wall of the borehole. The wireline tool employs potentiometers that are responsive to extension of the caliper arms, thereby allowing for measurement of the arms' extension.
[0005] Indirect techniques of determining borehole diameters have also been employed. For example, acoustic devices are employed to transmit ultrasonic pressure waves toward the borehole wall, and to measure the time lag and attenuation of the wave reflected from the borehole, thereby measuring the distance between the drilling tool and the borehole wall. For more detailed description of such prior art, references may be made to U.S.
Patent Nos.
5,397,893, 5,469,736, and 5,886,303.
Patent Nos.
5,397,893, 5,469,736, and 5,886,303.
[0006] The prior art further includes devices that obtain indirect caliper measurements from formation evaluation ("FE") measurements. The response of sensors is modeled with the standoff as one of the variables in the model response (along with the formation property of primary interest). This is typically done to correct the FE measurement for the effect of sensor standoff. The standoff measurement is therefore obtained indirectly and as a byproduct of the
7 proc-essrtt~~. of tlic retipc~~isc data. Examples f stscli devices are dt5cÃ.t~secf in t..'t1tted 4tates Pate.tit ;tios. 6,2SS,026, and 0.552,334.
St_~:~tMARY OF -I'tlF 1\t'P,N"I'I0N
100071 In t?t1e aspect oftkac: presetlt inr-eiitioti, aiiietlio(f is pri.~vicfcdfor cuiiductizt~
~~ieasLireitieiits of'a borehole while drilling tiie borehole in ageo1~.>gical fortiiaticara. The method I C) iiic1udes the step of providing a rotatable drilling assembly having t1iLreori, at a fiom,ard ttid, a drill bit aiicf a borehole tool ec?nncctect rcar-ward oi't1~e drill bit. "I'IX
1112,1-:urcmcnt tool iiiclucfes at least orie caliper arrn extendible outward froni the ryieasuremc.rtt tool. Itte.
r~ietf3od involves drilling the boreIiolc by ~.~per.r.ting the rotatable drilling assembly. While cfrillin4.~, the wall ~.7f tliee borehole is cotitacted with at least <>ire extezicfablG caliper arn'i of'tlic 15 borehole mc:asurerrient toc31 wici the exterisioii ol'tfiL caliper arrti cotitactiilg the borehole wall is measured, tfiercbv cgeterminimt, a distance , n t17e zrIeasttrMlezat tvol =aticf tile bort:liole ~N all.
The nwthod repeats ttic contactirtg aaacf measuring steps at multiple pc?siti~.~iis ot'the cfriliia~g assetnhl%, ciUring ciriiliilg. Preferably, the cfrillinf step incittcies rnaintaining coiitai:t between the caliper arms and the borehole avaii during rotati~.~ii of7the drilling assembly.
?tt 100081 f'rc.ferab1v. the coritac:titig and measuring steps are perl:oi-tYie.cf at a fjfuralit_y' of' angular positions of ttac: drilling assembly, arlcl the nietlioii further involves deterrriitiirzg the am,tElar orictitatioii ot't}te- driltim., assembly relative to the borehole fcar eac}i nicasurcÃiir;rit oi"the extension ofthc caliper arni (e.g., using a pair ot"t~~~~gnetorneters). Most prefr:-ral.~1y, the lateral po4ition ofthe iiieastiretiterit too( in the borehole is ztlso deies:,tecf for e.ac.li measurenierit of the 25 of'the caliper arri1. For cxumplc, tltc detectinu stCf) rnaV i11c1t11i the lateral acceleratiOrIs of'tlie drilling assembly {i =., ~.~sin~~: a}iair c~f ~~ccc..lc::rc~n~ete:rs) during i3rillitig ariicl cferiving, frotii the nic;asureiiic.nts o(' latcaral acceleration, tlie lateral positions of the boreliole 111casUre.snent tool.
[00091 In asiot}ier aspect oi the invention, aborehol_ apparatus is provided in a rotatable cirilliiig assernbly for drilling a boreliole penetrating a geological forzaiation. "I'lie b0rell0l ~~ .,<<r ~~~e~tt apparatus iriclucfes a sLIPPOrt body integrated ,N~ith tlae drilling assc.rlib1y and rotatably movable there~\ itlj. I'1ic apparatus also iticlucles at least ojie caliper ariii (in soraie applications, two or more ariiis), that is rytourited to tlxe; support body ati(f ertencia171c, tlierefrori) io contact the hore}iole waPl cluri~it, drilling. Furthermore, aseiisor is provided aatcl pc>siticaziecl proxii-riate the caliper arm artc3 is operable to detect the distatice betveen the e:xtc;.ricie-d artia and t11z:, support 1?~.~cfy. Tlic citIipc:r at-ri3 pre#:erabiy includes a cfrivirig e;ieiiierit positioned to urge the caliper arT1i radially outovard trotr7 said bocir-. 1-1ie drivin.g cler7ietit iiiav itic:lti(fe a spring positioned to urf,=c tlle caliper arni radially uutWai-d to contac.t t4ic borehole wall. Alternatively, tlle driviit4 c.Ienaeiit may, iric-lude a Iivcfraulic ac:tuator faositiotiecl to ttrge the caliper a.t-rrz radially outwarc1 to coiitact the borelii.~le wall, [0010] Preferably, the apparatus includes a seiasiitg device operatively associated with the boe14= to detect the angular orientatic.~r7 oftlZc: stippo3 -i body relative to tite bc>re.llole wall atici a sensi~~L, device operatively associated with the support b dv tc.~ cfe.tcct the latLral positic~~i of the support body (i.e., the nicaSLlreniciit apparatus) relative to the bt>i-c,lioIe. In otic ctilbo(lir~iei1t, thc, sensing cic-vice; iticlucfes a pair of'accÃ:leroiireters positioiied in generally pc rf)endicUlar re.Iation Otl ap(z3tie generally perpendicular to tl-Ic 10z112itLItiinal axis ofi'tlic cfrillirlg, assc.7iiblv. 'T'Iie acctleroiiietcrs are positioned to c3ctect tl-ic latcral accelerations of'tliL
support t?ody {fror~i which the lateral positintis of4thÃ: citlllii may he dc.ri-vc:-d}. In another embociirric:rit, a pair ol.
magnetometers is positioned to detect the orientation of the support body with respect to the earth's magnetic field.
The pair of magnetometers is positioned in generally perpendicular relation on a plane that is generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the support body.
[0011] In yet another aspect of the present invention, a steerable rotary drilling assembly is provided for drilling a borehole penetrating a geological formation. The drilling assembly includes a drill bit positioned on a forward end to rotatably engage the formation, and a bias unit positioned rearward of the drill bit. The bias unit is connected with the drill bit for controlling the direction of drilling of the drill bit. The bias unit further includes an elongated tool body, a plurality of movable pads affixed to the tool body and which are extendable radially outward of the tool body to maintain contact with the borehole wall during rotation of the drilling assembly, and a sensor positioned to detect the relative position of the arm during extension.
[0012] Other aspects and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the following Description and the appended claims.
In one aspect, the invention provides a method of conducting measurements of a borehole while drilling the borehole in a geological formation to provide a borehole profile, said method comprising the steps of: providing a rotatable drilling assembly having thereon, at a forward end, a drill bit and a borehole measurement tool connected rearward of the drill bit, the measurement tool including at least one caliper arm extendible outward from the measurement tool; drilling the borehole by operating the rotatable drilling assembly; while drilling, contacting the wall of the borehole with at least one extendable caliper arm of the borehole measurement tool; measuring the extension of the caliper arm contacting the borehole wall, thereby determining a distance between the measurement tool and the borehole wall; detect a lateral position or orientation of the measurement tool corresponding to a measurement of the extension of the caliper arm; and repeating the contacting, measuring, and detecting steps at multiple positions of the drilling assembly during drilling to provide a borehole profile.
In another aspect, the invention provides in a rotatable drilling assembly for drilling a borehole penetrating a geological formation, a borehole measurement apparatus comprising: a support body integrated with the drilling assembly and rotatably movable therewith; at least one caliper arm affixed to said body and extendable therefrom to contact the borehole wall during drilling; a sensor positioned proximate and said caliper arm and operable to detect the distance between the extended arm and the support body; and a second sensing device operatively associated with the support body and operable to detect a lateral position or orientation of the support body relative to the borehole wall for corresponding measurements of caliper arm extension.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0013] FIG. 1 is a simplified, diagrammatic section of a rotary drilling installation including a drilling assembly, according to the present invention;
[0014] FIG. 2 is an elevation view of a drilling assembly of the kind with which the present invention may be applied and in accordance with the present invention;
5a [0015] FIGS. 3 is a simplified cross-sectional view of the drilling assembly in FIG. 2, according to the present invention;
[0016] FIG. 4 is a simplified, cross-sectional view of an alternative borehole measuring apparatus, according to the invention; and 5b (0017J FIG. 5 is a siiiil:>lific.cl perspcc.tivr,~ of asectic7ti of thc borehole rrrcasttring; apf?aratus, ac.corciizltl, to the prc~sciit invez}tiorl.
DETAILED DEStr'Rll''TIt?N
100I81 FIGS. 1-5 illustrate a rotary drilling ittstall<ttiot3 anci='or componetits th.ereof, enlbudyit~g various aspects of the invention. For purposes of tlie description atic1 clarity thereof, not all features of acitial itiapleiiieritatic}ai are dt.scribea-l. lt %vill be appreciated, however, tbat although the development of anv sucli actual implementation niight be complex aiid tir~~ic consrrtiiing, it kvoulcl nevertheless be a rOLttine undertakinL for those of'orciinary skill in the relevant tiieihanical, -eophvsic,al, or other relcti-arit art, Lil.~Oti reading the presetlt clisclosttre andior viewing the accon~pa~iviii- iirawings_ [0E}19] 1'lG. I illustr<rtes, in sitnfalified form, a typical rotarv drilhtlg installation 100 suitable for incorporating and implementing the inventive system, apparatus, and.'or niethod. The installation iiicludes a drill string 102 having coTiiiette~.~ theretu, at a leading eiid, a drilling assembly 112 iraclticfiri- a rotarv drill bit 104. The cfrill string 102 is rotatahlv driven frorti a 4Lrrface platfortn 106, hv incayis gcneraIly ki3own in thc art, to peiietrate aii acljacent geological forrr7.rtion 108.
.l'hG leading drilling asseti7blv 112 ~,vhich includes the drill bit 104, rt7av he referre(i to as a 2{) bottoiii lu7le- asserii bly ("E313 A") 1 l2. As tti e drill strino; 102 azirl the 13HA 112 turtt, t1ic. drill hit 104 ciigages and cuts the earthen fcirniatioii. Tlie hcattonl liole as:;eraibly 112 also itic,ludes a rtiodulated bias unit 114 coiiraected rearlvard of the cii-ill bit 104. As is ktiown in the art, the bottom hole assern13ly 112 also ii3clucfes a control unit 118. which controls operation oftlle bias itilit 114 (see en_, U.S. Patent Nos. 5,685, ' ) %9 afid 5,-52(7,255}. The bizis titiit 114 may be 2,5 controlled to apply a lateral bias tt) the drill bit 104 in a desired clircaction< t}ierehy stc.erin;=. ttie drill bit 104 and controlling the direction of drilling. The bottom hole assembly 112 further includes communications systems (e.g., telemetry equipment) for transmitting measurements and other data to the surface.
100201 As used herein and in respect to the relative positions of the components of the bottom hole assembly 112, the directional term "forward" shall refer to the direction or location closer to the leading end of the drilling assembly 112 where the drill bit 104 is positioned. The relative term "rearward" shall be associated with the direction away from the leading or forward end.
[0021] Now referring to FIG. 2, a lower portion of the modulated bias unit 114 consists of an elongate support or tool body 200. The body 200 is provided, at an upper end, with a threaded pin 202 for connecting to a drill collar incorporating the control unit 118 (which is, in turn, connected to the forward or lower end of the drill string 102). A lower end 204 of the body 200 is formed with a socket to receive a threaded pin with the drill bit 104. The drilling assembly 112 of FIGS. 1 and 2 is of a rotary, steerable type operable to directionally drill a borehole 110.
[0022] Typical rotary drilling installations, drilling assemblies, and/or bias units are further described in United States Patent Nos. 5,520,255 and 5,685,379. These patent documents provide additional background that will facilitate the understanding of the present invention and the improvements provided by the invention. In one aspect of the invention, the system and apparatus, as further described below, are particularly suited for modification of the rotary steerable system described in these Patents.
[0023] The modular bias unit 114 is equipped around its periphery and toward the lower or leading end 204, with three equally spaced hinge pads or articulated caliper arms 208. The arms 208 are extendible outward by operation of a hydraulic actuator, spring device, or the like. A
more detailed description of a typical hydraulic actuated hinge pad is provided in United States Patent No. 5,520,255. Further reference should also be made to United States Patent Nos.
3,092,188 and 4,416,339. These two patents provide detailed description of hinge pad devices, which are suitable for incorporation with the inventive system and apparatus and thus, provide specific background helpful in the understanding of the present invention.
[0024] The cross-section of FIG. 3 illustrates, in simplified form, the modular bias unit 114 modified to also function as a borehole measurement too1300 according to the invention. The modular bias unit 114 is shown operating inside borehole 110 and rotating in the clockwise direction ZZ. During drilling of borehole 110, the tool 300 contacts a circumferential wall 1 l0a of the borehole 110.
[0025] For purposes of the present description, the terms "borehole measurement" and/or "conducting measurements of a borehole" or "in a borehole" refers to physical measurements of certain dimensions of the borehole. Such measurements include borehole caliper measurements and borehole shape and profile determinations.
[0026] In a preferred embodiment, the borehole measurement tool 300 employs the hinged pads as caliper arms 208 for measuring the distance between the tool 300 and the borehole wall 110a at different angular and axial positions along the borehole wall 110a. The measurement tool 300 may have a plurality of caliper arms 208 positioned about the outer periphery of the tool body 200. The tool 300 of FIG. 3 employs two caliper arms 208. Each caliper arm 208 has a partly-cylindrical curved outer surface 208c and is pivotally supported on a support frame 214. The support frame 214 defines a cavity in which electrical and mechanical components operably
St_~:~tMARY OF -I'tlF 1\t'P,N"I'I0N
100071 In t?t1e aspect oftkac: presetlt inr-eiitioti, aiiietlio(f is pri.~vicfcdfor cuiiductizt~
~~ieasLireitieiits of'a borehole while drilling tiie borehole in ageo1~.>gical fortiiaticara. The method I C) iiic1udes the step of providing a rotatable drilling assembly having t1iLreori, at a fiom,ard ttid, a drill bit aiicf a borehole tool ec?nncctect rcar-ward oi't1~e drill bit. "I'IX
1112,1-:urcmcnt tool iiiclucfes at least orie caliper arrn extendible outward froni the ryieasuremc.rtt tool. Itte.
r~ietf3od involves drilling the boreIiolc by ~.~per.r.ting the rotatable drilling assembly. While cfrillin4.~, the wall ~.7f tliee borehole is cotitacted with at least <>ire extezicfablG caliper arn'i of'tlic 15 borehole mc:asurerrient toc31 wici the exterisioii ol'tfiL caliper arrti cotitactiilg the borehole wall is measured, tfiercbv cgeterminimt, a distance , n t17e zrIeasttrMlezat tvol =aticf tile bort:liole ~N all.
The nwthod repeats ttic contactirtg aaacf measuring steps at multiple pc?siti~.~iis ot'the cfriliia~g assetnhl%, ciUring ciriiliilg. Preferably, the cfrillinf step incittcies rnaintaining coiitai:t between the caliper arms and the borehole avaii during rotati~.~ii of7the drilling assembly.
?tt 100081 f'rc.ferab1v. the coritac:titig and measuring steps are perl:oi-tYie.cf at a fjfuralit_y' of' angular positions of ttac: drilling assembly, arlcl the nietlioii further involves deterrriitiirzg the am,tElar orictitatioii ot't}te- driltim., assembly relative to the borehole fcar eac}i nicasurcÃiir;rit oi"the extension ofthc caliper arni (e.g., using a pair ot"t~~~~gnetorneters). Most prefr:-ral.~1y, the lateral po4ition ofthe iiieastiretiterit too( in the borehole is ztlso deies:,tecf for e.ac.li measurenierit of the 25 of'the caliper arri1. For cxumplc, tltc detectinu stCf) rnaV i11c1t11i the lateral acceleratiOrIs of'tlie drilling assembly {i =., ~.~sin~~: a}iair c~f ~~ccc..lc::rc~n~ete:rs) during i3rillitig ariicl cferiving, frotii the nic;asureiiic.nts o(' latcaral acceleration, tlie lateral positions of the boreliole 111casUre.snent tool.
[00091 In asiot}ier aspect oi the invention, aborehol_ apparatus is provided in a rotatable cirilliiig assernbly for drilling a boreliole penetrating a geological forzaiation. "I'lie b0rell0l ~~ .,<<r ~~~e~tt apparatus iriclucfes a sLIPPOrt body integrated ,N~ith tlae drilling assc.rlib1y and rotatably movable there~\ itlj. I'1ic apparatus also iticlucles at least ojie caliper ariii (in soraie applications, two or more ariiis), that is rytourited to tlxe; support body ati(f ertencia171c, tlierefrori) io contact the hore}iole waPl cluri~it, drilling. Furthermore, aseiisor is provided aatcl pc>siticaziecl proxii-riate the caliper arm artc3 is operable to detect the distatice betveen the e:xtc;.ricie-d artia and t11z:, support 1?~.~cfy. Tlic citIipc:r at-ri3 pre#:erabiy includes a cfrivirig e;ieiiierit positioned to urge the caliper arT1i radially outovard trotr7 said bocir-. 1-1ie drivin.g cler7ietit iiiav itic:lti(fe a spring positioned to urf,=c tlle caliper arni radially uutWai-d to contac.t t4ic borehole wall. Alternatively, tlle driviit4 c.Ienaeiit may, iric-lude a Iivcfraulic ac:tuator faositiotiecl to ttrge the caliper a.t-rrz radially outwarc1 to coiitact the borelii.~le wall, [0010] Preferably, the apparatus includes a seiasiitg device operatively associated with the boe14= to detect the angular orientatic.~r7 oftlZc: stippo3 -i body relative to tite bc>re.llole wall atici a sensi~~L, device operatively associated with the support b dv tc.~ cfe.tcct the latLral positic~~i of the support body (i.e., the nicaSLlreniciit apparatus) relative to the bt>i-c,lioIe. In otic ctilbo(lir~iei1t, thc, sensing cic-vice; iticlucfes a pair of'accÃ:leroiireters positioiied in generally pc rf)endicUlar re.Iation Otl ap(z3tie generally perpendicular to tl-Ic 10z112itLItiinal axis ofi'tlic cfrillirlg, assc.7iiblv. 'T'Iie acctleroiiietcrs are positioned to c3ctect tl-ic latcral accelerations of'tliL
support t?ody {fror~i which the lateral positintis of4thÃ: citlllii may he dc.ri-vc:-d}. In another embociirric:rit, a pair ol.
magnetometers is positioned to detect the orientation of the support body with respect to the earth's magnetic field.
The pair of magnetometers is positioned in generally perpendicular relation on a plane that is generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the support body.
[0011] In yet another aspect of the present invention, a steerable rotary drilling assembly is provided for drilling a borehole penetrating a geological formation. The drilling assembly includes a drill bit positioned on a forward end to rotatably engage the formation, and a bias unit positioned rearward of the drill bit. The bias unit is connected with the drill bit for controlling the direction of drilling of the drill bit. The bias unit further includes an elongated tool body, a plurality of movable pads affixed to the tool body and which are extendable radially outward of the tool body to maintain contact with the borehole wall during rotation of the drilling assembly, and a sensor positioned to detect the relative position of the arm during extension.
[0012] Other aspects and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the following Description and the appended claims.
In one aspect, the invention provides a method of conducting measurements of a borehole while drilling the borehole in a geological formation to provide a borehole profile, said method comprising the steps of: providing a rotatable drilling assembly having thereon, at a forward end, a drill bit and a borehole measurement tool connected rearward of the drill bit, the measurement tool including at least one caliper arm extendible outward from the measurement tool; drilling the borehole by operating the rotatable drilling assembly; while drilling, contacting the wall of the borehole with at least one extendable caliper arm of the borehole measurement tool; measuring the extension of the caliper arm contacting the borehole wall, thereby determining a distance between the measurement tool and the borehole wall; detect a lateral position or orientation of the measurement tool corresponding to a measurement of the extension of the caliper arm; and repeating the contacting, measuring, and detecting steps at multiple positions of the drilling assembly during drilling to provide a borehole profile.
In another aspect, the invention provides in a rotatable drilling assembly for drilling a borehole penetrating a geological formation, a borehole measurement apparatus comprising: a support body integrated with the drilling assembly and rotatably movable therewith; at least one caliper arm affixed to said body and extendable therefrom to contact the borehole wall during drilling; a sensor positioned proximate and said caliper arm and operable to detect the distance between the extended arm and the support body; and a second sensing device operatively associated with the support body and operable to detect a lateral position or orientation of the support body relative to the borehole wall for corresponding measurements of caliper arm extension.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0013] FIG. 1 is a simplified, diagrammatic section of a rotary drilling installation including a drilling assembly, according to the present invention;
[0014] FIG. 2 is an elevation view of a drilling assembly of the kind with which the present invention may be applied and in accordance with the present invention;
5a [0015] FIGS. 3 is a simplified cross-sectional view of the drilling assembly in FIG. 2, according to the present invention;
[0016] FIG. 4 is a simplified, cross-sectional view of an alternative borehole measuring apparatus, according to the invention; and 5b (0017J FIG. 5 is a siiiil:>lific.cl perspcc.tivr,~ of asectic7ti of thc borehole rrrcasttring; apf?aratus, ac.corciizltl, to the prc~sciit invez}tiorl.
DETAILED DEStr'Rll''TIt?N
100I81 FIGS. 1-5 illustrate a rotary drilling ittstall<ttiot3 anci='or componetits th.ereof, enlbudyit~g various aspects of the invention. For purposes of tlie description atic1 clarity thereof, not all features of acitial itiapleiiieritatic}ai are dt.scribea-l. lt %vill be appreciated, however, tbat although the development of anv sucli actual implementation niight be complex aiid tir~~ic consrrtiiing, it kvoulcl nevertheless be a rOLttine undertakinL for those of'orciinary skill in the relevant tiieihanical, -eophvsic,al, or other relcti-arit art, Lil.~Oti reading the presetlt clisclosttre andior viewing the accon~pa~iviii- iirawings_ [0E}19] 1'lG. I illustr<rtes, in sitnfalified form, a typical rotarv drilhtlg installation 100 suitable for incorporating and implementing the inventive system, apparatus, and.'or niethod. The installation iiicludes a drill string 102 having coTiiiette~.~ theretu, at a leading eiid, a drilling assembly 112 iraclticfiri- a rotarv drill bit 104. The cfrill string 102 is rotatahlv driven frorti a 4Lrrface platfortn 106, hv incayis gcneraIly ki3own in thc art, to peiietrate aii acljacent geological forrr7.rtion 108.
.l'hG leading drilling asseti7blv 112 ~,vhich includes the drill bit 104, rt7av he referre(i to as a 2{) bottoiii lu7le- asserii bly ("E313 A") 1 l2. As tti e drill strino; 102 azirl the 13HA 112 turtt, t1ic. drill hit 104 ciigages and cuts the earthen fcirniatioii. Tlie hcattonl liole as:;eraibly 112 also itic,ludes a rtiodulated bias unit 114 coiiraected rearlvard of the cii-ill bit 104. As is ktiown in the art, the bottom hole assern13ly 112 also ii3clucfes a control unit 118. which controls operation oftlle bias itilit 114 (see en_, U.S. Patent Nos. 5,685, ' ) %9 afid 5,-52(7,255}. The bizis titiit 114 may be 2,5 controlled to apply a lateral bias tt) the drill bit 104 in a desired clircaction< t}ierehy stc.erin;=. ttie drill bit 104 and controlling the direction of drilling. The bottom hole assembly 112 further includes communications systems (e.g., telemetry equipment) for transmitting measurements and other data to the surface.
100201 As used herein and in respect to the relative positions of the components of the bottom hole assembly 112, the directional term "forward" shall refer to the direction or location closer to the leading end of the drilling assembly 112 where the drill bit 104 is positioned. The relative term "rearward" shall be associated with the direction away from the leading or forward end.
[0021] Now referring to FIG. 2, a lower portion of the modulated bias unit 114 consists of an elongate support or tool body 200. The body 200 is provided, at an upper end, with a threaded pin 202 for connecting to a drill collar incorporating the control unit 118 (which is, in turn, connected to the forward or lower end of the drill string 102). A lower end 204 of the body 200 is formed with a socket to receive a threaded pin with the drill bit 104. The drilling assembly 112 of FIGS. 1 and 2 is of a rotary, steerable type operable to directionally drill a borehole 110.
[0022] Typical rotary drilling installations, drilling assemblies, and/or bias units are further described in United States Patent Nos. 5,520,255 and 5,685,379. These patent documents provide additional background that will facilitate the understanding of the present invention and the improvements provided by the invention. In one aspect of the invention, the system and apparatus, as further described below, are particularly suited for modification of the rotary steerable system described in these Patents.
[0023] The modular bias unit 114 is equipped around its periphery and toward the lower or leading end 204, with three equally spaced hinge pads or articulated caliper arms 208. The arms 208 are extendible outward by operation of a hydraulic actuator, spring device, or the like. A
more detailed description of a typical hydraulic actuated hinge pad is provided in United States Patent No. 5,520,255. Further reference should also be made to United States Patent Nos.
3,092,188 and 4,416,339. These two patents provide detailed description of hinge pad devices, which are suitable for incorporation with the inventive system and apparatus and thus, provide specific background helpful in the understanding of the present invention.
[0024] The cross-section of FIG. 3 illustrates, in simplified form, the modular bias unit 114 modified to also function as a borehole measurement too1300 according to the invention. The modular bias unit 114 is shown operating inside borehole 110 and rotating in the clockwise direction ZZ. During drilling of borehole 110, the tool 300 contacts a circumferential wall 1 l0a of the borehole 110.
[0025] For purposes of the present description, the terms "borehole measurement" and/or "conducting measurements of a borehole" or "in a borehole" refers to physical measurements of certain dimensions of the borehole. Such measurements include borehole caliper measurements and borehole shape and profile determinations.
[0026] In a preferred embodiment, the borehole measurement tool 300 employs the hinged pads as caliper arms 208 for measuring the distance between the tool 300 and the borehole wall 110a at different angular and axial positions along the borehole wall 110a. The measurement tool 300 may have a plurality of caliper arms 208 positioned about the outer periphery of the tool body 200. The tool 300 of FIG. 3 employs two caliper arms 208. Each caliper arm 208 has a partly-cylindrical curved outer surface 208c and is pivotally supported on a support frame 214. The support frame 214 defines a cavity in which electrical and mechanical components operably
8 associated wit1l the arni 208 mav be disposed, inc.3uding a proximitv sensor or probe 220 and a tlirtist pad or piston '_18. f:?ach arnl 208 is Iiittgc.cf near a le_aciii7g cd-e 208a aticf about a hinge pin 210supportt:cl irithef'ranie. 2I4. Tlic:.irzii2()8i4 tllczefore.
pi~~otallyniovahle in the cfir4ct.ion of rotation ZZ. The caliper arrii 208 further inc.lude-s a trailing edge 208b that is pivotally extcndiFalc: to niake cc.?iitact with thca borehole wall 11 Oa, 100271 The hinge fiiiis 210 are oriented in parallel relation tci a central longitudinal axis XX of the body 200. Prcferablv, the caliper anri 208 is movable by a linear actuator in the fbi-in of'a linear sprin.t-cfriven push rod 21 & A lincar spring 212 is incorparated itato the pusli rod 218 and is positioned and preloaded to c,n-aWt the caliper arm 208 proximate traiiing edge 208b and urge tfic arnl 208 radialfy outward a-ainst borelio le tival3 i 1(}a. The spri~~~,~
212 is preloac3e:cf against a statioi3ary body 230, which is sccured into the body 200.
[0028) In an alternative embodimetit, the springg, 2-I 2 is activated by prt:ssure withiii the too] 300 (r'.e., Mien there is fl~~Nv th.roL, the tool body 200}. Iri this rN ay, the sprin~~:;s 22 12 are clesionecl to be M bias cngagement with the arms 208 oiily vvP:icn punnfain~,7 flow is directed tlirc7ugf'i the body 1 200. In the absence of flow, the arms 208 are retraeted. ln other embodinients, torsional sprin~rs actitt~~ abot't the hin~,~e 210 axes or leaf springs ac.tiii~~ between the tool bodv aricl the caliper ari-ns are used.
100291 As illustrated in FIG. 3, th;, c.ircunif'crctice oi'tlic boretiole wall I 1 Oa iiiav be far frurn being c:ircular {rounri} and the c eiiti al axis XX of the body 200 rna)+
cle%iiate, froln the ccrtter of ?0 the borcliole 110. "I"he spring bias nlaintains the traiiiaig ecf~~e 208b of the caliper arxii 208 in cotitact witli the circiiiiifirence: of tlie: borehole wall 110, throuehout rotation of'tlie: drill string.
Wlic:ii the calii7er arnl 2()3 encounters bc>re}1OlC cirCU13311LrCiltial variations while ext~.~ncie.tf, the irnpact exerted by the borehole wall 11 {)a pushes the tcai3ing edge 208b (ancf the rest of the art7t
pi~~otallyniovahle in the cfir4ct.ion of rotation ZZ. The caliper arrii 208 further inc.lude-s a trailing edge 208b that is pivotally extcndiFalc: to niake cc.?iitact with thca borehole wall 11 Oa, 100271 The hinge fiiiis 210 are oriented in parallel relation tci a central longitudinal axis XX of the body 200. Prcferablv, the caliper anri 208 is movable by a linear actuator in the fbi-in of'a linear sprin.t-cfriven push rod 21 & A lincar spring 212 is incorparated itato the pusli rod 218 and is positioned and preloaded to c,n-aWt the caliper arm 208 proximate traiiing edge 208b and urge tfic arnl 208 radialfy outward a-ainst borelio le tival3 i 1(}a. The spri~~~,~
212 is preloac3e:cf against a statioi3ary body 230, which is sccured into the body 200.
[0028) In an alternative embodimetit, the springg, 2-I 2 is activated by prt:ssure withiii the too] 300 (r'.e., Mien there is fl~~Nv th.roL, the tool body 200}. Iri this rN ay, the sprin~~:;s 22 12 are clesionecl to be M bias cngagement with the arms 208 oiily vvP:icn punnfain~,7 flow is directed tlirc7ugf'i the body 1 200. In the absence of flow, the arms 208 are retraeted. ln other embodinients, torsional sprin~rs actitt~~ abot't the hin~,~e 210 axes or leaf springs ac.tiii~~ between the tool bodv aricl the caliper ari-ns are used.
100291 As illustrated in FIG. 3, th;, c.ircunif'crctice oi'tlic boretiole wall I 1 Oa iiiav be far frurn being c:ircular {rounri} and the c eiiti al axis XX of the body 200 rna)+
cle%iiate, froln the ccrtter of ?0 the borcliole 110. "I"he spring bias nlaintains the traiiiaig ecf~~e 208b of the caliper arxii 208 in cotitact witli the circiiiiifirence: of tlie: borehole wall 110, throuehout rotation of'tlie: drill string.
Wlic:ii the calii7er arnl 2()3 encounters bc>re}1OlC cirCU13311LrCiltial variations while ext~.~ncie.tf, the irnpact exerted by the borehole wall 11 {)a pushes the tcai3ing edge 208b (ancf the rest of the art7t
9 208} to rotate back to a closed or retracted positioti. In tltis wav, tlte caliper art~i-08 tracks the bcirchole wal! I I Oa, or more particularly, the diarnc;tcr variations of the borcholc wall I l Oa. The spring force is chosen to provide nc.~ tuore force than is xtccc-ssary to enst.trc; that t}lc caliper arn3 208 tracks the borehole wall I l0a. This mininiizcs the ef'fect of the caliper arni 208 on the cMiamics ~.~f'tlic, drillin- ijssctttEilv 1 IL.
100301 In aii altcrnative embc}diment, wtierciti the inventive boreltole nicasttrcmcnt tool is incorporated with a modulated bias txtxit sticli as that dtsc:ribod iri Ulttitcd States Patc:ntNos.
5.52{).255 and 5,685,.379, the caliper arnis 208 are hvdrattlicallv operated hinge pads that, in coj~junc:tion witli a c..ontrol Linit, also serves to steer tl tc drill bit al~tci tlitts, the drilliiig asseii7laly.
I 'I'hc unit employs a niovable tlii-u4t tiicnibc.r (Ã_.g., a pistorr) ancl a hvdraulic- systcni for actttating the thrttst niet-iibcr. In ftartlicr embodiments, the caliper arins xnay bc operated bv a inotor and corIplitl(I cotrtl.~iilatiuta, springs, and the like.
100311 hct=errin- tto\v to the simplified schematic of'F ICY. 5, the caliper arms 208 arc prctcrably af'fixe(i to the side ot'tlic body 200 at equally spaced intcrvals. 't'he caliper arnis 2()8 are positiotlcd outwardly of the tioniial sttrfacc: o1'the body 200 and are rotatable about axes that are in parallil t-eIatic7n witi) the cc:t7trai axis XX. As sho'vn in FIG. 5, the caliper arn7s 208 are preferably provided in a stabilizer blade or pad fottn with a curved otltcr fitirface.
100321 More prc.fcrably, the uriit 114 also employs kick pads 502 installed ott cither side (forxuard and rear,~vsrrcl) of'tlac caliper arrris'_(}8 to protect tlic:
caliper arntis 208. The kick pads vt,i Sf)' are prefcrbthly solid t-nctal de.1lectors tliat are verv rugged and inexpensive to re.plac:c. The kick frads may also be forntcd or c.~thcrwise: provided integrally with the body 200 anci equipped with a wear-resistant coating (tltat may be re-applied as nec.cssary). The kick pads 502 fitiictic3ti to citflc.ct axial impact ("roni the c.a9iper arnis 208. SLich impact may be clacoLcn(crcd as tlte cirillin, assemhlv 1 I' treads inwardlv or downwardly in the horeholt. l 10_ Prefertzbly , the c.alilacr arnis ~.08 are slightly recessed below, the working stirf~:ace~ (oz-radial position) of tht; pacls -502 when fully retracted and are able to extend outwardly to contact tht horehole wall 1 1Oa even whon the borehOlc, 110 is enlarged bey-ond its nonzlal sire. Tliis c:iisurc:4 that the calipet= a:rz-ris 2E)8 maintain contact %vith the borehole wall I l Caa, while being, protected Ii=oni iz7ipact and abrasion c7n thc. body 200 when the tool body 1-00 makes forceftil c:orltact with t13e borc,.liolc wall 11(:la. By tisirlg blades or pads that are approximates the size ofth~., borehole, the range ofni.ation required of tl-xc arms 20S is niiniinizvel aiicl the nioti n o('thc tool body 20() is restricted witliin the boi-cliolc: 11 iX
100331 In prc.ferrc.tl embodiments, depic,ted particularly in FIC:i. 3, ihc riieasurcnnent tool 3(}0 employs a proximity probe 2?() to ulonit~.}r and:'or measure the extciisiosl of the caliper arrn 208 cluritig travel o i'thc tool body 200. A4 shown in FIG. _3 , the proxinaity probe 2241 niav be iristallc.d acl:lacc:iit tha: fac.e of the tool body 200 in s PPOrt frarne 214 atul tiire.cted toward the undc:rside c?1'the caliper arm 208_ The proYinutyr probc 220 is calilaratec"1.
as is known in the ari, 1-S to scnsc.~ the coiriplete range of tYioti~.~~i oI'208, thereby obtaitiing the linear distance or niovemcnt ol the caliper arni 208 1'roni its rest position.
100341 Flt:..i. 4 illustrates, in a sinipliticd c.ross-section, an alternative enahcadit-ncnt of the present invention, wlierein like rcfercnce nunlerals are used to refer t~.~ like elemezits. In particular, a iT3castzrc:nietit tool i{){) is shown peratitig in the sarne t}orehole 1 1+:1 and rotating in the citzckwise:
?t} dire;c.ti~.~n ZZ. 'I'he tool 400 in this variatioti employs three spat.ccl apart caliper arnis 208 cli4pcrticc1 about the pcripliery of'thc tool 300. In FIC:i. 4, the borehole 110 shown has a irre.gular c=ircunit'erential profile. Accortlin~;l~r, calipcr arnis 208 are extended raclially outward at ~~ary=in;~
cxtent, so as to niaintain ur~.7ing contact with the borehole wall 1 l tla.
100371 Sensoi- selection, installation, and operation suitable f r the pi-esent invention niay be acconlplished in setieral %~ avs. In alternative ennbodiments, a linear transducer is liriked to each of the caliper arz21s. In another etribodiment, an anUEilai- transducer (e.,~,~., a resolver or optical encoder) is placed inside tlte tool body and driven by the cztliper arm hinge.
In another ~ enibodiment, a sen5or that provides a capacitance that is clependent on angle is used to nieasnrt the caliper arnl 2-()8 angles. In yet another ernbodiment. a linear transducer is enibedded in the tool body, sealed laya bellows or pistons. arzd driven by a ctim profrle on the hinge pad or arin.
In vt;t another embodinlent. linear capacitance sensors are located between the arnis and the ntt:etin, surfaces of the protective pads. Izt vet anotlier embodiment, an electromagnetic signal is trans:mitted fronl an antenna ei-ribeilded i.n a fiad or blade and received by a second antenna embedded in the acijacent caliper arn-i (or vice-versa). A n3eastr--ezne.nt of the absolute phase shift in the si<znal is used to detertnine the distance between the antennae, and thercfore detennine the caliper ariii extr;nsion. For .further ttnderstandin,, reference iilav be tiiade to United States P'ateiit No. 43,00,09S.
(00361 .It should be notecf that each of the above methods of ineasuring or monit.oring the position of'tlie tool body or the caliper arni ernploys means that is known to one skilled in the relevant niechanicai, instrumentation or eological art. Incorporation of these nteans into the tilc7dular bias unit or equivalent drilling tool will be- apptlre-nt to one skilled iz1 this art, lrpon reading andior viewing the presetlt disclosure.
?f) 100371 In one metltod according to the invention for nicasurin~; the circtu-nferencc. of the borehole. the position of'the tool body is ttssunaed to be constant during rotation. As long as the bottorn hole asseniblv is well stabi(ired. such an assuitlption is reas<anablv valid ;3nd the resultinLY
mctisurcment' c.an be ustti to make a fairlv accurate nleasrIrement ot7the borehole shape. In this 1'_ method, the eztlipe.~r tne,asLirr;nietits are used tivith sirriultalieoLts measure7netits of~: the angular urieiltatioti of tlie toc71 body. In cases where tlt~.~ hattotta lieale asseri1bly is poorly stabilized, ancf is moving lttterallywithin the bflrehole, it is pre.fert-eci that rtiialti-ca(ipcr at-tn ciesigiis are etnpIo}ted.
'Vieasuretnents fi'otn these tnulti-arrti tools irtjprovi the quality of the rne.asurernent. In one embodiment, two diaiTaetrica.lly opposed caliper arrn5 are employed to directly caliper thc borehole, xvhilc t}tt battetii 1iole assembly rotates. This ailn,,vs c3etc,c:tioti afbarc.iiole ovalizalion, althouoh ciistorticttis ira the derived bc>reilole shape may still accur when the bottotn tiole asseriibly is not c.etlttatired. Ac:corciiiiuly , three or nlore artns may be etnpl0ye;d as necessary to obtain txiore accurate arid stzihle cliaractc:.riza.tion ofttie bOre.hole profile.
[0038] In sotne cases, even rriore accurate borehole rnLasurctitctits are obtairteii liy- etnplctyitig a tnu.ans for trackitxo movennent Of'tlle tool lao(ly in the hc>rchole, particularly lateral movement and dt-viation ~.~ftlle ccrtter axis XX frotn the cettt~.~r axis of tlae borehole.
Such rne_,t:.ns is rea(lily available and generally kiiourri to one skilled irt the relevatit art. In one ertibociiriierlt, latCra( t~~ovcn-t~:~nt {arid thGis t}'tC lateral pvsitiori at any givc;n time a:nelion coreliole axial positioti} ea('thc tc?o1 body 200 is tracked using a pair ofacc:elcroineters rnounte~ i.-Yeiic:rally pcrp ettciicuiarly to eacfi otitc-t in a plaztcuf the bc3dyt 200 generally perpeticiicular tc) the lonOitudinal axis XX. "I'be acceltrotneters provide nxc_asurt;rriertts of the transverse or lateral acceleraticrn of the tool body 200. These measurements are t}teti tlutncrically clottE?Ie intc:;;rated ('tc}
c>btaiti. First, the velocity aai(l second, the pt7sitic>n) to caIculatG t(ie change in the pasiticart of'tlie tool body 200. "I'licse calculations are perf~~rriic.c8 c;onticauOUsly' thrutXghout drilling, tliereby-tracking tkie I.ositic}t1 of'thL
tool 300 at all times.
100391 In addition, the atigttlar orientation of the tool hociy 2(',t> may bt':: tf eti;rniinecl ft+r eac.li ealiper ann c:xtctisiori titcasurt.tite.tits, Ttie measurement tool ;t?() preferably employs apair of magnetometers mounted in the same way (as the accelcr=onieters) t~.~ measure the orientatiorl of the tool ho(3y ?()(} tvith rvspect to tlte cartli;s rnagnc:x-tic ficlti. More spec-ifically, a pair of rr:~ :~ farnc : : s are 1110tintetl generally pcrpenciictilar to aric: another and on a plane of the tool bodv that is glencrally perpendicular to the loligituiiitial axis XX. Tlie rc?tatiuri of the tool body ~ 200 is tracked in this v,'ay, [00401 In one embodiment, as illtistratecl in the ctat-away section of F1G, 2, a rorl-like chassis 240 is situated tiear aEl upper por-tior7 of'tlie bias tinit 114. 'I'he cliassis 250 is prefe.rablv positioned coaxial with the cc;ntriil, longitudinal axis XX, aiid is provided with slots or cavities, in wlticl7 sezisors r~iav be mounted. In tfiis embodiment, a pair of accelero ic,ters 260 and a pair of I t3 nlagnetotneters 270 are Mounteci in suitablefashiorl in slots of the chassis 250. As described above, the ac.celerotirete.rs 26() and txlaune:to[neters 270 are c...rilployecl to clet4r-rilitie the lateral pusition and angular orientation of tlle riieasureinent tool 300 {1~~,~r corresponcling caliper arrti OxIt;11siC)11 Tllt3VE'r1lE'itts).
100411 V4'lre+ri the t7rcxastiret7iirits of the tool body riiotic7ii (latend positiori) at3c1 angular oriezitatiO11 15 are cornbined u,itli nicasurements of the caliper arin extensions, the location of tlle ctirrtact poiiit o4'tlie boreliole wall r1iav be deterrrlirie.cl in respect to an iriitial re.fercrice framt;. "1 17us> as tlie device rotates, it traces the trLie shape of the borehole at tlizit particular axial positi~.~ra. The shape data is l.~re_lcrably recorcle;d at r7eIUllar intervals and stored in tool tnr:niory, fiir retrieval at ttie Surface. The quantity of storcti data may be reduce(i by cosiiparison to previous sets of stored 20 shaped data and o-ilv storing the new set of data when sit)pificant deviation is detected. In the alte.mative, data re.presetiting only tlre change iri sliape relative to the l,rcti-ioUs rlIecIsLcrersierits mtrv be storecl. Sticli tec.hnicluCs ;:'re commonly uscd in cligital irnage:
and video cornpressiori. As a l-urthe~;r elarriple, borc.Ilol~.~ shape data inat-1:?e comniunicated to the surf~ace in cotiipressed fomi by way of a telemetry system incorporated into an MWD tool that is connected to the borehole measurement tool.
While the methods, system, and apparatus of the present invention have been described as specific embodiments, it will be apparent to those skilled in the relevant mechanical, instrumentation and/or geophysical art that variations may be applied to the structures and the sequence of steps of the methods described herein without departing from the concept and scope of the invention. For example and as explained above, various aspects of the invention may be applicable to a drilling device other than the modulated bias unit or drilling assembly described herein, such as an in-line stabilizer.
100301 In aii altcrnative embc}diment, wtierciti the inventive boreltole nicasttrcmcnt tool is incorporated with a modulated bias txtxit sticli as that dtsc:ribod iri Ulttitcd States Patc:ntNos.
5.52{).255 and 5,685,.379, the caliper arnis 208 are hvdrattlicallv operated hinge pads that, in coj~junc:tion witli a c..ontrol Linit, also serves to steer tl tc drill bit al~tci tlitts, the drilliiig asseii7laly.
I 'I'hc unit employs a niovable tlii-u4t tiicnibc.r (Ã_.g., a pistorr) ancl a hvdraulic- systcni for actttating the thrttst niet-iibcr. In ftartlicr embodiments, the caliper arins xnay bc operated bv a inotor and corIplitl(I cotrtl.~iilatiuta, springs, and the like.
100311 hct=errin- tto\v to the simplified schematic of'F ICY. 5, the caliper arms 208 arc prctcrably af'fixe(i to the side ot'tlic body 200 at equally spaced intcrvals. 't'he caliper arnis 2()8 are positiotlcd outwardly of the tioniial sttrfacc: o1'the body 200 and are rotatable about axes that are in parallil t-eIatic7n witi) the cc:t7trai axis XX. As sho'vn in FIG. 5, the caliper arn7s 208 are preferably provided in a stabilizer blade or pad fottn with a curved otltcr fitirface.
100321 More prc.fcrably, the uriit 114 also employs kick pads 502 installed ott cither side (forxuard and rear,~vsrrcl) of'tlac caliper arrris'_(}8 to protect tlic:
caliper arntis 208. The kick pads vt,i Sf)' are prefcrbthly solid t-nctal de.1lectors tliat are verv rugged and inexpensive to re.plac:c. The kick frads may also be forntcd or c.~thcrwise: provided integrally with the body 200 anci equipped with a wear-resistant coating (tltat may be re-applied as nec.cssary). The kick pads 502 fitiictic3ti to citflc.ct axial impact ("roni the c.a9iper arnis 208. SLich impact may be clacoLcn(crcd as tlte cirillin, assemhlv 1 I' treads inwardlv or downwardly in the horeholt. l 10_ Prefertzbly , the c.alilacr arnis ~.08 are slightly recessed below, the working stirf~:ace~ (oz-radial position) of tht; pacls -502 when fully retracted and are able to extend outwardly to contact tht horehole wall 1 1Oa even whon the borehOlc, 110 is enlarged bey-ond its nonzlal sire. Tliis c:iisurc:4 that the calipet= a:rz-ris 2E)8 maintain contact %vith the borehole wall I l Caa, while being, protected Ii=oni iz7ipact and abrasion c7n thc. body 200 when the tool body 1-00 makes forceftil c:orltact with t13e borc,.liolc wall 11(:la. By tisirlg blades or pads that are approximates the size ofth~., borehole, the range ofni.ation required of tl-xc arms 20S is niiniinizvel aiicl the nioti n o('thc tool body 20() is restricted witliin the boi-cliolc: 11 iX
100331 In prc.ferrc.tl embodiments, depic,ted particularly in FIC:i. 3, ihc riieasurcnnent tool 3(}0 employs a proximity probe 2?() to ulonit~.}r and:'or measure the extciisiosl of the caliper arrn 208 cluritig travel o i'thc tool body 200. A4 shown in FIG. _3 , the proxinaity probe 2241 niav be iristallc.d acl:lacc:iit tha: fac.e of the tool body 200 in s PPOrt frarne 214 atul tiire.cted toward the undc:rside c?1'the caliper arm 208_ The proYinutyr probc 220 is calilaratec"1.
as is known in the ari, 1-S to scnsc.~ the coiriplete range of tYioti~.~~i oI'208, thereby obtaitiing the linear distance or niovemcnt ol the caliper arni 208 1'roni its rest position.
100341 Flt:..i. 4 illustrates, in a sinipliticd c.ross-section, an alternative enahcadit-ncnt of the present invention, wlierein like rcfercnce nunlerals are used to refer t~.~ like elemezits. In particular, a iT3castzrc:nietit tool i{){) is shown peratitig in the sarne t}orehole 1 1+:1 and rotating in the citzckwise:
?t} dire;c.ti~.~n ZZ. 'I'he tool 400 in this variatioti employs three spat.ccl apart caliper arnis 208 cli4pcrticc1 about the pcripliery of'thc tool 300. In FIC:i. 4, the borehole 110 shown has a irre.gular c=ircunit'erential profile. Accortlin~;l~r, calipcr arnis 208 are extended raclially outward at ~~ary=in;~
cxtent, so as to niaintain ur~.7ing contact with the borehole wall 1 l tla.
100371 Sensoi- selection, installation, and operation suitable f r the pi-esent invention niay be acconlplished in setieral %~ avs. In alternative ennbodiments, a linear transducer is liriked to each of the caliper arz21s. In another etribodiment, an anUEilai- transducer (e.,~,~., a resolver or optical encoder) is placed inside tlte tool body and driven by the cztliper arm hinge.
In another ~ enibodiment, a sen5or that provides a capacitance that is clependent on angle is used to nieasnrt the caliper arnl 2-()8 angles. In yet another ernbodiment. a linear transducer is enibedded in the tool body, sealed laya bellows or pistons. arzd driven by a ctim profrle on the hinge pad or arin.
In vt;t another embodinlent. linear capacitance sensors are located between the arnis and the ntt:etin, surfaces of the protective pads. Izt vet anotlier embodiment, an electromagnetic signal is trans:mitted fronl an antenna ei-ribeilded i.n a fiad or blade and received by a second antenna embedded in the acijacent caliper arn-i (or vice-versa). A n3eastr--ezne.nt of the absolute phase shift in the si<znal is used to detertnine the distance between the antennae, and thercfore detennine the caliper ariii extr;nsion. For .further ttnderstandin,, reference iilav be tiiade to United States P'ateiit No. 43,00,09S.
(00361 .It should be notecf that each of the above methods of ineasuring or monit.oring the position of'tlie tool body or the caliper arni ernploys means that is known to one skilled in the relevant niechanicai, instrumentation or eological art. Incorporation of these nteans into the tilc7dular bias unit or equivalent drilling tool will be- apptlre-nt to one skilled iz1 this art, lrpon reading andior viewing the presetlt disclosure.
?f) 100371 In one metltod according to the invention for nicasurin~; the circtu-nferencc. of the borehole. the position of'the tool body is ttssunaed to be constant during rotation. As long as the bottorn hole asseniblv is well stabi(ired. such an assuitlption is reas<anablv valid ;3nd the resultinLY
mctisurcment' c.an be ustti to make a fairlv accurate nleasrIrement ot7the borehole shape. In this 1'_ method, the eztlipe.~r tne,asLirr;nietits are used tivith sirriultalieoLts measure7netits of~: the angular urieiltatioti of tlie toc71 body. In cases where tlt~.~ hattotta lieale asseri1bly is poorly stabilized, ancf is moving lttterallywithin the bflrehole, it is pre.fert-eci that rtiialti-ca(ipcr at-tn ciesigiis are etnpIo}ted.
'Vieasuretnents fi'otn these tnulti-arrti tools irtjprovi the quality of the rne.asurernent. In one embodiment, two diaiTaetrica.lly opposed caliper arrn5 are employed to directly caliper thc borehole, xvhilc t}tt battetii 1iole assembly rotates. This ailn,,vs c3etc,c:tioti afbarc.iiole ovalizalion, althouoh ciistorticttis ira the derived bc>reilole shape may still accur when the bottotn tiole asseriibly is not c.etlttatired. Ac:corciiiiuly , three or nlore artns may be etnpl0ye;d as necessary to obtain txiore accurate arid stzihle cliaractc:.riza.tion ofttie bOre.hole profile.
[0038] In sotne cases, even rriore accurate borehole rnLasurctitctits are obtairteii liy- etnplctyitig a tnu.ans for trackitxo movennent Of'tlle tool lao(ly in the hc>rchole, particularly lateral movement and dt-viation ~.~ftlle ccrtter axis XX frotn the cettt~.~r axis of tlae borehole.
Such rne_,t:.ns is rea(lily available and generally kiiourri to one skilled irt the relevatit art. In one ertibociiriierlt, latCra( t~~ovcn-t~:~nt {arid thGis t}'tC lateral pvsitiori at any givc;n time a:nelion coreliole axial positioti} ea('thc tc?o1 body 200 is tracked using a pair ofacc:elcroineters rnounte~ i.-Yeiic:rally pcrp ettciicuiarly to eacfi otitc-t in a plaztcuf the bc3dyt 200 generally perpeticiicular tc) the lonOitudinal axis XX. "I'be acceltrotneters provide nxc_asurt;rriertts of the transverse or lateral acceleraticrn of the tool body 200. These measurements are t}teti tlutncrically clottE?Ie intc:;;rated ('tc}
c>btaiti. First, the velocity aai(l second, the pt7sitic>n) to caIculatG t(ie change in the pasiticart of'tlie tool body 200. "I'licse calculations are perf~~rriic.c8 c;onticauOUsly' thrutXghout drilling, tliereby-tracking tkie I.ositic}t1 of'thL
tool 300 at all times.
100391 In addition, the atigttlar orientation of the tool hociy 2(',t> may bt':: tf eti;rniinecl ft+r eac.li ealiper ann c:xtctisiori titcasurt.tite.tits, Ttie measurement tool ;t?() preferably employs apair of magnetometers mounted in the same way (as the accelcr=onieters) t~.~ measure the orientatiorl of the tool ho(3y ?()(} tvith rvspect to tlte cartli;s rnagnc:x-tic ficlti. More spec-ifically, a pair of rr:~ :~ farnc : : s are 1110tintetl generally pcrpenciictilar to aric: another and on a plane of the tool bodv that is glencrally perpendicular to the loligituiiitial axis XX. Tlie rc?tatiuri of the tool body ~ 200 is tracked in this v,'ay, [00401 In one embodiment, as illtistratecl in the ctat-away section of F1G, 2, a rorl-like chassis 240 is situated tiear aEl upper por-tior7 of'tlie bias tinit 114. 'I'he cliassis 250 is prefe.rablv positioned coaxial with the cc;ntriil, longitudinal axis XX, aiid is provided with slots or cavities, in wlticl7 sezisors r~iav be mounted. In tfiis embodiment, a pair of accelero ic,ters 260 and a pair of I t3 nlagnetotneters 270 are Mounteci in suitablefashiorl in slots of the chassis 250. As described above, the ac.celerotirete.rs 26() and txlaune:to[neters 270 are c...rilployecl to clet4r-rilitie the lateral pusition and angular orientation of tlle riieasureinent tool 300 {1~~,~r corresponcling caliper arrti OxIt;11siC)11 Tllt3VE'r1lE'itts).
100411 V4'lre+ri the t7rcxastiret7iirits of the tool body riiotic7ii (latend positiori) at3c1 angular oriezitatiO11 15 are cornbined u,itli nicasurements of the caliper arin extensions, the location of tlle ctirrtact poiiit o4'tlie boreliole wall r1iav be deterrrlirie.cl in respect to an iriitial re.fercrice framt;. "1 17us> as tlie device rotates, it traces the trLie shape of the borehole at tlizit particular axial positi~.~ra. The shape data is l.~re_lcrably recorcle;d at r7eIUllar intervals and stored in tool tnr:niory, fiir retrieval at ttie Surface. The quantity of storcti data may be reduce(i by cosiiparison to previous sets of stored 20 shaped data and o-ilv storing the new set of data when sit)pificant deviation is detected. In the alte.mative, data re.presetiting only tlre change iri sliape relative to the l,rcti-ioUs rlIecIsLcrersierits mtrv be storecl. Sticli tec.hnicluCs ;:'re commonly uscd in cligital irnage:
and video cornpressiori. As a l-urthe~;r elarriple, borc.Ilol~.~ shape data inat-1:?e comniunicated to the surf~ace in cotiipressed fomi by way of a telemetry system incorporated into an MWD tool that is connected to the borehole measurement tool.
While the methods, system, and apparatus of the present invention have been described as specific embodiments, it will be apparent to those skilled in the relevant mechanical, instrumentation and/or geophysical art that variations may be applied to the structures and the sequence of steps of the methods described herein without departing from the concept and scope of the invention. For example and as explained above, various aspects of the invention may be applicable to a drilling device other than the modulated bias unit or drilling assembly described herein, such as an in-line stabilizer.
Claims (34)
1. A method of conducting measurements of a borehole while drilling the borehole in a geological formation to provide a borehole profile, said method comprising the steps of:
providing a rotatable drilling assembly having thereon, at a forward end, a drill bit and a borehole measurement tool connected rearward of the drill bit, the measurement tool including at least one caliper arm extendible outward from the measurement tool;
drilling the borehole by operating the rotatable drilling assembly;
while drilling, contacting the wall of the borehole with at least one extendable caliper arm of the borehole measurement tool;
measuring the extension of the caliper arm contacting the borehole wall, thereby determining a distance between the measurement tool and the borehole wall;
detect a lateral position or orientation of the measurement tool corresponding to a measurement of the extension of the caliper arm; and repeating the contacting, measuring, and detecting steps at multiple positions of the drilling assembly during drilling to provide a borehole profile.
providing a rotatable drilling assembly having thereon, at a forward end, a drill bit and a borehole measurement tool connected rearward of the drill bit, the measurement tool including at least one caliper arm extendible outward from the measurement tool;
drilling the borehole by operating the rotatable drilling assembly;
while drilling, contacting the wall of the borehole with at least one extendable caliper arm of the borehole measurement tool;
measuring the extension of the caliper arm contacting the borehole wall, thereby determining a distance between the measurement tool and the borehole wall;
detect a lateral position or orientation of the measurement tool corresponding to a measurement of the extension of the caliper arm; and repeating the contacting, measuring, and detecting steps at multiple positions of the drilling assembly during drilling to provide a borehole profile.
2. The method of claim 1, wherein said contacting and measuring steps are performed at a plurality of angular positions of the drilling assembly.
3. The method of claim 2, further comprising the step of detecting the lateral position of the measurement tool in the borehole for each said measurement of the extension of the caliper arms.
4. The method of claim 3, wherein said detecting step includes measuring the lateral accelerations of the drilling assembly during drilling and deriving, from the measurement of lateral acceleration, the lateral positions of the borehole measurement tool.
5. The method of claim 4, wherein said step of measuring lateral accelerations include utilizing a pair of accelerometers mounted in generally perpendicular relation on a plane of the borehole measurement tool that is disposed in generally perpendicular relation to the longitudinal axis of the measurement tool.
6. The method of claim 1, further comprising the step of determining the angular orientation of the drilling assembly relative to the borehole for each said measurement of the extension of the caliper arms.
7. The method of claim 1, wherein said drilling step includes rotating the drilling assembly including the measurement tool, said method further comprising the step of maintaining contact between the caliper arms and the borehole wall during rotation of the drilling assembly.
8. The method of claim 7, wherein said step of maintaining contact includes biasing said caliper arm radially outward throughout said rotation.
9. The method of claim 1, wherein said measuring step includes operating a proximity probe to detect the position of the caliper arm.
10. The method of claim 1, further comprising the step of determining the angular position of the drilling assembly during each measuring step.
11. The method of claim 1, wherein said drilling step includes directing the drilling assembly forward in an angular direction deviating from the longitudinal axis of the borehole.
12. The method of claim 1, wherein said measurement tool includes a plurality of spaced apart caliper arms, said contacting and measurement steps being performed simultaneously with each arm and at different circumferential locations of the borehole wall.
13. The method of claim 12, wherein said plurality of arms are positioned about the periphery of the drilling assembly, such that during the contacting step, the drilling assembly rotates while the caliper arm maintains contact with the borehole wall.
14. The method of claim 1, wherein said caliper arm has a leading edge and a trailing edge for contacting the borehole wall, said drilling step includes rotating the drilling assembly in a direction such that the leading edge is forward of the trailing edge along the direction of rotation, and wherein the caliper arm is pivoted proximate the leading edge during the contacting step such that contact with the borehole wall rotatably urges the trailing edge toward the measurement tool.
15. The method of claim 14, wherein said arm is pivotably attached to the drilling assembly proximate the leading edge, said contacting step including urging the trailing edge in engagement with the borehole wall during rotation of the drilling assembly.
16. The method of claim 1, wherein said contacting and measuring steps are performed in respect to a series of angular locations of the borehole wall, said method including deriving a circumferential profile of the borehole wall from said measurements at a common axial positions in the borehole.
17. The method of claim 16, further comprising telemetrically communicating said measurements to the surface, during drilling.
18. The method of claim 16, further comprising the step of determining the angular orientation of the measurement tool relative to the borehole for each said measurement of the extension of the caliper arms by determining the orientation of the measurement tool relative to the earth's magnetic field.
19. The method of claim 18, further comprising the step of detecting the lateral position of the measurement tool in the borehole for each said measurement of the extension of the caliper arms by measuring the lateral accelerations of the measurement tool during said contacting and measuring steps and numerically integrating therefrom to determine the lateral positions of the borehole measurement tool.
20. In a rotatable drilling assembly for drilling a borehole penetrating a geological formation, a borehole measurement apparatus comprising:
a support body integrated with the drilling assembly and rotatably movable therewith;
at least one caliper arm affixed to said body and extendable therefrom to contact the borehole wall during drilling;
a sensor positioned proximate and said caliper arm and operable to detect the distance between the extended arm and the support body; and a second sensing device operatively associated with the support body and operable to detect a lateral position or orientation of the support body relative to the borehole wall for corresponding measurements of caliper arm extension.
a support body integrated with the drilling assembly and rotatably movable therewith;
at least one caliper arm affixed to said body and extendable therefrom to contact the borehole wall during drilling;
a sensor positioned proximate and said caliper arm and operable to detect the distance between the extended arm and the support body; and a second sensing device operatively associated with the support body and operable to detect a lateral position or orientation of the support body relative to the borehole wall for corresponding measurements of caliper arm extension.
21. The apparatus of claim 20, further comprising a plurality of said caliper arms affixed to the periphery of said support body.
22. The apparatus of claim 20, wherein said caliper arm includes a driving element positioned to urge said caliper arm radially outward from said body.
23. The apparatus of claim 22, wherein said driving element including a spring positioned to urge said caliper arm radially outward to contact the borehole wall.
24. The apparatus of claim 22, wherein said driving element includes a hydraulic actuator positioned to urge said caliper arm radially outward to contact the borehole wall.
25. The apparatus of claim 22, wherein said caliper arm has a leading edge and a trailing edge, said driving element being positioned such that said trailing edge is urged radially outward to contact the borehole wall while the drilling assembly is rotated in a direction wherein the leading edge is forward of the trailing edge along the direction of rotation.
26. The apparatus of claim 25, wherein said caliper arm is pivotally mounted proximate said leading edge.
27. The apparatus of claim 26, wherein said driving element includes a spring positioned to urgingly pivot said caliper arm about an axis proximate said leading edge.
28. The apparatus of claim 20, wherein said sensor includes a proximity probe positioned to detect the relative position of said caliper arm.
29. The apparatus of claim 20, further comprising a protective pad positioned radially outward of said body and adjacent said caliper arm at an axial position of said caliper arm, said caliper arm being retractable to a recessed radial position beneath the radial position of said protective pad.
30. The apparatus of claim 29, further comprising a second of said protective pads spaced axially rearward of said caliper arm, said caliper arm being pivotally mounted between said first and second protective pads.
31. The apparatus of claim 20, wherein the second sensing device is operatively associated with said support body to detect the angular orientation of said support body relative to the borehole wall.
32. The apparatus of claim 20, wherein the second sensing device is operatively associated with said support body to detect the lateral position of the support body relative to the borehole.
33. The apparatus of claim 32, wherein said second sensing device includes a pair of accelerometers positioned in generally perpendicular relation on plane generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the drilling assembly, said accelerometers being positioned to detect the lateral accelerations of the support body.
34. The apparatus of claim 20, wherein said second sensing device includes a pair of magnetometers positioned to detect the orientation of said support body with respect to the earth's magnetic field, said pair of magnetometers being positioned in generally perpendicular relation on a plane generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of said support body.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA2632795A CA2632795C (en) | 2004-12-01 | 2005-11-24 | System, apparatus, and method of conducting measurements of a borehole |
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| US63256404P | 2004-12-01 | 2004-12-01 | |
| US60/632,564 | 2004-12-01 | ||
| US11/018,340 | 2004-12-20 | ||
| US11/018,340 US7669668B2 (en) | 2004-12-01 | 2004-12-20 | System, apparatus, and method of conducting measurements of a borehole |
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| CA2632795A Division CA2632795C (en) | 2004-12-01 | 2005-11-24 | System, apparatus, and method of conducting measurements of a borehole |
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| CA2527605C true CA2527605C (en) | 2008-09-16 |
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| CA2632795A Expired - Fee Related CA2632795C (en) | 2004-12-01 | 2005-11-24 | System, apparatus, and method of conducting measurements of a borehole |
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| CA2632795A Expired - Fee Related CA2632795C (en) | 2004-12-01 | 2005-11-24 | System, apparatus, and method of conducting measurements of a borehole |
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| US7669668B2 (en) * | 2004-12-01 | 2010-03-02 | Schlumberger Technology Corporation | System, apparatus, and method of conducting measurements of a borehole |
-
2004
- 2004-12-20 US US11/018,340 patent/US7669668B2/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
-
2005
- 2005-11-24 CA CA 2527605 patent/CA2527605C/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 2005-11-24 CA CA2632795A patent/CA2632795C/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 2005-11-24 GB GB0523884A patent/GB2420802B/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 2005-11-30 DE DE200510057049 patent/DE102005057049A1/en not_active Withdrawn
-
2010
- 2010-01-11 US US12/685,362 patent/US8978782B2/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| US20100108386A1 (en) | 2010-05-06 |
| GB0523884D0 (en) | 2006-01-04 |
| CA2632795A1 (en) | 2006-06-01 |
| GB2420802B (en) | 2007-04-04 |
| CA2527605A1 (en) | 2006-06-01 |
| US20060113111A1 (en) | 2006-06-01 |
| CA2632795C (en) | 2011-06-28 |
| US8978782B2 (en) | 2015-03-17 |
| DE102005057049A1 (en) | 2006-06-08 |
| GB2420802A (en) | 2006-06-07 |
| US7669668B2 (en) | 2010-03-02 |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| EEER | Examination request | ||
| MKLA | Lapsed |
Effective date: 20181126 |