U.S. patent application number 16/820325 was filed with the patent office on 2020-10-15 for measurement while drilling communication scheme.
The applicant listed for this patent is Erdos Miller, Inc.. Invention is credited to Abraham C. Erdos, David Erdos, Kenneth C. Miller.
Application Number | 20200325767 16/820325 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 1000004905719 |
Filed Date | 2020-10-15 |
![](/patent/app/20200325767/US20200325767A1-20201015-D00000.png)
![](/patent/app/20200325767/US20200325767A1-20201015-D00001.png)
![](/patent/app/20200325767/US20200325767A1-20201015-D00002.png)
![](/patent/app/20200325767/US20200325767A1-20201015-D00003.png)
![](/patent/app/20200325767/US20200325767A1-20201015-D00004.png)
![](/patent/app/20200325767/US20200325767A1-20201015-D00005.png)
![](/patent/app/20200325767/US20200325767A1-20201015-D00006.png)
![](/patent/app/20200325767/US20200325767A1-20201015-D00007.png)
![](/patent/app/20200325767/US20200325767A1-20201015-D00008.png)
United States Patent
Application |
20200325767 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Miller; Kenneth C. ; et
al. |
October 15, 2020 |
MEASUREMENT WHILE DRILLING COMMUNICATION SCHEME
Abstract
A measurement while drilling system including a first module and
a second module. The first module situated at a distal end of a
drill string and including a downhole processor configured to
determine that the drill string is one of on a drill plan and off
the drill plan, and a downhole communication module communicatively
coupled to the downhole processor to transmit signals. The second
module situated at a proximal end of the drill string and including
an uphole communication module configured to receive the signals.
Where the downhole processor is configured to transmit
non-compressed data if the drill string is off the drill plan and
compressed data if the drill string is on the drill plan.
Inventors: |
Miller; Kenneth C.;
(Houston, TX) ; Erdos; David; (Houston, TX)
; Erdos; Abraham C.; (Houston, TX) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Erdos Miller, Inc. |
Houston |
TX |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
1000004905719 |
Appl. No.: |
16/820325 |
Filed: |
March 16, 2020 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
16379584 |
Apr 9, 2019 |
10590757 |
|
|
16820325 |
|
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E21B 47/024 20130101;
E21B 47/16 20130101; E21B 47/18 20130101; E21B 7/04 20130101; E21B
47/12 20130101 |
International
Class: |
E21B 47/024 20060101
E21B047/024; E21B 47/12 20060101 E21B047/12 |
Claims
1. A measurement while drilling system, comprising: a first module
situated at a distal end of a drill string and including: a
downhole processor configured to determine that the drill string is
one of on a drill plan and off the drill plan; and a downhole
communication module communicatively coupled to the downhole
processor to transmit signals; and a second module situated at a
proximal end of the drill string and including an uphole
communication module configured to receive the signals, wherein the
downhole processor is configured to transmit non-compressed data if
the drill string is off the drill plan and compressed data if the
drill string is on the drill plan.
2. The measurement while drilling system of claim 1, wherein the
downhole processor is configured to determine if an orientation of
the drill string is one of on the drill plan and off the drill
plan.
3. The measurement while drilling system of claim 1, wherein the
downhole processor is configured to determine if a position of the
drill string in a borehole is one of on the drill plan and off the
drill plan.
4. The measurement while drilling system of claim 1, wherein the
downhole processor is configured to obtain at least one of a
six-axis survey and a calculated survey of the drill string to
determine that the drill string is one of on the drill plan and off
the drill plan.
5. The measurement while drilling system of claim 1, wherein the
downhole processor is configured to transmit delta compressed
signals between surveys of the drill string.
6. The measurement while drilling system of claim 1, wherein the
downhole processor is at least one of pre-programmed with the drill
plan and configured to receive drill plan information.
7. The measurement while drilling system of claim 1, wherein the
compressed data includes compressed delta data.
8. The measurement while drilling system of claim 1, wherein the
downhole processor is configured to transmit at least one bit that
indicates that the drill string is on the drill plan or off the
drill plan.
9. The measurement while drilling system of claim 1, wherein the
downhole processor is configured to obtain at least one survey
value of the drill string and compare the at least one survey value
to at least one threshold value to determine that the drill string
is one of on the drill plan and off the drill plan.
10. The measurement while drilling system of claim 1, wherein the
downhole processor is configured to transmit at least one of survey
data, sliding data, and rotating data.
11. A measurement while drilling system, comprising: a first module
situated at a distal end of a drill string and including: a
downhole processor; and a downhole communication module
communicatively coupled to the downhole processor and configured to
transmit data from the downhole processor; and a second module
situated at a proximal end of the drill string and including an
uphole communication module configured to receive the data
transmitted by the downhole communication module, wherein the
downhole processor is configured to determine which well segment of
a drill plan the drill string is in based on an orientation of the
drill string and to transmit compressed data that corresponds to
the well segment of the drill plan that the drill string is
determined to be in.
12. The measurement while drilling system of claim 11, wherein the
drill plan includes three well segments.
13. The measurement while drilling system of claim 11, wherein the
downhole processor is configured to obtain at least one of a
six-axis survey and a calculated survey of the drill string to
determine which well segment of the drill plan the drill string is
in.
14. A method of controlling well path trajectory comprising:
determining, by a downhole processor, that the drill string is one
of on a drill plan and off the drill plan; transmitting, by the
downhole processor, non-compressed data if the drill string is off
the drill plan and compressed data if the drill string is on the
drill plan; and receiving, by an uphole processor, the
non-compressed data and the compressed data.
15. The method of claim 14, comprising: obtaining, by the downhole
processor, at least one of a six-axis survey and a calculated
survey of the drill string to determine that the drill string is
one of on the drill plan and off the drill plan.
16. The method of claim 14, comprising: transmitting delta
compressed signals between surveys of the drill string.
17. The method of claim 14, comprising: transmitting at least one
bit that indicates that the drill string is one of on the drill
plan and off the drill plan.
18. The method of claim 14, comprising; obtaining at least one
orientation value; and comparing the at least one orientation value
to one or more threshold values to determine that the drill string
is in a well segment of a well plan and to determine that the drill
string is one of on the drill plan and off the drill plan.
19. The method of claim 14, wherein determining, by the downhole
processor, that the drill string is one of on the drill plan and
off the drill plan comprises receiving, by the downhole processor,
at least one of well string length and drill plan information.
20. The method of claim 14, wherein determining, by the downhole
processor, that the drill string is one of on the drill plan and
off the drill plan comprises comparing, by the downhole processor,
an inclination value to an inclination threshold value.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application is a continuation application of U.S.
patent application Ser. No. 16/379,584, filed Apr. 9, 2019, issuing
as U.S. Pat. No. 10,590,757, issuing Mar. 17, 2020, which is herein
incorporated by reference in its entirety.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] The present disclosure relates to measurement while drilling
(MWD) systems. More specifically, the disclosure relates to
communicating information from the drill string in the well
borehole to the surface.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Drilling systems can be used for drilling well boreholes in
the earth for extracting fluids, such as oil, water, and gas. The
drilling systems include a drill string for boring the well
borehole into a formation that contains the fluid to be extracted.
The drill string includes tubing or a drill pipe, such as a pipe
made-up of jointed sections, and a drilling assembly attached to
the distal end of the drill string. The drilling assembly includes
a drill bit at the distal end of the drilling assembly. Typically,
the drill string, including the drill bit, is rotated to drill the
well borehole. Often, the drilling assembly includes a mud motor
that rotates the drill bit for boring the well borehole.
[0004] Obtaining downhole measurements during drilling operations
is known as MWD or logging while drilling (LWD). Some downhole
measurements, referred to as surveys, include information about the
location, such as the orientation and/or position, of the drill
string in the well borehole. This survey data is gathered by the
drill string in the borehole, such as by an MWD system in the drill
string and communicated to the surface. Transmitting survey data
can be a time-consuming process that reduces the timeliness of the
data and increases the time it takes to drill a well, which leads
to inaccurate information about the position of the drill string
and an increase in the cost of drilling the well.
SUMMARY
[0005] In an Example 1, a measurement while drilling system
including a first module and a second module. The first module
situated at a distal end of a drill string and including a downhole
processor configured to determine that the drill string is one of
on a drill plan and off the drill plan, and a downhole
communication module communicatively coupled to the downhole
processor to transmit signals. The second module situated at a
proximal end of the drill string and including an uphole
communication module configured to receive the signals. Where the
downhole processor is configured to transmit non-compressed data if
the drill string is off the drill plan and compressed data if the
drill string is on the drill plan.
[0006] In an Example 2, the measurement while drilling system of
Example 1, wherein the downhole processor is configured to
determine if an orientation of the drill string is one of on the
drill plan and off the drill plan.
[0007] In an Example 3, the measurement while drilling system of
Example 1, wherein the downhole processor is configured to
determine if a position of the drill string in a borehole is one of
on the drill plan and off the drill plan.
[0008] In an Example 4, the measurement while drilling system of
Example 1, wherein the downhole processor is configured to obtain
at least one of a six-axis survey and a calculated survey of the
drill string to determine that the drill string is one of on the
drill plan and off the drill plan.
[0009] In an Example 5, the measurement while drilling system of
Example 1, wherein the downhole processor is configured to transmit
delta compressed signals between surveys of the drill string.
[0010] In an Example 6, the measurement while drilling system of
Example 1, wherein the downhole processor is at least one of
pre-programmed with the drill plan and configured to receive drill
plan information.
[0011] In an Example 7, the measurement while drilling system of
Example 1, wherein the compressed data includes compressed delta
data.
[0012] In an Example 8, the measurement while drilling system of
Example 1, wherein the downhole processor is configured to transmit
at least one bit that indicates that the drill string is on the
drill plan or off the drill plan.
[0013] In an Example 9, the measurement while drilling system of
Example 1, wherein the downhole processor is configured to obtain
at least one survey value of the drill string and compare the at
least one survey value to at least one threshold value to determine
that the drill string is one of on the drill plan and off the drill
plan.
[0014] In an Example 10, the measurement while drilling system of
Example 1, wherein the downhole processor is configured to transmit
the signals based on at least one of time between transmissions and
distance drilled and/or the downhole processor is configured to
transmit at least one of survey data, sliding data, and rotating
data.
[0015] In an Example 11, a measurement while drilling system
including a first module and a second module. The first module
situated at a distal end of a drill string and including a downhole
processor and a downhole communication module communicatively
coupled to the downhole processor and configured to transmit data
from the downhole processor. The second module situated at a
proximal end of the drill string and including an uphole
communication module configured to receive the data transmitted by
the downhole communication module. Wherein the downhole processor
is configured to determine which well segment of a drill plan the
drill string is in based on an orientation of the drill string and
to transmit compressed data that corresponds to the well segment of
the drill plan that the drill string is determined to be in.
[0016] In an Example 12, the measurement while drilling system of
Example 11, wherein the drill plan includes three well
segments.
[0017] In an Example 13, the measurement while drilling system of
Example 11, wherein the downhole processor is configured to obtain
at least one of a six-axis survey and a calculated survey of the
drill string to determine which well segment of the drill plan the
drill string is in.
[0018] In an Example 14, a method of controlling well path
trajectory including determining, by a downhole processor, that the
drill string is one of on a drill plan and off the drill plan;
transmitting, by the downhole processor, non-compressed data if the
drill string is off the drill plan and compressed data if the drill
string is on the drill plan; and receiving, by an uphole processor,
the non-compressed data and the compressed data.
[0019] In an Example 15, the method of Example 14, including
obtaining, by the downhole processor, at least one of a six-axis
survey and a calculated survey of the drill string to determine
that the drill string is one of on the drill plan and off the drill
plan.
[0020] In an Example 16, the method of Example 14, including
transmitting delta compressed signals between surveys of the drill
string.
[0021] In an Example 17, the method of Example 14, including
transmitting at least one bit that indicates that the drill string
is one of on the drill plan and off the drill plan.
[0022] In an Example 18, the method of Example 14, including
obtaining at least one orientation value, and comparing the at
least one orientation value to one or more threshold values to
determine that the drill string is in a well segment of a well plan
and to determine that the drill string is one of on the drill plan
and off the drill plan.
[0023] In an Example 19, the method of Example 14, wherein
determining, by the downhole processor, that the drill string is
one of on the drill plan and off the drill plan comprises
receiving, by the downhole processor, at least one of well string
length and drill plan information.
[0024] In an Example 20, the method of Example 14, wherein
determining, by the downhole processor, that the drill string is
one of on the drill plan and off the drill plan comprises
comparing, by the downhole processor, an inclination value to an
inclination threshold value
[0025] While multiple embodiments are disclosed, still other
embodiments of the present disclosure will become apparent to those
skilled in the art from the following detailed description, which
shows and describes illustrative embodiments of the disclosure.
Accordingly, the drawings and detailed description are to be
regarded as illustrative in nature and not restrictive.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0026] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a MWD system configured to
communicate well path trajectory information from a drill string to
the surface, according to embodiments of the disclosure.
[0027] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a MWD system configured to
determine that the trajectory of a drill string is either on a
drill plan or off the drill plan, and to transmit non-compressed
survey signals if the drill string is off the drill plan and
compressed survey signals if the drill string is on the drill plan,
according to embodiments of the disclosure.
[0028] FIG. 3 is a flow chart diagram illustrating a method for
communicating the well path trajectory of a drill string in a well
borehole to the surface, according to embodiments of the
disclosure.
[0029] FIG. 4A is a flow chart diagram illustrating a method for
determining which well segment of the three well segments the drill
string is in, according to embodiments of the disclosure.
[0030] FIG. 4B is a flow chart diagram illustrating transmitting
and receiving survey data after the downhole processor has
determined that the drill string is in the vertical well segment,
according to embodiments of the disclosure.
[0031] FIG. 4C is a flow chart diagram illustrating transmitting
and receiving survey data after the downhole processor has
determined that the drill string is in the lateral well segment,
according to embodiments of the disclosure.
[0032] FIG. 4D is a flow chart diagram illustrating transmitting
and receiving survey data after the downhole processor has
determined that the drill string is in the curved well segment,
according to embodiments of the disclosure.
[0033] FIG. 5 is a flow chart diagram illustrating a method for
communicating the well path trajectory of a drill string to the
surface based on the position of the drill string in the well
borehole, according to embodiments of the disclosure.
[0034] While the disclosure is amenable to various modifications
and alternative forms, specific embodiments have been shown by way
of example in the drawings and are described in detail below. The
intention, however, is not to limit the disclosure to the
embodiments described. On the contrary, the disclosure is intended
to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling
within the scope of the disclosure as defined by the appended
claims.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0035] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a MWD system 20 configured
to communicate information from a drill string 22 to the surface,
according to embodiments of the disclosure. The information
communicated from the drill string 22 to the surface includes well
path trajectory information. Also, in embodiments, the information
communicated from the drill string 22 to the surface includes other
information, such as gamma radiation measurements, temperature,
pressure, and rotation rate (RPM).
[0036] The system 20 includes the drill string 22 and a rig 24 for
drilling a well borehole 26 through earth 28 and into a formation
30. After the well borehole 26 has been drilled, fluids such as
water, oil, and gas can be extracted from the formation 30. In
embodiments, the rig 24 is situated on a platform that is on or
above water for drilling into the ocean floor.
[0037] The rig 24 includes a derrick 32, a derrick floor 34, a
rotary table 36, and the drill string 22. The drill string 22
includes a drill pipe 38 and a drilling assembly 40 attached to the
distal end of the drill pipe 38 at the distal end of the drill
string 22. The drilling assembly 40 includes a drill bit 42 at the
bottom of the drilling assembly 40 for drilling the well borehole
26.
[0038] A fluidic medium, such as drilling mud 44, is used by the
system for drilling the well borehole 26. The fluidic medium
circulates through the drill string 22 and back to the fluidic
medium source, which is usually at the surface. In embodiments,
drilling mud 44 is drawn from a mud pit 46 and circulated by a mud
pump 48 through a mud supply line 50 and into a swivel 52. The
drilling mud 44 flows down through an axial central bore in the
drill string 22 and through jets (not shown) in the lower face of
the drill bit 42. Borehole fluid 54, which contains drilling mud
44, formation cuttings, and formation fluid, flows back up through
the annular space between the outer surface of the drill string 22
and the inner surface of the well borehole 26 to be returned to the
mud pit 46 through a mud return line 56. A filter (not shown) can
be used to separate formation cuttings from the drilling mud 44
before the drilling mud 44 is returned to the mud pit 46. In
embodiments, the drill string 22 has a downhole drill motor 58,
such as a mud motor, for rotating the drill bit 42.
[0039] To drill the well borehole 26, drilling personnel devise a
drill plan that the drill string 22 is directed to follow or
otherwise configured to follow. In embodiments, drilling personnel
develop the drill plan prior to beginning drilling operations. In
embodiments, the drilling personnel can revise the drill plan
during drilling operations.
[0040] The drill plan includes one or more well segments that
define the contours of the finished well borehole 26. In example
embodiments, the drill plan includes a first vertical well segment
A, a second curved well segment B, and a third horizontal or
lateral well segment C. In some embodiments, the drill plan
includes only one or two well segments, such as only a vertical
well segment, or only a vertical well segment and an angled well
segment. In some embodiments, the drill plan includes more than
three segments.
[0041] To direct the drill string 22 and/or to maintain the drill
string 22 on the drill plan, the system 20 takes surveys that
indicate the location, such as the orientation and/or the position,
of the drill string 22, such as the distal end of the drill sting
22, in the well borehole 26. In some embodiments, the system 20
determines specifically where the drill string 22 is in the well
path and compares this location to the drill plan to determine if
the drill string 22 is on the drill plan or off the drill plan. In
some embodiments, the system 20 determines which well segment the
drill string 22 is in to determine if the drill string 22 is on the
drill plan or off the drill plan.
[0042] In embodiments, the system 20 compares survey data to the
drill plan and determines whether the drill string 22 is on the
drill plan or off the drill plan. In embodiments, the drill string
22 is on the drill plan if the survey data of the drill string 22
is within some tolerance of the planned trajectory of the drill
plan. In embodiments, the drill string 22 is off the drill plan if
the survey data of the drill string 22 is outside the tolerance of
the planned trajectory of the drill plan. In some embodiments, the
drill string 22 is on the drill plan if the well path and/or the
quality control metrics, such as total gravity, total magnetic
field, an/or dip angle measurements, are within the expected
tolerance of the drill plan. In some embodiments, the drill string
22 is off the drill plan if the well path and/or the quality
control metrics, such as total gravity, total magnetic field, an/or
dip angle measurements, are outside the expected tolerance of the
drill plan.
[0043] If the drill string 22 is on the drill plan, the system 20
transmits compressed survey signals or data from the drill string
22 to the surface, and if the drill string is off the drill plan,
the system 20 transmits non-compressed survey signals or data from
the drill string 22 to the surface. The compressed survey signals
include a smaller amount of data than the non-compressed survey
signals, such that if the drill string 22 is on the drill plan a
smaller amount of data is transmitted from the drill string 22 in
the well borehole 26 to the surface. This requires a smaller amount
of time and provides more reliable information about the
orientation and/or position of the drill string 22 in the well
borehole 26. In embodiments, if the drill string is off the drill
plan, the system 20 transmits an error flag or another indication
that indicates the drill string 22 is off the drill plan.
[0044] The compressed and non-compressed data transmitted by the
systems and methods described herein can be another suitable data,
including data other than survey data. In some embodiments, the
compressed and non-compressed data transmitted by the systems and
methods described herein is sliding data obtained while sliding,
i.e., while holding the drill string 22 stationary and rotating
only the drill bit 42 using a fluidic medium, such as drilling mud
44. In some embodiments, the compressed and non-compressed data
transmitted by the systems and methods described herein is rotating
data obtained while rotating the drill string 22.
[0045] The system 20, in the drilling assembly 40, includes a first
module 60 at the distal end of the drill pipe 38 and the distal end
of the drill string 22, and a second module 62 at the surface and
the proximal end of the drill string 22. In embodiments, the second
module 62 is attached to the drill rig 24.
[0046] The first module 60 includes a downhole processor 64 and a
downhole communication module 66 communicatively coupled, such as
electrically coupled by wire 68 or wirelessly coupled, to the
downhole processor 64 to transmit signals. In embodiments, the
downhole communication module 66 includes a pulser, such as a mud
pulse valve, that is configured to provide a pressure pulse in the
fluidic medium in the drill string 22, such as in the drilling mud
44.
[0047] The second module 62 includes an uphole processor 70 and an
uphole communication module 72 communicatively coupled, such as
electrically coupled by wire 74 or wirelessly coupled, to the
uphole processor 70 and configured to receive the signals from the
downhole communication module 66. In embodiments, the uphole
communication module 72 includes a pressure sensor. In embodiments,
the pressure pulse is an acoustic signal.
[0048] In embodiments, the downhole communication module 66 is
configured to provide an acoustic signal, such as one or more
pulses, that is transmitted to the surface through one or more
transmission medium or pathways. The pathways can include through
the fluidic medium in the drill string 22, through the material
(such as metal) that the pipe is made of, and through one or more
other separate pipes or pieces of material that accompany the drill
string 22, where the acoustic signal can be transmitted through the
passageway of the separate pipe or through the material of the
separate pipe or piece of material that accompanies the drill
string 22. In embodiments, the second module 62 includes the uphole
processor 70 and an acoustic signal sensor configured to receive
the acoustic signal and communicatively coupled, such as
electrically coupled by wire or wirelessly coupled, to the uphole
processor 70.
[0049] In embodiments, each of the downhole processor 64 and the
uphole processor 70 is a computing machine that includes memory
that stores executable code that can be executed by the computing
machine to perform the processes and functions described in this
disclosure. In embodiments, the computing machine is one or more of
a computer, a microprocessor, and a micro-controller, or the
computing machine includes multiples of a computer, a
microprocessor, and a micro-controller. In embodiments, the memory
is one or more of volatile memory, such as random access memory
(RAM), and non-volatile memory, such as flash memory,
battery-backed RAM, read only memory (ROM), varieties of
programmable read only memory (PROM), and disk storage. Also, in
embodiments, each of the first module 60 and the second module 62
includes one or more power supplies for providing power to the
module.
[0050] In operation, the downhole processor 64 is configured to
determine that the drill string 22 is one of on the drill plan and
off the drill plan, and the downhole processor 64 is configured to
transmit non-compressed survey signals if the drill string 22 is
off the drill plan and compressed survey signals if the drill
string 22 is on the drill plan. The downhole processor 64 transmits
the compressed and non-compressed survey signals via the downhole
communication module 66 and the uphole communication module 72
receives the signals and communicates the received signals to the
uphole processor 70.
[0051] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a MWD system 100 configured
to determine that the trajectory of a drill string, such as drill
string 22, is either on a drill plan or off the drill plan, and to
transmit non-compressed survey signals if the drill string is off
the drill plan and compressed survey signals if the drill string is
on the drill plan, according to embodiments of the disclosure. The
MWD system 100 includes a first module 102 that is a downhole
module and a second module 104 that is an uphole module. In
embodiments, the MWD system 100 is similar to the MWD system 20 of
FIG. 1. In embodiments, the first module 102 is similar to the
first module 60 (shown in FIG. 1). In embodiments, the second
module 104 is similar to the second module 62 (shown in FIG.
1).
[0052] The first module 102 is situated at the distal end of the
drill pipe, such as drill pipe 38, and at the distal end of the
drill string, such as drill string 22, and the second module 104 is
situated at the proximal end of the drill string, such as drill
string 22, and/or on the surface. In embodiments, the first module
102 is securely attached to the drill pipe. In embodiments, the
first module 102 is rotatably attached to the drill pipe. In
embodiments, the second module 104 is attached to the drill rig,
such as drill rig 24. In embodiments, the second module 104 is
securely attached to the drill rig. In embodiments, the second
module 104 is rotatably attached to the drill rig.
[0053] The first module 102 includes a downhole communication
module 106, a downhole processor 108, orientation sensors 110, and
a power module 112. In embodiments, the downhole processor 108 is
similar to the downhole processor 64 (shown in FIG. 1). In
embodiments, the downhole communication module 106 is similar to
the downhole communication module 66 (shown in FIG. 1).
[0054] The downhole processor 108 is communicatively coupled to the
communication module 106 and to the orientation sensors 110. In
embodiments, the downhole processor 108 is communicatively coupled
to the communication module 106 via conductive paths or wires. In
embodiments, the downhole processor 108 is wirelessly coupled to
the communication module 106. In embodiments, the downhole
processor 108 is communicatively coupled to the orientation sensors
110 via conductive paths or wires. In embodiments, the downhole
processor 108 is wirelessly coupled to the orientation sensors
110.
[0055] The power module 112 is conductively coupled to the
communication module 106, the downhole processor 108, and the
orientation sensors 110 to provide power to each of these devices.
In embodiments, the power module 112 includes one or more
batteries. In embodiments, the power module 112 is controlled by
the downhole processor 108 to save energy and/or conserve battery
power.
[0056] Optionally, the first module 102 includes a gamma radiation
module 114 that includes one or more gamma sensors for sensing
radiation, such as naturally occurring radiation in the well
borehole. The gamma module 114 is communicatively coupled to the
downhole processor 108 and conductively coupled to the power module
112 to receive power from the power module 112. In embodiments, the
gamma module 114 is communicatively coupled to the downhole
processor 108 via one or more conductive paths. In embodiments, the
gamma module 114 is wirelessly coupled to the downhole processor
108.
[0057] The second module 104 includes an uphole communication
module 116 and an uphole processor 118. In embodiments, the uphole
processor 118 is similar to the uphole processor 70 (shown in FIG.
1). In embodiments, the uphole communication module 106 is similar
to the uphole communication module 72 (shown in FIG. 1).
[0058] The uphole processor 118 is communicatively coupled to the
communication module 116. In embodiments, the uphole processor 118
is communicatively coupled to the communication module 116 via
conductive paths or wires. In embodiments, the uphole processor 118
is wirelessly coupled to the communication module 116.
[0059] The downhole communication module 106 and the uphole
communication module 116 communicate with each other via
communications path 120. In embodiments, the communications path
120 is at least one of a fluidic medium, such as the drilling mud,
and piping material, such as the metal piping of the drill string.
In embodiments, the communications path is a wireless
communications path for wirelessly communicating via
electromagnetic waves.
[0060] In embodiments, the downhole communication module 106 and
the uphole communication module 116 communicate via pressure
pulses, such as mud pulse pressure signals. In embodiments, the
downhole communication module 106 and the uphole communication
module 116 communicate via acoustic signals, such as acoustic mud
pulse signals or acoustic signals transmitted through the metal
piping of the drill string. In embodiments, the downhole
communication module 106 and the uphole communication module 116
communicate via electromagnetic waves, such as wirelessly or
through a conductive path such as the metal piping of the drill
string or another conductive path.
[0061] In one example of communication between the downhole
communication module 106 and the uphole communication module 116,
the downhole communication module 106 includes a pulser that is
communicatively coupled to the downhole processor 108, and the
uphole communication module 116 includes a pressure transducer that
is communicatively coupled to the uphole processor 118. The pulser
is situated at the distal end of the drill string and configured to
provide a pressure pulse in the fluidic medium, such as the
drilling mud, and the pressure transducer is situated at the
proximal end of the drill string and configured to receive the
pressure pulse in the fluidic medium. In embodiments, the pulser is
a mud pulse valve. In embodiments, the pulser is electrically
coupled to the downhole processor 108. In embodiments, the pressure
transducer is electrically coupled to the uphole processor 118.
[0062] In this example, the downhole processor 108 transmits
signals to the uphole communication module 116 by directing the
pulser to provide pressure pulses in the fluidic medium. The
pressure transducer operates as a sensor to sense the pressure
pulses provided by the pulser, and the uphole processor 118
receives signals from the pressure transducer. In embodiments, the
uphole processor 118 receives signals directly from the pressure
transducer. In embodiments, the uphole processor 118 receives
filtered signals that are received from an analog signal front end
interposed between the pressure transducer and the uphole processor
118.
[0063] In embodiments, the downhole processor 108 determines if an
orientation of the drill string in the well borehole is on the
drill plan or off the drill plan. In embodiments, the downhole
processor 108 compares one or more orientation values, such as the
inclination of the drill string, to one or more threshold values
and determines one or more of which well segment the drill string
is in and whether the orientation of the drill string is on the
drill plan or off the drill plan. In embodiments, the downhole
processor 108 compares one or more of the calculated inclination
and/or azimuth of the drill string to one or more threshold values
to determine if the orientation of the drill string in the well
borehole is on the drill plan or off the drill plan.
[0064] In embodiments, the downhole processor 108 determines if a
position of the drill string in the well borehole is on the drill
plan or off the drill plan. In embodiments, the downhole processor
108 determines the position of the drill string in the well
borehole using pipe length measurements and/or drilled distance
measurements and survey data to determine the position of the drill
string in the well borehole and/or in the drill plan. Using this
information, the downhole processor 108 determines whether the
position of the drill string in the well borehole is on the drill
plan or off the drill plan.
[0065] In embodiments, the drill plan is pre-programmed into the
downhole processor 108, such that the downhole processor 108
compares the orientation and/or the position of the drill string to
the pre-programmed well drill plan. In embodiments, the drill plan
is communicated to the downhole processor 108 via communications
path 120 during drilling operations, such that the downhole
processor 108 compares the orientation and/or the position of the
drill string to the received drill plan information.
[0066] The downhole processor 108 takes one or more surveys of the
orientation of the drill string in the well borehole to determine
whether the drill string is on the drill plan or off the drill
plan. In embodiments, the downhole processor 108 takes multiple
axis surveys, such as six-axis surveys. In embodiments, the
downhole processor 108 determines calculated surveys of the drill
string. In embodiments, the downhole processor 108 determines the
calculated survey values from the six-axis survey values.
[0067] These surveys contain orientation data that is used to
navigate downhole and control the well path trajectory. The
calculated survey includes measurements, such as inclination and
azimuth, that are calculated by the downhole processor 108. In
embodiments, the downhole processor 108 transmits the calculated
survey values with one or more quality control measurements that
ensure the integrity of the calculated survey values. These quality
control measurements are evaluated against expected measurement
values for a given well site and used to determine whether the
calculated survey values are good.
[0068] The six-axis survey includes three axes of accelerometer
data (AX, AY, and AZ) and three axes of magnetometer data (MX, MY,
and MZ). In embodiments, one or more axis of accelerometer data is
transmitted to the surface. In embodiments, the measured total
gravity is calculated from the six-axis data and transmitted to the
surface. Also, in embodiments, the six-axis data is transmitted to
the surface, such that inclination and azimuth can be calculated on
the surface, which allows for corrections that cannot be applied by
the downhole processor 108 to be applied on the surface.
[0069] To take the surveys, the downhole processor 108 receives
sensor data from the orientation sensors 110, such as six-axis
survey data. In embodiments, the orientation sensors 110 include a
three-axis accelerometer 122 that provides the three axes of
accelerometer data (AX, AY, and AZ). In embodiments, the
orientation sensors 110 include a three-axis magnetometer 124 that
provides the three axes of magnetometer data (MX, MY, and MZ).
[0070] After, the downhole processor 108 determines whether the
drill sting is on the drill plan or off the drill plan, the
downhole processor 108 transmits non-compressed survey signals if
the drill string is off the drill plan and compressed survey
signals if the drill string is on the drill plan. Also, in
embodiments, the downhole processor 108 transmits at least one bit
that indicates whether the drill string is on the drill plan or off
the drill plan. In embodiments, the downhole processor 108
transmits the compressed or non-compressed survey signals
periodically or based on a length of time between transmissions. In
embodiments, the downhole processor 108 transmits the compressed or
non-compressed survey signals based on a distance drilled between
transmissions. In embodiments, if the drill string is off the drill
plan, the downhole processor 108 transmits an error flag or another
indication that indicates the drill string is off the drill
plan.
[0071] The downhole processor 108 compresses survey data if the
drill string is on the drill plan. This compression of the survey
data, reduces the number of bits transmitted and the time it takes
to make the transmission, which results in fewer transmission
errors and more reliable information about the location of the
drill string.
[0072] In one compression scheme, referred to as the well drill
plan optimization compression scheme, the downhole processor 108
transmits deltas, i.e., differences, between measured values and
expected values for a given well segment of the drill plan. This
compression scheme relies on having accurate well site specific
information, including the total gravity, the total magnetic field,
and the dip angle. In embodiments, the well drill plan optimization
compression scheme is used for transmitting at least some six-axis
survey values.
[0073] For example, the following parameters are used in the well
drill plan optimization compression scheme to compress data:
[0074] 1) Total Gravity Resolution (GravResolution), which is the
resolution at which the difference between the measured total
gravity and the site specific total gravity is telemetered; [0075]
2) Expected Total Gravity (GravExpected), which is the site
specific expected total gravity value; [0076] 3) Total Gravity
Deviation (GravDeviation), which is the maximum expected deviation
from the expected total gravity measurement; [0077] 4) Gravity
Toolface Resolution (GTFResolution), which is the resolution of the
gravity toolface measurement in degrees; [0078] 5) Accelerometer
Axis Resolution (AccResolution), which is the resolution used for
individual axis measurement; [0079] 6) Vertical Segment Threshold
(VertThreshold), which is the inclination at which the distal end
of the drill string is no longer deemed to be in the vertical
segment of the well drill plan; [0080] 7) Horizontal Segment
Threshold (HorizThreshold), which is the inclination at which the
tool is no longer deemed to be in the horizontal segment of the
well; [0081] 8) Inclination resolution (IncResolution), which is
the resolution used for inclination measurements in the vertical or
horizontal well segments; [0082] 9) Azimuth resolution
(AzmResolution), which is the resolution used for azimuth
measurements in the curved and horizontal portions of the well;
[0083] 10) Azimuth Segment Threshold (AzmThreshold), which is the
azimuth range allowed for the curved and horizontal portions of a
well; [0084] 11) Azimuth Target (AzmTarget), which is the targeted
azimuth for the curved and lateral portions of a well; [0085] 12)
Total Magnetic Field Resolution (MagFResolution), which is the
resolution at which the difference from the measured total magnetic
field is telemetered; [0086] 13) Expected Total Magnetic Field
(MagFExpected), which is the site specific expected total magnetic
field measurement; [0087] 14) Total Magnetic Field Deviation
(MagFDeviation), which is the maximum expected deviation from the
nominal total magnetic field; [0088] 15) Magnetic Toolface
Resolution (MTFResolution), which is the resolution of the magnetic
toolface measurement in degrees; [0089] 16) Magnetometer Z Axis
Curve Deviation (MZCurveDeviation), which is the expected MZ
deviation in the curved portion of the well. MZ changes in the
curve are expected to be more significant than in the lateral or
vertical segments of the well; [0090] 17) Magnetometer Z Axis
Lateral Deviation (MZLatDeviation), which is the expected MZ
deviation in the horizontal segment of the well. MZ changes in the
horizontal are expected to be minimal; and [0091] 18) Magnetometer
Z Axis Resolution (MZResolution)--the resolution at which the
magnetometer Z axis (MZ) will be encoded at.
[0092] In the vertical well segment of the drill plan, it is
expected that the measured total gravity is equal to the expected
total gravity, the Z axis is positive, and the deviation from 0
degrees inclination is small, which restricts the maximum expected
axis values of each of AX and AY. The AX and AY data and the
measured total gravity data are telemetered, where the maximum
deviation from the expected total gravity is calculated based on
the VertThreshold and the number of bits required to represent this
deviation is calculated from the GravResolution, and the maximum
expected value for each of AX and AY is calculated based on the
VertThreshold and the number of bits required to represent it is
calculated from the AccResolution.
[0093] The well drill plan optimization compression scheme for the
vertical well segment includes the following: [0094] 1) Calculate
the maximum deviation from the expected total gravity for a given
VertThreshold. For example, if the VertThreshold is 12 degrees and
the expected total gravity is 0.998 gees, the maximum deviation
from the total gravity at 12 degrees is about 23.8 miligees; [0095]
2) Determine the number of bits needed to represent this deviation,
where the sign is known. For example, to represent 23.8 miligees
using a GravResolution of 200 microgees, at least 119 values or 7
bits of data, can be used; [0096] 3) Encode the 7 bits of deviation
data; [0097] 4) Calculate the maximum value needed for each of AX
and AY by taking tan(.theta.), where .theta. is the inclination.
For example, for 12 degrees of inclination this is 0.2125 gees.
With an AccResolution of 1 milligee, 8 bits of data plus one sign
bit are needed to represent each of AX and AY; [0098] 5) Encode the
values of AX and AY; and [0099] 6) Transmit the encoded 7 bits of
deviation data and the encoded 18 bits of AX and AY data. [0100] 7)
When decoding the received data at the surface, the uphole
processor 118 solves for AZ using the following equation: Z=
{square root over (C.sup.2-X.sup.2-Y.sup.2)}.
[0101] In embodiments, the downhole processor 108 is configured to
perform one or more, and up to all, of the steps 1-6 described
above. In embodiments, the downhole processor 108 is pre-programmed
with one or more of threshold values, resolution values, and the
number of bits to be used for compression.
[0102] Thus, for example, in the vertical well segment, using the
well drill plan optimization compression scheme, the number of bits
to be transmitted is reduced from 12 bits of gravity data, which is
an example of the number of bits of gravity data otherwise
transmitted, to 7 bits of deviation data that indicates the
difference in the measured total gravity from the expected total
gravity, and the number of bits to be transmitted is reduced from
12 bits of axis data for each of AX and AY, which is an example of
the number of bits of axis data otherwise transmitted, to 9 bits of
axis data for each of AX and AY.
[0103] In the horizontal or lateral well segment, the AZ
measurement will be small, and not changing significantly, and the
AX and AY measurements will potentially be large, such as up to the
total gravity measurement. In embodiments, a method for compressing
the six-axis inclination survey in the lateral portion of the well
segment is as follows: [0104] 1) For example, let the
HorizThreshold value be 5 degrees, such that a measurement of 90
degrees+/-5 degrees is considered to be in the horizontal well
segment; [0105] 2) Calculate how many miligees deviation from
horizontal the HorizThreshold is equivalent to. Calculate the
measurement on AZ that corresponds to 5 degrees deviation from
horizontal, assuming a total gravity of 0.998 gees: sin(.theta.)
where .theta. is the HorizThreshold of 5 degrees, which results in
87 miligees; [0106] 3) To compress +/-87 miligees using a 400
microgee resolution, 9 bits can be used to encode the value of AZ;
[0107] 4) The number of bits needed to compress total gravity can
be calculated from the total gravity resolution as defined by
(GravResolution) and the total gravity deviation (GravDeviation)
setting. For example, if the expected total gravity (GravExpected)
is 998.0 miligees, with the GravResolution set to 200 microgees,
and the GravDeviation set to +/-3 miligees, then 5 bits are needed
to transmit the total gravity measurement; [0108] 5) Similarly, for
the gravity toolface, the total number of bits needed to transmit
the gravity toolface measurement is determined by taking the
GTFResolution and calculating the necessary bits to transmit the
measurement at the required resolution. For example, if
GTFResolution is 1 degree, then 360 discrete values are needed to
transmit gravity toolface. To achieve this, 9 bits are needed to
transmit the measurement at the required resolution; and [0109] 6)
The AX and AY values can then be calculated from the gravity
toolface (GTF), the total gravity (Gray), and the AZ values,
resulting in the full values of AX, AY, and AZ as the output.
[0110] In embodiments, the calculated inclination survey
compression in the horizontal or lateral well segment is as
follows: [0111] 1) For example, let the IncResolution be 0.1
degrees, and the HorizThreshold value be 5 degrees, meaning that 90
degrees+/-5 degrees is considered to be in the lateral well
segment; [0112] 2) The number of discrete values needed to
represent inclination with a resolution of 0.1 degrees and a
HorizThreshold of 5 degrees is 100, which can be encoded in 7 bits
for the horizontal or lateral well segment.
[0113] In embodiments, the calculated azimuth survey compression in
the curved and the lateral well segments of the well path are as
follows: [0114] 1) Having the well plan pre-programmed into the
downhole tool, allows the downhole tool to know what azimuth the
curved and lateral well segments of the well will be at; [0115] 2)
For example, let the AzmResolution be 0.2 degrees, the AzmThreshold
value be 5 degrees, and the AzmTarget value be 10 degrees. Thus,
the azimuth needs to be at 10 degrees+/-5 degrees to be compressed
in the curved and lateral well segments of the well path; [0116] 3)
The number of discrete values needed to represent azimuth with a
resolution of 0.2 degrees and a AzmThreshold of 5 degrees is 50,
which can be endcoded in 6 bits for the azimuth value in the curved
or lateral well segment portions of a well, given that the azimuth
value stays within the AzmThreshold from the AzmTarget.
[0117] In embodiments, the six-axis azimuth survey compression in
the lateral well segment of the well path is as follows: [0118] 1)
Having the well plan pre-programmed into the downhole tool allows
the downhole tool to know the azimuth that the curved and lateral
segments of the well need to be at. Using this information, the
tool can calculate the expected MZ for the curved and lateral well
segments of the well; [0119] 2) For example, let the
MZLatResolution be 23 nanoteslas, the AzmThreshold value be 5
degrees, and the AzmTarget value be 10 degrees. Thus, the azimuth
must be at 10 degrees+/-5 degrees to be compressed in the curved
and lateral well segments of the well path; [0120] 3) With an
expected total magnetic field value (MagFExpected) of 47,000
nanoteslas, MZ will range from 46821.2 to 45398.5 nanoteslas, with
an expected value of 46286. The range of MZ values that can be
compressed with the configuration described above is then 46,286
nanoteslas +/-711 nanoteslas; [0121] 4) With a resolution of 23
nanoteslas for the magnetometer Z axis (MZResolution), 6 bits can
be used for MZ. If the sign of MZ can change (e.g. drilling
east/west) then a sign bit is included; [0122] 5) To calculate the
MX and MY values, the MTFResolution, the MagFExpected, the
MagFResolution, and the MagFDeviation are required; [0123] 6) The
magnetic toolface value will be transmitted with the resolution
specified by MTFResolution, for example 1 degree. This requires 360
discrete values, such that 9 bits are used; [0124] 7) The deviation
from the MagFExpected is then transmitted with the resolution of
MagFResolution and within the range of MagFDeviation. For example,
if MagFExpcted is 47000 nanoteslas, MagFResolution is 20
nanoteslas, and the MagFDeviation is +/-1000 nanoteslas, then 100
discrete values are needed to represent the total magnetic field
(MagF) with the specified resolution, such that 7 bits are used to
encode MagF; and [0125] 8) The MX and MY values are calculated from
the magnetic toolface (MTF), the total magnetic field (MagF), and
the MZ values, which results in the full values of MX, MY, and MZ
as the output.
[0126] The well drill plan optimization compression scheme can be
used in at least the vertical well segment and the lateral well
segment of the drill plan. Also, in embodiments, the well drill
plan optimization compression scheme can be used in the curved well
segment. In embodiments, a similar compression scheme is used for
transmitting calculated survey values, such as inclination and/or
azimuth.
[0127] In another compression scheme, referred to as the expected
optimization compression scheme, deltas, i.e., differences, between
the measured survey values and the expected survey values are
encoded and transmitted by the downhole processor 108. The expected
optimization compression scheme relies on the idea that many of the
survey parameters along the drill path will be close to expected
survey values. In embodiments, the expected optimization
compression scheme is used for transmitting calculated surveys.
[0128] In the expected optimization compression scheme, one or more
of the following parameters are used: [0129] 1) Total Gravity
Resolution (GravResolution), which is the resolution at which the
difference between the measured total gravity and the site specific
total gravity is telemetered; [0130] 2) Total Gravity Deviation
(GravDeviation), which is the maximum expected deviation from the
expected total gravity; [0131] 3) Total Magnetic Field Resolution
(MagFResolution), which is the resolution at which the difference
between the measured total magnetic field and the expected total
magnetic field is telemetered; [0132] 4) Total Magnetic Field
Deviation (MagFDeviation), which is the maximum expected deviation
from the expected total magnetic field; [0133] 5) Dip Angle
Resolution (DipAResolution), which is the resolution at which the
difference between the measured dip angle and the expected dip
angle is telemetered; and [0134] 6) Dip Angle Deviation
(DipADeviation), which is the maximum expected deviation from the
expected dip angle; [0135] 7) Inclination Resolution
(IncResolution), which is the resolution at which the inclination
measurement is telemetered; [0136] 8) Inclination Deviation
(IncDeviation), which is the maximum expected inclination deviation
in a given well segment, for example, in the vertical well segment
this value may be 12 degrees; [0137] 9) Expected Total Magnetic
Field (MagFExpected), which is the site specific expected total
magnetic field measurement.
[0138] In operation, the expected optimization compression scheme
for calculated surveys includes the following steps: [0139] 1)
Acquire a six-axis survey from the orientation sensors 110; [0140]
2) Determine a calculated survey; [0141] 3) Evaluate the calculated
survey measurements against corresponding maximum deviation
thresholds, e.g., GravDeviation and IncDeviation, and determine
whether they are within the allowed amount of deviation; [0142] 4)
If all the calculated survey measurements are within the allowed
deviation thresholds, transmit a compressed calculated survey,
including deltas of the measured survey values from the expected
values; and [0143] 5) If not all the calculated survey measurements
are within the allowed deviation thresholds, transmit an
uncompressed or non-compressed calculated survey. In some
embodiments, if one or more of the calculated survey measurements
are not within the allowed deviation thresholds, an error flag or
another indication that the measurements are not within the allowed
deviation thresholds is transmitted. In some embodiments, if one or
more of the calculated survey measurements are not within the
allowed deviation thresholds, an error flag or another indication
indicating which measurements are not within the allowed deviation
thresholds is transmitted.
[0144] In embodiments, an example of compressing the total magnetic
field value is as follows: [0145] 1) Taking the expected total
magnetic field (MagFExpected), the total magnetic field deviation
(MagFDeviation), and the total magnetic field resolution
(MagFResolution), the minimum number of bits required to transmit
the deviation from the MagFExpected is calculated; [0146] 2) For
example, if the expected total magnetic field is 47,000 nanotesla,
with a total magnetic field deviation of +/-1000 nanoteslas, and a
total magnetic field resolution of 20 nanoteslas, then 7 bits are
used to transmit the total magnetic field measurement if the total
magnetic field measurement is within the total magnetic field
deviation from the expected total magnetic field.
[0147] In embodiments, the same or similar techniques are used for
all other environmental variables (e.g. total gravity measurement,
dip angle measurement).
[0148] In an example of transmitting non-compressed delta values as
opposed to transmitting compressed values for inclination. The
inclination of the drill string is from 0 degrees vertically down
to 180 degrees vertically up, and the azimuth of the drill string
is from 0 degrees to 360 degrees. With inclination represented by
12 bits of data, the resolution of the inclination transmitted to
the surface can be less than 0.05 degrees. If one of the calculated
survey values are outside a threshold value, the drill string is
off the drill plan, and the downhole processor transmits
non-compressed data of 12 bits, which represents the
inclination.
[0149] However, if the drill string is determined to be on the
drill plan, then the delta or deviation of the drill string from
the drill plan can be transmitted to indicate the orientation of
the drill string, which reduces the number of bits transmitted to
the surface. For example, in a vertical segment A of the drill
plan, the inclination is expected to be 0 degrees vertically down.
For the drill string to be on the drill plan, the drill string is
determined to be within a threshold, such as within plus or minus 5
degrees of the expected 0 degrees vertically down. At the same
resolution of 0.05 degrees, this +/-5 degrees can be represented by
200 different values. Thus, only 8 bits of data need to be
transmitted to the surface to represent the inclination. This is a
reduction from 12 bits of non-compressed inclination data to 8 bits
of compressed inclination data.
[0150] In embodiments, if the drill string is on the drill plan in
the vertical segment, the downhole processor 108 does not transmit
an azimuth value, or, in embodiments, the downhole processor 108
transmits a default azimuth value.
[0151] In embodiments, the downhole processor 108 is configured to
perform one or more, and up to all, of the steps 1-5 described
above. In embodiments, the downhole processor 108 is pre-programmed
with one or more of threshold values, resolution values, and the
number of bits to be used for compressing the data into deltas.
[0152] Using the expected optimization compression scheme reduces
the number of bits transmitted. In embodiments, a similar
compression scheme can be used for transmitting, at least some of,
the six-axis survey values, such as accelerometer data and/or
magnetometer data.
[0153] In addition to the above compression schemes, in
embodiments, the downhole processor 108 is configured to provide a
continuous delta compression scheme. In this scheme, the downhole
processor 108 obtains measured survey values and transmits deltas,
i.e., changes, that represent the differences between the measured
survey values and the last previously transmitted measured survey
values. The continuous delta compression scheme is useful for
transmitting survey measurements that do not change much over time.
In embodiments, the downhole processor 108 transmits the deltas
during drilling operations. In embodiments, the downhole processor
108 transmits the deltas as the drill string moves through the well
borehole. In embodiments, the downhole processor 108 transmits
deltas using the continuous delta compression scheme between
surveys, such as between taking full six-axis surveys. In
embodiments, the continuous delta compression scheme is applicable
for transmitting continuous inclination and/or continuous azimuth
measurements.
[0154] In operation, the downhole processor 108 determines whether
the trajectory of the drill string is on the drill plan or off the
drill plan and the downhole processor 108 transmits, via the
downhole communication module 106, non-compressed survey signals if
the drill string is off the drill plan and compressed survey
signals if the drill string is on the drill plan. The uphole
processor 118 receives, via the uphole communications module 116,
the survey signals from the downhole processor 108 and, in
embodiments, the uphole processor 118 displays the received survey
signals and/or analyzed results on a display communicatively
coupled to the uphole processor 118. Based on the received (and
displayed) information, drilling personnel maintain or change the
trajectory of the drill string in the well borehole to stay on the
drill plan or return to the drill plan. Also, in embodiments, the
drilling personnel can modify the drill plan during drilling
operations and update the trajectory of the drill string to the new
modified drill plan.
[0155] FIG. 3 is a flow chart diagram illustrating a method for
communicating the well path trajectory of a drill string in a well
borehole to the surface, according to embodiments of the
disclosure. In embodiments, the method can be provided by a MWD
system, such as the MWD system 20 of FIG. 1 including the downhole
processor 64, the downhole communications module 66, the uphole
processor 70, and the uphole communications module 72, and the MWD
system 100 of FIG. 2 including the downhole processor 108, the
downhole communications module 106, the uphole processor 118, and
the uphole communications module 116.
[0156] At 200, the method includes obtaining survey data, by the
downhole processor, from at least one survey of the orientation of
the drill string in the well borehole. To take a survey, the
downhole processor receives sensor data from orientation sensors,
such as orientation sensors 110. In embodiments, the survey data
includes multiple axis survey data, such as six-axis survey data
including three axes of accelerometer data (AX, AY, and AZ) and
three axes of magnetometer data (MX, MY, and MZ). In embodiments,
the survey data includes calculated survey values determined by the
downhole processor, such as inclination and azimuth values
determined by the downhole processor from the six-axis survey
values.
[0157] At 202, the method includes determining, by the downhole
processor, whether the drill string (or the well trajectory) is on
the drill plan or off the drill plan. Where, in embodiments, the
drill plan includes one or more well segments that define the
contours of the finished well borehole. In embodiments, the drill
plan includes a first vertical segment A, a second curved segment
B, and a third lateral segment C. In other embodiments, the drill
plan includes only one or two segments, or the drill plan includes
more than three segments.
[0158] In embodiments, determining whether the drill string is on
the drill plan or off the drill plan includes comparing, by the
downhole processor, the orientation and/or the position of the
drill string to the expected orientation and/or position of the
drill string in the well borehole. In embodiments, the downhole
processor compares one or more orientation values, such as the
inclination of the drill string, to one or more threshold values.
In embodiments, the downhole processor determines which well
segment the drill string is in and whether the orientation of the
drill string is on the drill plan or off the drill plan in the well
segment. In embodiments, the downhole processor compares one or
more of the calculated inclination and azimuth values to one or
more threshold values to determine if the orientation of the drill
string in the well borehole is on the drill plan or off the drill
plan. In embodiments, determining whether the drill string is on
the drill plan or off the drill plan includes determining the
position of the drill string in the well borehole using pipe length
measurements and/or drilled distance measurements with a
pre-determined drill plan.
[0159] At 204, if the drill string is not on the drill plan, the
method includes transmitting, by the downhole processor,
non-compressed survey data or signals. In embodiments, transmitting
non-compressed survey data includes transmitting the six-axis
survey data to the surface, such that inclination and azimuth can
be calculated on the surface, which allows for corrections that
cannot be applied by the downhole processor. In embodiments, the
measured total gravity is calculated by the downhole processor from
the six-axis data and transmitted to the surface. In embodiments,
transmitting non-compressed survey data includes transmitting the
calculated survey values, including inclination and azimuth values.
In embodiments, transmitting non-compressed survey data includes
encoding the survey data, such as by one or more of pulse width
modulation and pulse position modulation.
[0160] Transmitting non-compressed survey data as compared to
compressed survey data to the surface includes transmitting a
larger number of data bits to the surface. In embodiments,
transmitting non-compressed survey data includes transmitting 12
bits of inclination data and 12 bits of azimuth data. In
embodiments, transmitting survey data takes 1 second per bit, such
that transmitting 24 bits including 12 bits of inclination data and
12 bits of azimuth data takes 24 seconds.
[0161] At 206, if the drill string is on the drill plan, the method
includes transmitting, by the downhole processor, compressed survey
data or signals. In embodiments, transmitting compressed survey
data includes transmitting survey data that has been compressed by
the downhole processor using the well drill plan optimization
compression scheme described above. In embodiments, transmitting
compressed survey data includes transmitting survey data that has
been compressed by the downhole processor using the expected
optimization compression scheme described above. In embodiments,
transmitting compressed survey data includes encoding the survey
data, such as by one or more of pulse width modulation and pulse
position modulation.
[0162] In an example of transmitting non-compressed delta values as
opposed to transmitting compressed values (e.g. inclination). The
inclination of the drill string is from 0 degrees vertically down
to 180 degrees vertically up, and the azimuth of the drill string
is from 0 degrees to 360 degrees. With inclination represented by
12 bits of data the resolution of the inclination transmitted to
the surface can be less than 0.05 degrees. If one of the calculated
survey values are outside a threshold value, the drill string is
off the drill plan, and the downhole processor transmits
non-compressed 12 bits of data, which represents the
inclination.
[0163] However, if the drill string is determined to be on the
drill plan, then the delta or deviation of the drill string from
the drill plan can be transmitted to indicate the orientation of
the drill string, which reduces the number of bits transmitted to
the surface. For example, in a vertical segment A of the drill
plan, the inclination is expected to be 0 degrees vertically down.
For the drill string to be on the drill plan, the drill string is
determined to be within a threshold, such as within plus or minus 5
degrees of the expected 0 degrees vertically down. At the same
resolution of 0.05 degrees, this +/-5 degrees can be represented by
200 different values. Thus, only 8 bits of data need to be
transmitted to the surface to represent the inclination. This is a
reduction from 12 bits of non-compressed inclination data to 8 bits
of compressed inclination data.
[0164] In embodiments, if the drill string is on the drill plan in
the vertical segment, the downhole processor 108 does not transmit
an azimuth value, or, in embodiments, the downhole processor 108
transmits a default azimuth value.
[0165] Also, for example, in a lateral segment C of the drill plan,
the inclination is expected to be 90 degrees and, in embodiments,
the azimuth can be expected to be a pre-determined plan value from
0 degrees to 360 degrees. For the drill string to be on the drill
plan, the drill string must be within a first threshold, such as
within plus or minus 5 degrees of the expected 90 degrees, and
within a second threshold, such as within plus or minus 5 degrees
of the expected pre-determined azimuth plan value. If the
inclination and azimuth are within the first and second thresholds,
respectively, only 7 bits of data representing up to 128 different
values is transmitted to the surface for each of the inclination
and the azimuth. This is a reduction from 12 bits of non-compressed
inclination data to 7 bits of compressed inclination data, and a
reduction from 12 bits of non-compressed azimuth data to 7 bits of
compressed azimuth data. In embodiments, if the drill string
inclination is on the drill plan in the lateral segment, the
downhole processor transmits a compressed inclination value and a
non-compressed azimuth value.
[0166] In addition, for example, in a curved segment B of the drill
plan, the inclination can be expected be a pre-determined
inclination value, and the azimuth can be expected to be a
pre-determined azimuth value from 0 degrees to 360 degrees. For the
drill string to be on the drill plan, the drill string must be
within a first threshold, such as within plus or minus 5 degrees of
the expected pre-determined inclination value, and within a second
threshold, such as within plus or minus 5 degrees of the expected
pre-determined azimuth value. If the inclination and azimuth are
within the first and second thresholds, respectively, only 7 bits
of data representing 128 different values is transmitted to the
surface for each of the inclination and the azimuth. This is a
reduction from 12 bits of non-compressed inclination data to 7 bits
of compressed inclination data, and a reduction from 12 bits of
non-compressed azimuth data to 7 bits of compressed azimuth
data.
[0167] In embodiments, the pre-determined inclination plan value
and/or the pre-determined azimuth plan value are pre-programmed
into the downhole processor, such that the downhole processor
compares the orientation of the drill string to the pre-programmed
plan value. In embodiments, the pre-determined inclination plan
value and/or the pre-determined azimuth plan value are communicated
to the downhole processor via the communications path during
drilling operations, such that the downhole processor compares the
orientation of the drill string to the received pre=programmed
drill plan information.
[0168] In embodiments, the downhole processor transmits a single
bit to the surface to indicate whether the drill string is on the
drill plan or off the drill plan. In embodiments, the uphole
processor uses the number of bits received by the uphole processor
to determine whether the drill string is on the drill plan or off
the drill plan. Also, in embodiments, the downhole processor
transmits the non-compressed/compressed survey data based on the
distance drilled since the last previous transmission and, in
embodiments, the downhole processor transmits the
non-compressed/compressed survey data based on the time that has
expired since the last previous transmission of data.
[0169] At 208, the method includes receiving, by the uphole
processor, the transmitted survey data or signals, such as the
non-compressed survey data and the compressed survey data. In
embodiments, the uphole processor receives non-compressed six-axis
survey values and the uphole processor determines calculated survey
values. In embodiments, the uphole processor receives
non-compressed calculated survey values.
[0170] In embodiments, the non-compressed survey data and the
compressed survey data are encoded, such as by pulse width
modulation or pulse position modulation schemes, and the uphole
processor decodes the received modulated signals to obtain the
non-compressed survey signals and the compressed survey signals. In
embodiments, the uphole processor determines one or more of
six-axis survey values and calculated survey values from the delta
or deviation compressed survey values.
[0171] In embodiments, the method further includes transmitting, by
the downhole processor, delta compressed survey data, such as
partial survey data, between transmissions of the compressed and
non-compressed survey data described above. The downhole processor
obtains one or more measured survey values and transmits deltas,
i.e., changes, between the measured survey values and the last
previously transmitted survey values. The uphole processor receives
the deltas and determines survey values from the deltas. This
continuous delta compression scheme is useful for transmitting
survey measurements that do not change much over time. In
embodiments, the downhole processor transmits the deltas during
drilling operations. In embodiments, the downhole processor
transmits the deltas as the drill string moves through the well
borehole. In embodiments, the downhole processor transmits deltas
using the continuous delta compression scheme between surveys, such
as between taking full six-axis surveys. In embodiments, the
continuous delta compression scheme is applicable for transmitting
continuous inclination and/or continuous azimuth measurements.
[0172] FIGS. 4A-4D are flow chart diagrams illustrating a method
for communicating the well path trajectory of a drill string to the
surface for a well plan having three well segments, according to
embodiments of the disclosure. In embodiments, the method can be
provided by a MWD system, such as the MWD system 20 of FIG. 1
including the downhole processor 64, the downhole communications
module 66, the uphole processor 70, and the uphole communications
module 72, and the MWD system 100 of FIG. 2 including the downhole
processor 108, the downhole communications module 106, the uphole
processor 118, and the uphole communications module 116.
[0173] FIG. 4A is a flow chart diagram illustrating a method for
determining which well segment of the three well segments the drill
string is in, according to embodiments of the disclosure. At 300,
the method includes obtaining survey data, by the downhole
processor, from at least one survey of the orientation of the drill
string in the well borehole. To take a survey, the downhole
processor receives sensor data from orientation sensors, such as
orientation sensors 110. In this method, the downhole processor
determines the inclination of the drill string in the well borehole
from the survey data. In embodiments, the survey data includes
multiple axis survey data, such as six-axis survey data including
three axes of accelerometer data (AX, AY, and AZ) and three axes of
magnetometer data (MX, MY, and MZ). In embodiments, the survey data
includes calculated survey values determined by the downhole
processor, such as inclination and azimuth values determined by the
downhole processor from the six-axis survey values.
[0174] At 302, the method includes determining, by the downhole
processor, which well segment the drill string is in based on the
inclination of the drill string. In this example, the drill plan
includes three well segments that define the contours of the
finished well borehole and the method includes determining which
well segment of the three well segments the drill string is in
based on the inclination of the drill string. The drill plan
includes a first vertical segment A, a second curved segment B, and
a third lateral segment C. In other embodiments, the drill plan
includes only one or two well segments, or the drill plan includes
more than three well segments, such that the method includes
determining which well segment of the one or two well segments, or
which well segment of the more than three well segments, the drill
string is in based on the inclination of the drill string.
[0175] In determining which well segment the drill string is in,
the method includes comparing, by the downhole processor, the
inclination of the drill string to up to two or more thresholds,
such as a vertical threshold and a lateral threshold.
[0176] To determine whether the drill string is in the vertical
well segment A, the downhole processor compares the inclination of
the drill string to the vertical threshold. In vertical well
segment A, the expected inclination is 0 degrees and the vertical
threshold is the distance, in degrees, from 0 degrees, which is
used to determine whether the drill string is in the vertical well
segment A. If the inclination of the drill string is less than the
vertical threshold, the downhole processor determines that the
drill string is in the vertical well segment A and processing
continues at 304. If the inclination of the drill string is greater
than or equal to the vertical threshold, the drill string is in
either the curved well segment B or the lateral well segment C. In
embodiments, the vertical threshold is 12 degrees.
[0177] To determine whether the drill string is in the lateral well
segment C, the downhole processor compares the inclination of the
drill string to the lateral threshold. In the lateral well segment
C, the expected inclination is 90 degrees. The lateral threshold is
the distance, in degrees, from 0 degrees, which is used to
determine whether the drill string is in the lateral well segment
C. If the inclination of the drill string is greater than the
lateral threshold, the downhole processor determines that the drill
string is in the lateral well segment C and processing continues at
306. If the inclination of the drill string is less than or equal
to the lateral threshold, the drill string is in either the
vertical well segment A or the curved well segment B. In
embodiments, the vertical threshold is 80 degrees.
[0178] To determine whether the drill string is in the curved well
segment B, the downhole processor compares the inclination of the
drill string to the vertical threshold and to the lateral
threshold. If the inclination of the drill string is greater than
or equal to the vertical threshold and less than or equal to the
lateral threshold, the downhole processor determines that the drill
string is in the curved well segment C and processing continues at
308.
[0179] FIG. 4B is a flow chart diagram illustrating transmitting
and receiving survey data after the downhole processor has
determined that the drill string is in the vertical well segment A
at 304, according to embodiments of the disclosure. At 310, in
embodiments, the method includes determining, by the downhole
processor, whether or not to compress the survey data.
[0180] In embodiments, determining whether to compress the survey
data includes determining whether the drill string is on the drill
plan or off the drill plan. In embodiments, determining whether the
drill string is on the drill plan or off the drill plan includes
comparing, by the downhole processor, the inclination of the drill
string to a drill plan vertical threshold. If the inclination of
the drill string is greater than the drill plan vertical threshold,
the downhole processor continues processing at 312, where the
downhole processor transmits non-compressed survey data. If the
inclination of the drill string is less than the drill plan
vertical threshold, the downhole processor continues processing at
314, where the downhole processor compresses survey data and
transmits compressed survey data. In embodiments, the drill plan
vertical threshold is the same as the vertical threshold used to
determine whether the drill sting is in the vertical well segment
A, such that, in embodiments, the downhole processor always
compresses the survey data and transmits compressed survey data,
unless the survey data is determined to be invalid. In embodiments,
the drill plan vertical threshold is less than the vertical
threshold used to determine whether the drill sting is in the
vertical segment A. In embodiments the drill plan vertical
threshold is 5 degrees.
[0181] In embodiments, determining whether to compress the survey
data includes determining whether the survey data is valid survey
data, such that the sensors are working properly, and the sensor
data acquired from the orientation sensors is reliable data. In
embodiments, the downhole processor transmits compressed survey
data unless one or more of the survey data values exceeds a valid
data threshold value. In embodiments, if one or more of the survey
values are determined to be invalid, such as by exceeding a valid
data threshold value, the downhole processor continues processing
at 312, where the downhole processor transmits non-compressed
survey data. In embodiments, if the survey values are determined to
be valid, the downhole processor can continue processing at 314,
where the downhole processor compresses survey data and transmits
compressed survey data.
[0182] At 312, the method includes transmitting, by the downhole
processor, non-compressed survey data or signals. In embodiments,
transmitting non-compressed survey data includes transmitting
six-axis survey data to the surface, such that inclination and
azimuth can be calculated on the surface, which allows for
corrections that cannot be applied by the downhole processor. In
embodiments, the measured total gravity is calculated by the
downhole processor from six-axis survey data and transmitted to the
surface. In embodiments, transmitting non-compressed survey data
includes transmitting the calculated survey values, including
inclination and azimuth values. In embodiments, transmitting
non-compressed survey data includes encoding the survey data, such
as by one or more of pulse width modulation and pulse position
modulation, and transmitting the encoded (modulated) survey
data.
[0183] At 316, the method includes receiving, such as by the uphole
processor, the non-compressed survey data. In embodiments, the
method includes receiving encoded non-compressed survey data and
the method further includes decoding the encoded non-compressed
survey data to obtain the non-compressed survey data. In
embodiments, the method includes receiving non-compressed six-axis
survey data and determining inclination and azimuth at the surface,
which allows for corrections that cannot be applied by the downhole
processor. In embodiments, the method includes receiving
non-compressed calculated survey data, including inclination and
azimuth. In embodiments, the method includes displaying the
non-compressed survey data.
[0184] At 314, the method includes compressing, by the downhole
processor, the survey data for the vertical well segment A. In
embodiments, compressing the survey data for the vertical well
segment A includes compressing the survey data according to the
well drill plan optimization compression scheme for the vertical
well segment, as described above. In embodiments, compressing the
survey data for the vertical well segment A includes compressing
the survey data according to the expected optimization compression
scheme described above. In embodiments, compressing the survey data
for the vertical well segment A according to the expected
optimization compression scheme includes compressing deltas for the
total gravity, total magnetic field, the dip angle, and the
inclination.
[0185] At 318, the method includes transmitting, by the downhole
processor, the compressed survey data or signals for the vertical
well segment A. In embodiments, transmitting the compressed survey
data includes transmitting survey data that has been compressed by
the downhole processor using the well drill plan optimization
compression scheme described above. In embodiments, transmitting
compressed survey data includes transmitting survey data that has
been compressed by the downhole processor using the expected
optimization compression scheme described above. In embodiments,
transmitting compressed survey data includes encoding the
compressed survey data, such as by one or more of pulse width
modulation and pulse position modulation, and transmitting the
encoded (modulated) compressed survey data.
[0186] At 320, the method includes receiving, such as by the uphole
processor, the compressed survey data. In embodiments, the method
includes receiving encoded compressed survey data and decoding the
encoded compressed survey data to obtain the compressed survey
data. In embodiments, the method includes receiving the compressed
survey data or encoded compressed survey data and providing
non-compressed survey data from the compressed survey data. In
embodiments, the method includes receiving compressed six-axis
survey data and determining inclination and azimuth at the surface,
which allows for corrections that cannot be applied by the downhole
processor. In embodiments, the method includes receiving compressed
calculated survey data and determining non-compressed survey data
from the compressed survey data. In embodiments, the method
includes displaying the compressed/non-compressed survey data.
[0187] In embodiments, the downhole processor transmits a single
bit to the uphole processor to indicate whether the survey data is
compressed or non-compressed survey data. In embodiments, the
uphole processor uses the number of bits received by the uphole
processor to determine whether the survey data is compressed or
non-compressed.
[0188] FIG. 4C is a flow chart diagram illustrating transmitting
and receiving survey data after the downhole processor has
determined that the drill string is in the lateral well segment C
at 306, according to embodiments of the disclosure. At 330, in
embodiments, the method includes determining, by the downhole
processor, whether or not to compress the survey data.
[0189] In embodiments, determining whether to compress the survey
data includes determining whether the drill string is on the drill
plan or off the drill plan. In embodiments, determining whether the
drill string is on the drill plan or off the drill plan includes
comparing, by the downhole processor, the inclination of the drill
string to a drill plan lateral threshold. If the inclination of the
drill string is less than the drill plan lateral threshold, the
downhole processor continues processing at 332, where the downhole
processor transmits non-compressed survey data. If the inclination
of the drill string is greater than the drill plan lateral
threshold, the downhole processor continues processing at 334,
where the downhole processor compresses survey data and transmits
compressed survey data. In embodiments, the drill plan lateral
threshold is the same as the lateral threshold used to determine
whether the drill sting is in the lateral well segment C, such
that, in embodiments, the downhole processor always compresses the
survey data and transmits compressed survey data, unless the survey
data is determined to be invalid. In embodiments, the drill plan
lateral threshold is greater than the lateral threshold used to
determine whether the drill sting is in the lateral segment C. In
embodiments the drill plan lateral threshold is 85 degrees.
[0190] In embodiments, determining whether to compress the survey
data includes determining whether the survey data is valid survey
data, such that the sensors are working properly, and the sensor
data acquired from the orientation sensors is reliable data. In
embodiments, the downhole processor transmits compressed survey
data unless one or more of the survey data values exceeds a valid
data threshold value. In embodiments, if one or more of the survey
values are determined to be invalid, such as by exceeding a valid
data threshold value, the downhole processor continues processing
at 332, where the downhole processor transmits non-compressed
survey data. In embodiments, if the survey values are determined to
be valid, the downhole processor can continue processing at 334,
where the downhole processor compresses survey data and transmits
compressed survey data.
[0191] At 332, the method includes transmitting, by the downhole
processor, non-compressed survey data or signals. In embodiments,
transmitting non-compressed survey data includes transmitting
six-axis survey data to the surface, such that inclination and
azimuth can be calculated on the surface, which allows for
corrections that cannot be applied by the downhole processor. In
embodiments, the measured total gravity is calculated by the
downhole processor from six-axis survey data and transmitted to the
surface. In embodiments, transmitting non-compressed survey data
includes transmitting the calculated survey values, including
inclination and azimuth values. In embodiments, transmitting
non-compressed survey data includes encoding the survey data, such
as by one or more of pulse width modulation and pulse position
modulation, and transmitting the encoded (modulated) survey
data.
[0192] At 336, the method includes receiving, such as by the uphole
processor, the non-compressed survey data. In embodiments, the
method includes receiving encoded non-compressed survey data and
the method further includes decoding the encoded non-compressed
survey data to obtain the non-compressed survey data. In
embodiments, the method includes receiving non-compressed six-axis
survey data and determining inclination and azimuth at the surface,
which allows for corrections that cannot be applied by the downhole
processor. In embodiments, the method includes receiving
non-compressed calculated survey data, including inclination and
azimuth. In embodiments, the method includes displaying the
non-compressed survey data.
[0193] At 334, the method includes compressing, by the downhole
processor, the survey data for the lateral well segment C. In
embodiments, compressing the survey data for the lateral well
segment C includes compressing the survey data according to the
well drill plan optimization compression scheme, as described
above. In embodiments, compressing the survey data for the lateral
well segment C includes compressing the survey data according to
the expected optimization compression scheme described above. In
embodiments, compressing the survey data for the lateral well
segment C according to the expected optimization compression scheme
includes compressing deltas for the total gravity, the total
magnetic field, the dip angle, the inclination, and the azimuth. In
embodiments, compressing the survey data for the lateral well
segment C according to the expected optimization compression scheme
includes compressing deltas for the total gravity, the total
magnetic field, the dip angle, and the inclination, and providing
non-compressed azimuth survey data.
[0194] At 338, the method includes transmitting, by the downhole
processor, the compressed survey data or signals for the lateral
well segment C. In embodiments, transmitting the compressed survey
data includes transmitting survey data that has been compressed by
the downhole processor using the well drill plan optimization
compression scheme described above. In embodiments, transmitting
compressed survey data includes transmitting survey data that has
been compressed by the downhole processor using the expected
optimization compression scheme described above and, in
embodiments, including at least one of compressed azimuth survey
data and non-compressed azimuth survey data. In embodiments,
transmitting compressed survey data includes encoding the
compressed survey data, such as by one or more of pulse width
modulation and pulse position modulation, and transmitting the
encoded (modulated) compressed survey data.
[0195] At 340, the method includes receiving, such as by the uphole
processor, the compressed survey data. In embodiments, the method
includes receiving encoded compressed survey data and decoding the
encoded compressed survey data to obtain the compressed survey
data. In embodiments, the method includes receiving the compressed
survey data or encoded compressed survey data and providing
non-compressed survey data from the compressed survey data. In
embodiments, the method includes receiving compressed six-axis
survey data and determining inclination and azimuth at the surface,
which allows for corrections that cannot be applied by the downhole
processor. In embodiments, the method includes receiving compressed
calculated survey data and determining non-compressed survey data
from the compressed survey data. In embodiments, the method
includes displaying the compressed/non-compressed survey data.
[0196] In embodiments, the downhole processor transmits a single
bit to the uphole processor to indicate whether the survey data is
compressed or non-compressed survey data. In embodiments, the
uphole processor uses the number of bits received by the uphole
processor to determine whether the survey data is compressed or
non-compressed.
[0197] FIG. 4D is a flow chart diagram illustrating transmitting
and receiving survey data after the downhole processor has
determined that the drill string is in the curved well segment B at
308, according to embodiments of the disclosure. At 350, in
embodiments, the method includes determining, by the downhole
processor, whether or not to compress the survey data. In
embodiments, the method does not include transmitting any survey
data after it has been determined that the drill string is not in
one of the vertical well segment A and the lateral well segment C.
In embodiments, the method includes transmitting only
non-compressed survey data after it has been determined that the
drill string is not in one of the vertical well segment A and the
lateral well segment C.
[0198] In embodiments, determining whether to compress the survey
data includes determining whether the drill string is on the drill
plan or off the drill plan. In embodiments, determining whether the
drill string is on the drill plan or off the drill plan includes
comparing, by the downhole processor, the inclination of the drill
string to one or more of a first curved threshold and a second
curved threshold. If the inclination of the drill string is not
between the first curved threshold and the second curved threshold,
the downhole processor continues processing at 352, where the
downhole processor transmits non-compressed survey data. If the
inclination of the drill string is between the first curved
threshold and the second curved threshold, the downhole processor
continues processing at 354, where the downhole processor
compresses survey data and transmits compressed survey data. In
embodiments, the first curved threshold is the same as the vertical
threshold used to determine whether the drill sting is in the
curved well segment B and the second curved threshold is the same
as the lateral threshold used to determine whether the drill sting
is in the curved well segment B, such that, in embodiments, the
downhole processor always compresses the survey data and transmits
compressed survey data, unless the survey data is determined to be
invalid. In embodiments, the first curved threshold is greater than
the vertical threshold used to determine whether the drill sting is
in the curved well segment B and the second curved threshold is
less than the lateral threshold used to determine whether the drill
sting is in the curved well segment B. In embodiments the first
curved threshold is 20 degrees and the second curved threshold is
70 degrees.
[0199] In embodiments, determining whether to compress the survey
data includes determining whether the survey data is valid survey
data, such that the sensors are working properly, and the sensor
data acquired from the orientation sensors is reliable data. In
embodiments, the downhole processor transmits compressed survey
data unless one or more of the survey data values exceeds a valid
data threshold value. In embodiments, if one or more of the survey
values are determined to be invalid, such as by exceeding a valid
data threshold value, the downhole processor continues processing
at 352, where the downhole processor transmits non-compressed
survey data. In embodiments, if the survey values are determined to
be valid, the downhole processor can continue processing at 354,
where the downhole processor compresses survey data and transmits
compressed survey data.
[0200] At 352, the method includes transmitting, by the downhole
processor, non-compressed survey data or signals. In embodiments,
transmitting non-compressed survey data includes transmitting
six-axis survey data to the surface, such that inclination and
azimuth can be calculated on the surface, which allows for
corrections that cannot be applied by the downhole processor. In
embodiments, the measured total gravity is calculated by the
downhole processor from six-axis survey data and transmitted to the
surface. In embodiments, transmitting non-compressed survey data
includes transmitting the calculated survey values, including
inclination and azimuth values. In embodiments, transmitting
non-compressed survey data includes encoding the survey data, such
as by one or more of pulse width modulation and pulse position
modulation, and transmitting the encoded (modulated) survey
data.
[0201] At 356, the method includes receiving, such as by the uphole
processor, the non-compressed survey data. In embodiments, the
method includes receiving encoded non-compressed survey data and
the method further includes decoding the encoded non-compressed
survey data to obtain the non-compressed survey data. In
embodiments, the method includes receiving non-compressed six-axis
survey data and determining inclination and azimuth at the surface,
which allows for corrections that cannot be applied by the downhole
processor. In embodiments, the method includes receiving
non-compressed calculated survey data, including inclination and
azimuth. In embodiments, the method includes displaying the
non-compressed survey data.
[0202] At 354, the method includes compressing, by the downhole
processor, the survey data for the curved well segment B. In
embodiments, compressing the survey data for the curved well
segment B includes compressing the survey data according to the
well drill plan optimization compression scheme. In embodiments,
compressing the survey data for the curved well segment B includes
compressing the survey data according to the expected optimization
compression scheme described above. In embodiments, compressing the
survey data for the curved well segment B according to the expected
optimization compression scheme includes compressing deltas for the
total gravity, the total magnetic field, the dip angle, and one or
more of the inclination and the azimuth. In embodiments,
compressing the survey data for the curved well segment B according
to the expected optimization compression scheme includes
compressing deltas for the total gravity, the total magnetic field,
and the dip angle, and providing one or more of non-compressed
inclination data and azimuth data.
[0203] At 358, the method includes transmitting, by the downhole
processor, the compressed survey data or signals for the curved
well segment B. In embodiments, transmitting the compressed survey
data includes transmitting survey data that has been compressed by
the downhole processor using the well drill plan optimization
compression scheme. In embodiments, transmitting compressed survey
data includes transmitting survey data that has been compressed by
the downhole processor using the expected optimization compression
scheme described above and, in embodiments, including at least one
of compressed azimuth survey data and non-compressed azimuth survey
data. In embodiments, transmitting compressed survey data includes
encoding the compressed survey data, such as by one or more of
pulse width modulation and pulse position modulation, and
transmitting the encoded (modulated) compressed survey data.
[0204] At 360, the method includes receiving, such as by the uphole
processor, the compressed survey data. In embodiments, the method
includes receiving encoded compressed survey data and decoding the
encoded compressed survey data to obtain the compressed survey
data. In embodiments, the method includes receiving the compressed
survey data or encoded compressed survey data and providing
non-compressed survey data from the compressed survey data. In
embodiments, the method includes receiving compressed six-axis
survey data and determining inclination and azimuth at the surface,
which allows for corrections that cannot be applied by the downhole
processor. In embodiments, the method includes receiving compressed
calculated survey data and determining non-compressed survey data
from the compressed survey data. In embodiments, the method
includes displaying the compressed/non-compressed survey data.
[0205] In embodiments, the downhole processor transmits a single
bit to the uphole processor to indicate whether the survey data is
compressed or non-compressed survey data. In embodiments, the
uphole processor uses the number of bits received by the uphole
processor to determine whether the survey data is compressed or
non-compressed.
[0206] In embodiments of the method of FIGS. 4A-4D, the downhole
processor transmits the compressed/non-compressed survey data based
on the distance drilled since the last previous transmission. In
embodiments, the downhole processor transmits the
compressed/non-compressed survey data based on the time that has
expired since the last previous transmission of data.
[0207] Also, in embodiments of the method of FIGS. 4A-4D, the
method includes transmitting, by the downhole processor, delta
compressed survey data, such as partial survey data, between
transmissions of the compressed/non-compressed survey data. The
downhole processor obtains one or more measured survey values and
transmits deltas, i.e., changes, between the measured survey values
and the last previously transmitted survey values. The uphole
processor receives the deltas and determines survey values from the
deltas. This continuous delta compression scheme is useful for
transmitting survey measurements that do not change much over time.
In embodiments, the downhole processor transmits the deltas during
drilling operations. In embodiments, the downhole processor
transmits the deltas as the drill string moves through the well
borehole. In embodiments, the downhole processor transmits deltas
using the continuous delta compression scheme between surveys, such
as between taking full six-axis surveys. In embodiments, the
continuous delta compression scheme is applicable for transmitting
continuous inclination and/or continuous azimuth measurements.
[0208] FIG. 5 is a flow chart diagram illustrating a method for
communicating the well path trajectory of a drill string to the
surface based on the position of the drill string in the well
borehole, according to embodiments of the disclosure. In
embodiments, the method can be provided by a MWD system, such as
the MWD system 20 of FIG. 1 including the downhole processor 64,
the downhole communications module 66, the uphole processor 70, and
the uphole communications module 72, and the MWD system 100 of FIG.
2 including the downhole processor 108, the downhole communications
module 106, the uphole processor 118, and the uphole communications
module 116.
[0209] At 400, the method includes determining the position of the
drill string in the well borehole based on survey data and the
distance drilled during drilling operations. Using the survey data
and the distance drilled, the downhole processor determines the
position of the drill string in the well borehole. In embodiments,
the downhole processor uses historic or previously obtained survey
data and/or positions of the drill string in the well borehole to
determine the present position of the drill string in the well
borehole.
[0210] To obtain survey data, the downhole processor receives
sensor data from orientation sensors, such as orientation sensors
110. In embodiments, the survey data includes multiple axis survey
data, such as six-axis survey data including three axes of
accelerometer data (AX, AY, and AZ) and three axes of magnetometer
data (MX, MY, and MZ). In embodiments, the survey data includes
calculated survey values, such as inclination and azimuth,
determined by the downhole processor from the six-axis survey data.
In embodiments, the downhole processor determines and uses survey
values, such as the total gravity, the total magnetic field, the
dip angle, the inclination, and the azimuth to determine the
position of the drill string in the well borehole. In embodiments,
the downhole processor accesses and retrieves historic or
previously obtained survey data and/or positions of the drill
string in the well borehole from memory to determine the present
position of the drill string in the well borehole.
[0211] Also, in embodiments, the distance drilled is determined
from the number and length of drill pipes used in drilling
operations, and in embodiments, the distance drilled is
communicated to the downhole processor from the surface, such as
from the uphole processor.
[0212] At 402, the method includes determining, by the downhole
processor, whether the position of the drill string in the well
borehole is on the drill plan or off the drill plan. Processing
continues at 404 if the position of the drill string in the well
borehole is off the drill plan and processing continues at 406 if
the drill string in the well borehole is on the drill plan.
[0213] The downhole processor has access to the drill plan and
compares the determined position of the drill string in the well
borehole to the expected position of the drill string in the drill
plan. In embodiments, the expected position of the drill string in
the drill plan is based on the drill plan and the distance drilled.
In embodiments, the drill plan is stored in memory and the downhole
processor accesses the memory and retrieves the drill plan. In
embodiments, the downhole processor receives the drill plan from
the surface, such as through communications with the uphole
processor. In embodiments, the drill plan includes one or more well
segments that define the contours of the finished well borehole. In
embodiments, the drill plan includes the first vertical segment A,
the second curved segment B, and the third lateral segment C. In
other embodiments, the drill plan includes only one or two
segments, or the drill plan includes more than three segments.
[0214] In embodiments, the downhole processor determines which well
segment the drill string is in and whether the position of the
drill string in the well borehole is on the drill plan or off the
drill plan. In embodiments, the downhole processor compares one or
more of the calculated inclination and azimuth values to one or
more threshold values to determine if the drill string in the well
borehole is on the drill plan or off the drill plan.
[0215] At 404, the method includes transmitting, by the downhole
processor, non-compressed survey data or signals. In embodiments,
transmitting non-compressed survey data includes transmitting
six-axis survey data to the surface, such that inclination and
azimuth can be calculated on the surface, which allows for
corrections that cannot be applied by the downhole processor. In
embodiments, transmitting non-compressed survey data includes
transmitting calculated survey values, including inclination and
azimuth values. In embodiments, transmitting non-compressed survey
data includes transmitting calculated survey values, such as the
total gravity, the total magnetic field, the dip angle, the
inclination, and/or the azimuth. In embodiments, transmitting
non-compressed survey data includes encoding the survey data, such
as by one or more of pulse width modulation and pulse position
modulation, and transmitting the encoded (modulated) survey
data.
[0216] At 408, the method includes receiving, such as by the uphole
processor, the non-compressed survey data. In embodiments, the
method includes receiving encoded non-compressed survey data and
the method further includes decoding the encoded non-compressed
survey data to obtain the non-compressed survey data. In
embodiments, the method includes receiving non-compressed six-axis
survey data and determining inclination and azimuth at the surface,
which allows for corrections that cannot be applied by the downhole
processor. In embodiments, the method includes receiving
non-compressed calculated survey data, including inclination and
azimuth. In embodiments, the method includes displaying the
non-compressed survey data.
[0217] At 406, the method includes compressing, by the downhole
processor, the survey data. In embodiments, compressing the survey
data includes compressing the survey data according to the well
drill plan optimization compression scheme. In embodiments,
compressing the survey data includes compressing the survey data
according to the expected optimization compression scheme described
above. In embodiments, compressing the survey data includes
compressing deltas for the total gravity, the total magnetic field,
the dip angle, and one or more of the inclination and the azimuth.
In embodiments, compressing the survey data includes compressing
deltas for the total gravity, the total magnetic field, and the dip
angle, and providing one or more of non-compressed inclination data
and azimuth data.
[0218] At 410, the method includes transmitting, by the downhole
processor, the compressed survey data or signals. In embodiments,
transmitting the compressed survey data includes transmitting
survey data that has been compressed by the downhole processor
using the well drill plan optimization compression scheme. In
embodiments, transmitting compressed survey data includes
transmitting survey data that has been compressed using the
expected optimization compression scheme described above and, in
embodiments, including at least one of compressed azimuth survey
data and non-compressed azimuth survey data. In embodiments,
transmitting compressed survey data includes encoding the
compressed survey data, such as by one or more of pulse width
modulation and pulse position modulation, and transmitting the
encoded (modulated) compressed survey data.
[0219] At 412, the method includes receiving, such as by the uphole
processor, the compressed survey data. In embodiments, the method
includes receiving encoded compressed survey data and decoding the
encoded compressed survey data to obtain the compressed survey
data. In embodiments, the method includes receiving the compressed
survey data or encoded compressed survey data and providing
non-compressed survey data from the compressed survey data. In
embodiments, the method includes receiving compressed six-axis
survey data and determining inclination and azimuth at the surface,
which allows for corrections that cannot be applied by the downhole
processor. In embodiments, the method includes receiving compressed
calculated survey data and determining non-compressed survey data
from the compressed survey data. In embodiments, the method
includes displaying the compressed/non-compressed survey data.
[0220] In embodiments, the downhole processor transmits a single
bit to the uphole processor to indicate whether the survey data is
compressed or non-compressed survey data. In embodiments, the
uphole processor uses the number of bits received by the uphole
processor to determine whether the survey data is compressed or
non-compressed.
[0221] In embodiments, the downhole processor transmits the
compressed/non-compressed survey data based on the distance drilled
since the last previous transmission. In embodiments, the downhole
processor transmits the compressed/non-compressed survey data based
on the time that has expired since the last previous transmission
of data.
[0222] Also, in embodiments, the method includes transmitting, by
the downhole processor, delta compressed survey data, such as
partial survey data, between transmissions of the
compressed/non-compressed survey data. The downhole processor
obtains one or more measured survey values and transmits deltas,
i.e., changes, between the measured survey values and the last
previously transmitted survey values. The uphole processor receives
the deltas and determines survey values from the deltas. This
continuous delta compression scheme is useful for transmitting
survey measurements that do not change much over time. In
embodiments, the downhole processor transmits the deltas during
drilling operations. In embodiments, the downhole processor
transmits the deltas as the drill string moves through the well
borehole. In embodiments, the downhole processor transmits deltas
using the continuous delta compression scheme between surveys, such
as between taking full six-axis surveys. In embodiments, the
continuous delta compression scheme is applicable for transmitting
continuous inclination and/or continuous azimuth measurements.
[0223] The systems and methods described above can be used to
transmit survey data and other suitable data. In some embodiments,
the systems and methods described above can be used to transmit
sliding data obtained while sliding. In some embodiments, the
systems and methods described above can be used to transmit
rotating data obtained while rotating the drill string.
[0224] Various modifications and additions can be made to the
exemplary embodiments discussed without departing from the scope of
the present disclosure. For example, while the embodiments
described above refer to features, the scope of this disclosure
also includes embodiments having different combinations of features
and embodiments that do not include all of the described features.
Accordingly, the scope of the present disclosure is intended to
embrace all such alternatives, modifications, and variations as
fall within the scope of the claims, together with all equivalents
thereof.
* * * * *