RU2706046C2 - Drilling process and device - Google Patents

Abstract

FIELD: oil, gas and coke-chemical industries.

SUBSTANCE: group of inventions relates to oil and gas industry, in particular, to measurements at drilling of production wells. Device comprises a base having an axis of rotation and configured to be axially connected between the drill pipe and the drilling bit. Base has first and second peripheral end surfaces on both of its axial ends and cylindrical peripheral side surface extending between said first and second peripheral end surfaces. Base confines at least one recording chamber having an opening on at least one surface of peripheral end surfaces, and passage made with provision of flow communication between drilling pipe and drilling bit, at least one sensor located in said recording chamber, and a sealing member configured to sealed the recording chamber on said at least one surface of peripheral end surfaces. Sensor and recording chamber are configured to obtain data on drilling and their transfer to surface drilling control unit. Proposed sensor comprises strain gage comprising first, second and third strain gages arranged on the same side of inner wall of the recording chamber, which is located close to cylindrical peripheral side surface, respectively, along three different directions.

EFFECT: higher accuracy of measurements, simplified design.

17 cl, 7 dwg

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] In one embodiment, the invention relates to a measuring device and to a corresponding measuring method, in particular to a measuring device for drilling and a measuring method suitable for a drilling device.

BACKGROUND

[0002] The term “measuring device while drilling” means that the drilling machine continuously collects information about a borehole or drill bit, for example, azimuth angle, stress, bit pressure, operating conditions of the drill bit, and the condition of the drill bit surrounding the rock, and then this information is transmitted to the control side, which allows this side to act as the basis for generating a control signal. Accordingly, a device for measuring while drilling is key to implementing rotational drilling technology.

[0003] Most of the measuring devices for drilling are located in the collar of the drill, and their main components are various sensors located in this collar. However, since the surrounding rock is extremely complex and hard, it becomes extremely important to seal the housing of the measuring device while drilling. A well-sealed housing protects the sensors from the penetration of drilling fluids, sand or other similar substances, which, therefore, improves the accuracy of measurement by sensors and extends their life. As shown in FIG. 1, in the prior art, an axial groove 11 is made on the cylindrical peripheral side surface 14 of the device 10 for measuring while drilling, and after installing the sensor 12 in the device, a cover 13 is placed on the groove for sealing. The described design of the measuring device for drilling provides ease of installation and maintenance of the sensor 12. However, this design has a complex structure, and the sealing effect and accuracy cannot be guaranteed.

[0004] Thus, there is a need for a drilling measuring device suitable for a drilling device, and an appropriate manufacturing method for this device to solve the above technical problems.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0005] Based on the above-described technical problems, in one aspect, the invention relates to a drilling measurement apparatus comprising a base having an axis of rotation and axially connected between the drill pipe and the drill bit of the drilling device. The base has a first and second end surface at its two axial ends, respectively, and a cylindrical peripheral side surface extending between the first and second end surfaces. The base limits at least one recording chamber having an opening on at least one surface of the end surfaces. The base also includes a passage configured to provide fluid communication between the drill pipe and the drill bit. The device for measuring while drilling also contains at least one sensor located in the recording chamber, the sensor and the recording chamber being configured to receive drilling data and transmit these data to the drilling control unit. The specified device for measuring while drilling also contains a sealing element made with the possibility of sealing the recording chamber on the specified at least one surface of the end surfaces.

[0006] In another aspect, the invention relates to a method comprising designing a predetermined drilling path leading to a produced hydrocarbon; drilling a borehole with a drilling device comprising a device for measuring while drilling, based on a predetermined drilling path; removing a drilling device from a borehole; and obtaining hydrocarbon from a given wellbore. The step of drilling a borehole with a drilling device comprising a measuring device while drilling includes receiving drilling data using the measuring device while drilling, transmitting drilling data to the drilling control unit, and calibrating the drilling direction of the drilling device based on the drilling data and a predetermined drilling data drilling paths. The specified device for measuring contains a base having an axis of rotation and made with the possibility of axial connection between the drill pipe and the drill bit of the drilling device. The base has a first and second end surface at its two axial ends, respectively, and a cylindrical peripheral side surface extending between the first and second end surfaces. The base limits at least one recording chamber having an opening on at least one surface of the end surfaces. The base also includes a passage configured to provide fluid communication between the drill pipe and the drill bit. In addition, the specified device for measuring also contains at least one sensor located inside the recording chamber. The specified device for measuring also contains a sealing element made with the possibility of sealing the recording chamber on the specified at least one surface of the end surfaces.

[0007] In another aspect, the present invention relates to a method for manufacturing a device for measuring while drilling, comprising providing a base having an axis of rotation and axially connected between the drill pipe and the drill bit of the drilling device and having a first and second end surface on its two axial ends, respectively, and a cylindrical peripheral side surface extending between the first and second end surfaces; forming at least one recording chamber in said base having an opening on at least one surface of the end surfaces; the formation of the passage in the specified basis, providing the possibility of fluid communication between the drill pipe and the drill bit; the location of at least one sensor in the recording chamber through the opening of the recording chamber; and sealing the recording chamber on said at least one surface of the end surfaces.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] The proposed invention will become clearer when considering the following description of embodiments of the invention, given with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0009] in FIG. 1 schematically shows a prior art drilling measuring device;

[0010] in FIG. 2 schematically shows a directional drilling system made in accordance with one specific embodiment of the proposed invention;

[0011] in FIG. 3 shows, in an assembly state, a drilling measurement device made in accordance with one specific embodiment of the invention;

[0012] in FIG. 4 illustrates the construction of a drilling measurement apparatus made in accordance with one specific embodiment of the proposed invention;

[0013] in FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the drilling measurement apparatus shown in FIG. 4;

[0014] in FIG. 6 schematically shows the load cells of the drilling measuring device shown in FIG. 4;

[0015] in FIG. 7 shows a cross section of a device for measuring while drilling, made in accordance with another specific embodiment of the proposed invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0016] The following is a detailed description of preferred embodiments of the invention. It should be noted that for simplicity and brevity in the detailed description of the embodiments in this document it is impossible to describe in detail all the features of practical embodiments. It should also be understood that in order to achieve the specific goal of the developer, as well as to comply with some restrictions associated with the system or business, in the process of practical implementation of any embodiment, as in the process of engineering or development design, usually a number of decisions are made that also may vary in one or another embodiment. In addition, it can also be taken into account that, although work in such a development process can be complex and time-consuming, some variations, for example, in design, manufacturing and production, based on the technical content disclosed in this application, are just ordinary technical means in the field of technology for specialists of average skill in the art, related to the content disclosed in the present invention, and should not be considered as insufficient disclosure of the subject invention.

[0017] Unless otherwise indicated, all technical or scientific terms used in the claims and description have the same meaning, as is commonly understood by a person of ordinary skill in the art to which the proposed invention belongs. The terms "first", "second" and other similar terms used in the description and claims do not mean any sequential order, number or significance and are used only to distinguish different components from each other. In addition, the singular does not mean a quantity limit, but the presence of at least one element. The terms “comprises,” “comprising,” “includes,” “including,” and other similar terms used herein mean that an element or object before “comprises,” “comprising,” “includes,” “including” , applies to all elements or objects and their illustrated equivalents, standing after "contains", "containing", "includes", "including", but does not exclude other elements or objects. The term “coupled” or “connected” or other similar term is not limited to the physical or mechanical connection, nor is it limited to the direct or indirect connection.

[0018] In the present application, the terms “may”, “possibly”, “configured to”, “could” indicate the possibility of an event in certain circumstances and have a specific property, attribute or function, and / or by combination with a qualified verb denote at least one ability, function or probability. Accordingly, the use of “may” indicates that the modifiable terms are obviously appropriate, suitable or applicable. However, at the same time, given the presence of certain situations, the modifiable term may not be appropriate, appropriate, or applicable. For example, in some cases, you can expect the appearance of a result or execution, although in other cases, the result or execution may not occur. In embodiments, this distinction is described in terms meaning "may."

[0019] In one aspect of the invention, the invention relates to a device for measuring while drilling in a directional drilling system. In FIG. 2 schematically depicts a directional drilling system comprising a drilling rig 33, a drill pipe 31 and a drill bit 32. A measuring device 20 for drilling is located between the drill pipe 31 and the drill bit 32 for recording information about the drill pipe and drill bit and transfer this information back to control side, which allows this side to act as the basis for generating a control signal.

[0020] FIG. 3 shows, in an assembly state, a drilling measuring device made in accordance with one specific embodiment of the proposed invention. With reference to FIG. 3, the drilling measurement device 20 is axially coupled between the drill pipe 31 and the drill string 32 of the drill device and coaxial with both the drill pipe and the drill string. In one embodiment of the invention, device 20 is a substantially cylindrical body. When the drilling device is operating, the device 20 rotates together with the drill pipe 31 and the drill bit 32, measures various parameters for the drill pipe and drill bit in real time using the sensor (s) 24 located in it, generates drilling data and transmits them to the control unit by drilling. Then, in accordance with the indicated data, the drilling control unit controls the drilling direction, drilling speed and other similar parameters of the drilling device.

[0021] FIG. 4 illustrates the construction of a drilling measurement apparatus made in accordance with one particular embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 4, the measuring device 20 comprises a base 21 having a rotation axis 211 and having first and second end surfaces 212, 213 at its two ends, respectively, and a cylindrical side surface 214 extending between the first and second end surfaces 212, 213. In one an embodiment of the proposed invention, the axis of rotation 211 is not a solid shaft, but a geometric straight line around which the base 21 rotates.

[0022] In one embodiment, one surface of said end surfaces is a plane and is located at an angle to the cylindrical side surface 214. In addition, in one embodiment, the base 21 is a substantially cylindrical body such that the two end surfaces made circular and perpendicular to the axis of rotation 211.

[0023] Two connecting parts are made at the two axial ends of the base 21, allowing the base 21 to be connected between the drill pipe 31 and the drill bit 32. In particular, the base 21 has a first connecting part near the first end surface and a second connecting part near the second end surface moreover, these parts are used to connect with the drill pipe 31 and the drill bit 32, respectively.

[0024] With reference to FIG. 3, in one embodiment of the proposed invention, the first connecting part is a protruding part 215 protruding from the first end surface 212. On the curved surface of the protruding part 215, a female thread 2151 is made, and a female thread 311 is made on the drill pipe 31 to correspond to the male thread 2151, providing the ability to connect the base 21 and the drill pipe 31 using threads 2151 and 311. The second connecting part is a recessed part 216, recessed inward from the second second end surface 213. In the recessed portion 216 is formed covering the inner wall of the thread 2161 and the drill bit 32 on the male thread 321 formed to match the protruding portion 2161 that provide connectivity to the base 21 and the drill bit 32 via threads 321 and 2161.

[0025] In one embodiment of the invention, the protruding portion 215 may be a cylindrical body or a truncated cone, as shown in FIG. 3 and 4, without limitation specified. The protruding portion may be a cylindrical cavity with a closed half or a cavity in the form of a truncated cone, as shown in FIG. 3 and 4, without limitation specified.

[0026] In this embodiment, the base 21 is connected to the drill pipe 31 and the drill bit 32 in a threaded manner, but this connection is not limited to the threaded type. Thus, the base 21 can also be connected to the drill pipe 31 and the drill bit 32, in another way, for example, latches, bolts or other similar devices.

[0027] The base 21 delimits a passage 23 made therein for fluid communication between the drill pipe 31 and the drill bit 32. As shown in FIG. 4 and 5, in one embodiment, the passage 23 passes through the base 21 along the axis of rotation 211 and is made in the form of a cylindrical cavity coaxial with the base 21.

[0028] As shown in FIG. 3, the base 21 also limits at least one recording chamber 22 made therein for receiving the sensor (s) 24 of the measuring device while drilling. The recording chamber 22 has at least one opening 221 on the first end surface 212. The opening of the recording chamber is located, in accordance with the prior art, as shown in FIG. 1 is located on a cylindrical peripheral side surface. In this case, it is convenient to mount and maintain the sensor 12. However, due to the presence of assembly units, for example, a cover 13 near the sensor 12, unpredictable and extremely unstable internal forces can arise between the assembly units or between the assembly units and the base, which can drastically decrease the measurement accuracy the sensor 12. In addition, since a complex connection is made between the cover 13 and the hole of the groove 11, the sealing function of the equipment cannot be guaranteed. In contrast, in the proposed invention there is no hole on the cylindrical peripheral side surface 214, and the sensor 24 is located near the axial middle portion of the base 21. Thus, when the sensor 24 is located in the chamber 22 through the opening 221, the structure near the cross section the sensor 24, perpendicular to the axis of rotation 211, is simple and stable, and there are no other assembly units, with the exception of the base 21, interacting with the sensor. As a result, there are no uncertain or unstable internal forces affecting the measurement accuracy of the sensor 24, which, therefore, significantly improves the measurement accuracy of the sensor 24.

[0029] Upon further consideration of FIG. 3, at least one sensor 24 is located within the chamber 22. In one embodiment, said sensor may be a strain gauge component, a three-dimensional (3D) accelerometer, or a combination thereof. In addition, depending on the requirements, the specified sensor may be a sensor of a different type or a combination of sensors of another type, without limitation, however, this sensor or combination.

[0030] With reference to FIG. 4, the drilling measuring device also includes a sealing element 26 located on the end surface and configured to seal the recording chambers 22. In one embodiment, the seal 26 comprises a cover 261 and a gasket 262 on the at least one end surface. A gasket 262 is located between the cover 261 and the at least one end surface to improve the sealing effect of the cover 261.

[0031] With reference to FIG. 4 and 5, additionally, in one embodiment, four cylindrical recording chambers 22 pass through the cylindrical base 21 along the direction of the axis of rotation 211. Each chamber of the chambers 22 has two openings 221, 222 located on the first and second end surfaces 212, 213, respectively. Each surface of the end surfaces 212, 213 is located together with the cover 261 and the gasket 262, each of which is made annular, to close four holes on each end surface and to eliminate the effect on the operation of the connecting parts 215, 216 and passage 23.

[0032] In one embodiment of the present invention, each camera of the recording chambers 22 has a shape in accordance with a cylindrical peripheral lateral surface, allowing full use of the inner space of the base 21, and increasing the internal volume of the chamber 22. With reference to FIG. 4 and 5, the base delimits four cylindrical recording chambers 22 between the outer region of the passage 23 and the cylindrical peripheral side surface 214 of the base 21, arranged uniformly around the passage 23, each chamber of these four chambers having a cross section in the form of a long curved ellipse.

[0033] In one embodiment of the invention, the sensor 24 comprises at least two strain components 25. As shown in FIG. 4-6, each component of the strain gauge components 25 comprises first, second, and third strain gauges located on the inner wall of the recording chamber 22 along three different directions to measure pressure, moment, lateral force, or other similar parameter of the drill bit. By means of such a combination of stress components, different forces and moments on the drill bit can be separated from each other, which further increases the measurement accuracy.

[0034] In one embodiment of the proposed invention, the first, second and third load cells 251, 252, 253 are mounted on the side of the inner wall of the recording chamber 22 next to the cylindrical peripheral side surface 214. As shown in FIG. 5, each of the strain gauge sensors experiences a larger deformation volume on the side near the cylindrical peripheral lateral surface 214 than on the other side, thereby providing the possibility of increasing the signal-to-noise coefficient of the strain gauge component 25 and improving the measurement accuracy.

[0035] FIG. 6 schematically shows strain gauges 25 of a device for measuring while drilling. As shown in FIG. 6, the first and second load cells 251, 252 are arranged symmetrically with respect to the third load cell 253. In one embodiment of the invention, the angle between the first load cell 251 and the third load cell 253 is approximately 45 degrees, thereby providing an angle between the first load cell 251 and the second load cell 252 approximately 90 degrees, which simplifies calculations and improves the accuracy of measurement results.

[0036] In one embodiment of the proposed invention, the sensor 24 also contains at least one pair of three-dimensional accelerometers, each pair of three-dimensional accelerometers being located symmetrically with respect to the axis of rotation of the base 211, and by combining two three-dimensional accelerometers, the motion parameters and vibration parameters of the drill bit rotation are separated apart from each other. In particular, by adding the signals of each pair of three-dimensional accelerometers, the centrifugal acceleration of two three-dimensional accelerometers is balanced to eliminate the negative effects created by centrifugal acceleration of a single three-dimensional accelerometer, providing increased measurement accuracy by the vibration measuring device 20. In addition, the rotation speed of the drill bit can be measured more accurately by subtracting the signals of each pair of three-dimensional accelerometers.

[0037] In one embodiment of the proposed invention, three-dimensional accelerometers can be made integrally or replaced with three one-dimensional accelerometers or one two-dimensional accelerometer and one one-dimensional accelerometer.

[0038] With reference to FIG. 7, in one embodiment of the invention, the drilling measurement device 20 comprises two three-dimensional accelerometers 271, 272 located along one line passing through the axis of rotation 211 and spaced at the same distance from the axis of rotation 211.

[0039] The sensor 24 and the recording chamber 22 are used to receive drilling data and transmit data to the drilling control unit, while drilling data is transmitted via cables, ultrasonic waves, acoustic signals or radio frequency signals. In one embodiment, power may be supplied to the sensor 24 via cables or batteries in the chamber 22.

[0040] In another aspect, the invention relates to a method for producing a hydrocarbon using a drilling device comprising the inventive device for measuring while drilling, comprising: designing a predetermined drilling path leading to a produced hydrocarbon; drilling a borehole with a drilling device comprising a device for measuring while drilling, based on a predetermined drilling path; removing a drilling device from a borehole; and obtaining hydrocarbon from the wellbore.

[0041] In turn, the step of drilling a borehole with a drilling device comprising a measuring device while drilling includes receiving drilling data using a measuring device while drilling, transmitting drilling data to a drilling control unit, and calibrating a drilling direction of the drilling device based on drilling data and a predetermined drilling path.

[0042] In one embodiment of the invention, the step of transmitting drilling data includes transmitting via cables, an ultrasonic wave, acoustic signals, or radio frequency signals.

[0043] In one embodiment of the invention, said method also includes the step of encoding the drilling data before transmitting it.

[0044] In another aspect, the invention also relates to a method of manufacturing a device for measuring while drilling, comprising providing a base having an axis of rotation, capable of axially connecting between the drill pipe and the drill bit of the drilling device and having a first and second peripheral end surface on their two axial ends and a cylindrical peripheral side surface extending between the first and second end surfaces; forming at least one recording chamber in said base having an opening on at least one surface of the end surfaces; the formation of the passage in the specified base, configured to provide fluid communication between the drill pipe and the drill bit; placing at least one sensor in the recording chamber through the opening of the recording chamber; and sealing the recording chamber on said at least one surface of the end surfaces.

[0045] In one embodiment of the invention, said method also includes forming a first connecting portion near the first end surface and forming a second connecting portion near the second end surface for connecting the base to the drill pipe and the drill bit of the drilling device.

[0046] Although specific embodiments of the invention are described herein, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made. Accordingly, it should be noted that the claims include all modifications and variations within the actual idea and scope of legal protection of the invention.

Claims (35)

1. A device for measuring while drilling, containing: a base having an axis of rotation and configured to axially connect between the drill pipe and the drill bit, the base having a first and second peripheral end surfaces at both its axial ends and a cylindrical peripheral side surface extending between said first and second peripheral end surfaces, wherein the base limits at least one recording chamber having an opening on at least one surface of peripheral end rotations xnost, and the passage made with ensuring flow communication between the drill pipe and the drill bit, at least one sensor located in said recording chamber, and a sealing element configured to hermetically seal the recording chamber on said at least one surface of peripheral end surfaces, wherein said sensor and recording chamber are configured to receive drilling data and transmit them to a surface drilling control unit, and the specified sensor contains a strain gauge containing the first, second and third strain components mounted on that side of the inner wall of the recording chamber, which is located close to the cylindrical peripheral side surface, respectively, along three different directions. 2. The device according to claim 1, wherein said at least one surface of the peripheral end surfaces is a flat surface located at an angle to the cylindrical peripheral side surface. 3. The device according to claim 1, wherein said sealing element comprises a cover on said at least one surface of peripheral end surfaces and a sealing gasket located between the cover and said at least one surface. 4. The device according to claim 1, in which the dimensions of the recording chamber essentially correspond to the radius of curvature of the cylindrical peripheral side surface. 5. The device according to p. 1, in which the specified base has a first connecting part made adjacent to the first peripheral end surface, and a second connecting part made adjacent to the second peripheral end surface for connecting respectively to the drill pipe and the drill bit. 6. The device according to claim 5, in which the first connecting part contains a convex part with an external thread protruding from the first peripheral end surface, and the second connecting part contains a concave part with an internal thread, concave inward from the second peripheral end surface. 7. The device according to claim 1, wherein said sensor further comprises a three-dimensional accelerometer. 8. The device according to p. 1, in which the first and second strain components are located symmetrically with respect to the third strain component. 9. The device according to claim 8, in which the angle between the first strain component and the third strain component is approximately 45 degrees. 10. The device according to claim 1, containing at least one pair of sensors, each pair containing a three-dimensional accelerometer, and three-dimensional accelerometers of each pair of sensors are symmetrically relative to the specified axis of rotation. 11. The device according to claim 1, wherein the drilling data is transmitted by cable, ultrasound, acoustic signal or radio frequency signal. 12. The method of drilling, including: designing a predetermined drilling path leading to the produced hydrocarbon, drilling a borehole with a drilling device comprising a device for measuring while drilling, based on a predetermined drilling path, and at this stage of drilling: receive drilling data using a device for measuring while drilling, transmit drilling data to a surface drilling control unit and calibrating the drilling direction of the drilling device based on the drilling data and a given drilling path, removing the drilling device from the wellbore and hydrocarbon production from said borehole, wherein the device for measuring during drilling comprises a base having an axis of rotation and made with the possibility of axial attachment between the drill pipe and the drill bit, the base having a first and second peripheral end surfaces at both axial ends and a cylindrical peripheral side surface extending between the specified first and second peripheral end surfaces, while the base limits at least one recording chamber having an opening at least at least one surface of the peripheral end surfaces, and the passage made with flowing communication between the drill pipe and the drill bit, at least one sensor located in the recording chamber, and a sealing element configured to hermetically seal the recording chamber on the specified at least one surface of the peripheral end surfaces, while the specified sensor contains a strain gauge containing the first, second and third strain components mounted on that side of the inner wall of the recording chamber, which is located close to the cylindrical peripheral side surface, respectively, along three different directions. 13. The method according to p. 12, in which when transmitting drilling data, transmit this data by cable, ultrasound, acoustic signal or radio frequency signal. 14. The method of claim 12, wherein the drilling data is encoded prior to transmission. 15. A method of manufacturing a device for measuring while drilling, including: providing a base having a first and second peripheral end surfaces at both its axial ends and a cylindrical peripheral side surface extending between said first and second peripheral end surfaces, the formation in the specified basis of at least one recording chamber having an opening on at least one surface of peripheral end surfaces, and a passage made to provide flow communication between the drill pipe and the drill bit, placing at least one sensor in the recording chamber, a tight seal of the recording chamber on the specified at least one surface of the peripheral end surfaces, moreover, the specified sensor contains a strain gauge containing the first, second and third strain components, which are installed on the side of the inner wall of the recording chamber, located close to the cylindrical peripheral side surface, respectively, along three different directions. 16. The method according to p. 15, in which form the first connecting part adjacent to the first peripheral end surface and the second connecting part adjacent to the second peripheral end surface. 17. The method according to p. 16, in which the first connecting part contains a convex part with an external thread protruding from the first peripheral end surface, and the second connecting part contains a concave part with an internal thread, concave inward from the second peripheral end surface.

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