EP1933003B1 - Steuerbare Bohrmeisselanordnung und entsprechende Verfahren - Google Patents

Steuerbare Bohrmeisselanordnung und entsprechende Verfahren Download PDF

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Publication number
EP1933003B1
EP1933003B1 EP08001569A EP08001569A EP1933003B1 EP 1933003 B1 EP1933003 B1 EP 1933003B1 EP 08001569 A EP08001569 A EP 08001569A EP 08001569 A EP08001569 A EP 08001569A EP 1933003 B1 EP1933003 B1 EP 1933003B1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
bit
drilling
deflection
bha
excitation signal
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Expired - Lifetime
Application number
EP08001569A
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English (en)
French (fr)
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EP1933003A1 (de
Inventor
Peter S. Aronstam
Larry A. Watkins
Roger W. Fincher
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Baker Hughes Holdings LLC
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Baker Hughes Inc
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Filing date
Publication date
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Priority claimed from EP04783755A external-priority patent/EP1668219B1/de
Publication of EP1933003A1 publication Critical patent/EP1933003A1/de
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Publication of EP1933003B1 publication Critical patent/EP1933003B1/de
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Classifications

    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E21—EARTH OR ROCK DRILLING; MINING
    • E21B—EARTH OR ROCK DRILLING; OBTAINING OIL, GAS, WATER, SOLUBLE OR MELTABLE MATERIALS OR A SLURRY OF MINERALS FROM WELLS
    • E21B7/00—Special methods or apparatus for drilling
    • E21B7/04—Directional drilling
    • E21B7/06—Deflecting the direction of boreholes
    • E21B7/067—Deflecting the direction of boreholes with means for locking sections of a pipe or of a guide for a shaft in angular relation, e.g. adjustable bent sub
    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E21—EARTH OR ROCK DRILLING; MINING
    • E21B—EARTH OR ROCK DRILLING; OBTAINING OIL, GAS, WATER, SOLUBLE OR MELTABLE MATERIALS OR A SLURRY OF MINERALS FROM WELLS
    • E21B10/00—Drill bits
    • E21B10/60—Drill bits characterised by conduits or nozzles for drilling fluids
    • E21B10/61—Drill bits characterised by conduits or nozzles for drilling fluids characterised by the nozzle structure
    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E21—EARTH OR ROCK DRILLING; MINING
    • E21B—EARTH OR ROCK DRILLING; OBTAINING OIL, GAS, WATER, SOLUBLE OR MELTABLE MATERIALS OR A SLURRY OF MINERALS FROM WELLS
    • E21B10/00—Drill bits
    • E21B10/62—Drill bits characterised by parts, e.g. cutting elements, which are detachable or adjustable
    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E21—EARTH OR ROCK DRILLING; MINING
    • E21B—EARTH OR ROCK DRILLING; OBTAINING OIL, GAS, WATER, SOLUBLE OR MELTABLE MATERIALS OR A SLURRY OF MINERALS FROM WELLS
    • E21B17/00—Drilling rods or pipes; Flexible drill strings; Kellies; Drill collars; Sucker rods; Cables; Casings; Tubings
    • E21B17/10—Wear protectors; Centralising devices, e.g. stabilisers
    • E21B17/1014—Flexible or expansible centering means, e.g. with pistons pressing against the wall of the well

Definitions

  • this invention relates generally to systems and methods utilizing materials responsive to an excitation signal.
  • the present invention relates to drilling systems that utilize directional drilling assemblies actuated by smart materials.
  • the present invention related to systems and methods for producing fast response steerable systems for wellbore drilling assemblies.
  • Modem directional drilling systems generally employ a drill string having a bottomhole assembly (BHA) and a drill bit at end thereof that is rotated by a drill motor (mud motor) and/or the drill string.
  • BHA bottomhole assembly
  • a number of downhole devices placed in close proximity to the drill bit measure and control certain downhole operating parameters associated with the drill string.
  • Such devices typically include sensors for measuring downhole temperature and pressure, azimuth and inclination measuring devices and a resistivity measuring device to determine the presence of hydrocarbons and water.
  • Additional downhole instruments known as logging-while-drilling ("LWD”) tools, are frequently attached to the drill string to determine the formation geology and formation fluid conditions during the drilling operations.
  • LWD logging-while-drilling
  • Drilling fluid or "mud” is used to clean the bore hole and drill bit and to cool and lubricate the drill bit. Because the drilling fluid is pump downhole under pressure, the drilling fluid is often used as an additional source of energy for driving drilling motors that provide some or all of the rotary power required to drill the borehole.
  • Different BHAs are selected depending on the nature of the wellbore 'directional path' and the method by which the wellbore is being drilled ( e.g ., pure rotary, rotary with downhole motor, or only a downhole motor).
  • Certain BHAs are configured to allow the wellbore to be steered along a pre-determined path.
  • drilling motors or other devices are configured in one or more ways to facilitate controlled steering of the wellbore.
  • the drill bit is usually connected to a 'drive-shaft' that is supported and stabilized by a series of axial and radial bearings.
  • a drilling motor is used to turn the drive shaft that then turns the bit.
  • the configuration of the motor housing containing the drive-shaft typically referred to as the bearing housing
  • These motor-based directional BHAs are typically referred to as steerable motor systems.
  • Boreholes are usually drilled along predetermined paths and the drilling of a typical borehole proceeds through various formations.
  • Directional drilling that is to say varying the path of a borehole from a first direction to a second, may be carried out along a relatively small radius of curvature as short as five to six meters, or over a radius of curvature of many hundreds of meters.
  • the well path is a complex 3D curve with multiple radii of curvature. The variation of the curvature (radius) depends upon the pointing (aiming) and bending of the BHA.
  • Some arrangements for effecting directional drilling include positive displacement (Moineau) type motors as well as turbines that are employed in combination with deflection devices such as bent housing, bent subs, eccentric stabilizers, and combinations thereof. Such arrangements are used in what is commonly called oriented slide drilling.
  • Other steerable bottomhole assemblies commonly known as rotary steerable systems, alter the deflection or orientation of the drill string by selective lateral extension and retraction of one or more contact pads or members against the borehole wall.
  • US 4,291,773 which is considered the closest prior art document describes a deflectable collar having strictive material deflectable element that can be energized so as to bend or articulate the drill string or drill bit in order to change the advancement angle of the borehole.
  • FIG. 1 there is shown a flowchart for an exemplary conventional rotary steering control system 10 for a rotary steerable directional drilling assembly.
  • An intelligent control unit 12 evaluates directional data 14 using programmed instructions 16 and transmits signals 18 as necessary to align the rotary steerable bottomhole assembly with the required well path.
  • This time lag is largely attributable to the mechanical and electrical architecture of conventional rotary steering units representatively shown as 20.
  • These conventional rotary steering units 20 employ a number of subsystems 22a-i for effecting a change in drilling direction 24.
  • subsystem A may be a valve assembly that opens to control hydraulic fluid flow; subsystem B may be a hydraulic chamber that is filled by hydraulic fluid flowing through the valve assembly; subsystem C may be a piston and associated linkages that converts hydraulic pressure in the hydraulic chamber to translational movement; and subsystem D can be an arm or pad that applies a force on a wellbore wall in response to the movement of the piston and associated linkages.
  • subsystem A can be an electrical circuit that closes to energize an electrical motor within a subsystem B.
  • Subsystem C can be a gear drive that converts motor rotation into translational movement and subsystem D can be mechanism that adjusts the position of a bit in response to the actuation of the gear drive.
  • the steering control system 10 shown in the Fig. 1 flow chart is merely a generic representation of conventional rotary steerable BHA assemblies wherein all the elements of the system 10 are packaged within the BHA. Limited commands such as a redirection adjustment of target can be sent from the surface.
  • the typical rotary steerable BHA is self sufficient from a decision and tool configuration change / adjustment implementation stand point on a moment by moment basis.
  • each interrelated subsystem introduces a separate time lag into the response of the conventional rotary steering drilling system. The separate time lags accumulate into a significant time delay between the issuance and execution of a command signal.
  • rotary steerable drilling systems minimize the dependency on response time by using a non-rotating stabilizer or pad sleeve.
  • Introduction of the non-rotating (or slow rotating) sleeve decreases the actuation speed requirement but increases the complexity of the steering unit ( e.g ., the need for rotating seals, rotary electrical connections, etc.).
  • conventional rotary steerable systems have a limited mechanical response rate, are mechanically complex, or both.
  • the present invention addresses these and other needs in the prior art.
  • the present invention relates to systems, devices and methods for efficient and cost effective drilling of directional wellbores.
  • the system includes a well tool such as a drilling assembly or a bottom hole assembly ("BHA") at the bottom of a suitable umbilical such as drill string.
  • BHA bottom hole assembly
  • the BHA includes a steering unit and a control unit.
  • the steering unit and control unit provide dynamic control of bit orientation by utilizing fast response "smart" materials.
  • the control unit utilizes one or more selected measured parameters of interest in conjunction with instructions to determine a drilling direction for the BHA.
  • the instructions can be either pre-programmed or updated during the course of drilling in response to measured parameters and optimization techniques.
  • the control unit issues appropriate command signals to the steering unit.
  • the steering unit includes one or more excitation field/signal generators and a "smart" material.
  • the excitation signal/field generator produces an appropriate excitation signal/field (e.g ., electrical or magnetic).
  • the excitation signal/field causes a controlled material change (e.g ., rheological, dimensional, etc.) in the "smart" material.
  • the utilization of smart materials allows direct control rates that are faster and less mechanically complex than conventional rotary steerable directional systems.
  • the steering unit controls drilling direction by changing the geometry of a BHA ("system geometry change tools").
  • exemplary composite geometry change steering units can include a deformable sleeve between two attachment points on a rigid tube. These attachment points can be stiffeners, a flange, a diametrically enlarged portion or other suitable feature formed integral with or separate from the drill string or BHA.
  • the sleeve is formed at least partially of one or more smart materials that expand or contract when subjected to an excitation field/signal. By actively controlling the excitation field (e.g ., electrical field) associated with the sleeve, the sleeve expands to push the attachment points apart or contracts to pull the attachment points together.
  • Exemplary "local geometry change" steering units can include a dynamically adjustable articulated hinge or joint that, when actuated, can adjust the orientation of the bit.
  • the articulated joint can be positioned immediately adjacent to the bit or disposed in the BHA or washer.
  • the articulated joint includes a washer or ring having a plurality of elements that are at least partially made of one or more solid smart materials.
  • the elements individually or collectively deform (expand or contract) along a longitudinal axis of the BHA. This controlled longitudinal deformation alters the physical orientation of a face of the ring.
  • a washer face can include a circumferential array of hydraulic chambers filled with a smart fluid (e.g ., a fluid having variable-viscosity) and associated pistons.
  • the smart fluid provides increased or decreased resistance to compression when subjected to an excitation signal, such as an electrical impulse.
  • the piston individually or collectively contract or relax when subjected to the forces inherent during drilling ( e.g ., weight on bit). Varying the viscosity alters the distance a given piston shifts, which causes a tilt in the washer face. This tilt causes a local geometry change that controls the physical orientation of the drill bit.
  • the steering unit is incorporated into the bit body.
  • a washer utilizing smart materials can be inserted into a body of the drill bit and placed in close proximity to the bit face.
  • a controller communicates with the washer via a telemetry system to control the excitation signals provided to the smart material used by washer by a suitable generator.
  • the telemetry system can be a short hop telemetry system, hard wiring, inductive coupling or other suitable transmission devices.
  • the steering unit employing smart materials, could control the drilling direction by generating a selected bit force vector ("force vector systems") or by controlling the cutting action of the bit (“differential cutting systems").
  • Exemplary steering units that utilize force vectors to produce a bit force include one or more stabilizers utilizing smart materials configured to produce/adjust bit side force or alter BHA centerline relative to the borehole centerline.
  • the stabilizer is fixed to a rotating section of the BHA and includes a plurality of force pads for applying a force against a borehole wall.
  • steering is effected by a force vector, which creates a reaction force that urges the bit in the direction generally opposite to the force vector.
  • the force pads are actuated by a shape change material that deform in response to an excitation signal produced by a signal/filed generation device or other suitable generator as discussed earlier.
  • the stabilizer includes a plurality of nozzles that form hydraulic jets of pressurized drilling fluid.
  • the nozzles use a smart material along the fluid exit path to selectively regulate the flow of exiting fluid.
  • the strength of the hydraulic jets can be controlled via a signal/field generator to produce a selected or pre-determined reactive forces. Controlling the hydraulic jet velocity/flowrate can alter the symmetry of the lateral hydraulic force vectors and thus control the direction of the lateral deflection of the drill bit.
  • a deflection device is fixed to a bit to manipulate the radial positioning of the bit relative to the wellbore.
  • the deflection device includes a plurality of force pads for applying a force against a borehole wall and gage cutters for cutting the borehole wall.
  • the force pads and gage cutters are actuated by a shape change material that expands/contracts in response to an excitation signal.
  • either the force pads or gage cutters are extended to contact the borehole wall at a selected frequency.
  • the action of the gage cutters and force pads are coordinated such that when a force pad extends out, the corresponding cutter on the opposite side also extends out to cut the borehole wall.
  • a controller communicates with the deflection device via a telemetry system to control the operation of the force pads and gage cutters.
  • the telemetry system can be a short hop telemetry system, hard wiring, inductive coupling or other suitable transmission devices.
  • the deflection device includes only force pads or only gage cutters.
  • a hydraulic jet force deflection device fixed in the drill bit uses smart material controlled nozzles along the outer diameter of the bit to produce controllable hydraulic jets to produce reactive forces for controlling the position of the drill bit.
  • Exemplary differential cutting steering units change well bore path and direction by controlling the forward (face) rate of penetration of the bit.
  • a drill bit incorporating differential cutting includes a plurality of nozzles that utilize smart materials to modulate the flow through one or more selected nozzles.
  • the degree of bottom hole cleaning on one side of the hole can be made more or less effective versus another side.
  • the rate or frequency of modulation can be synchronous with the bit rotation or a multiple of a consistent fraction of bit speed. This differential bottom hole cleaning results in a differential rate of penetration across the bottom of the hole. For instance, drilling cuttings accumulate to a greater degree under a selected segment.
  • the drill bit includes a plurality of cutters, which are disposed on a face of the drill bit, that can be individually or collectively ( e.g ., selected groups) axially lengthened by selectively energizing a smart material. By adjusting the rate of penetration of certain cutters, a differential rate of penetration is created which cause a change in drilling direction.
  • a differential rate of penetration is provided by actively controlling segmental depth of cut using smart materials to alter the height of one or more depth of cut limiting protrusions provided on a bit face.
  • an associated control unit transmits excitation signals that effectively bend a portion of the BHA (e.g ., through local geometry change or composite geometry change) to create a tilt angle that points the bit in a specified direction. Because the steering unit is not rotating relative to the wellbore, this bend can remain substantially fixed (other than to correct for changes in BHA and/or steering unit orientation) until the next desired change in bit direction/orientation.
  • the control unit energizes or activates the actively controlled elements (e.g ., washer segments, nozzles, force pad segments, etc.) of that steering unit as a function of the rotational speed of the steering unit (which may be the rotational speed of a drill string or drill bit).
  • the rotational speed of the steering unit which may be the rotational speed of a drill string or drill bit.
  • a specified bend or tilt may require one or more elements to be activated while in a specified azimuthal location in the wellbore ( e.g ., top-dead-center of the wellbore).
  • the azimuthal location can be a point or zone.
  • the elements rotate into the specified location once per shaft revolution.
  • the control unit energizes the elements every time the elements are in that location.
  • the control unit can also activate the element at one or fewer than one times per reference rotation/cycle provided that the elements are in the selected location. This provides a means for tuning or adjusting the directional deflection aggressiveness via frequency of activation in addition to
  • the control unit can be programmed to adjust one or more operational parameters or variables in connection with the activation of the elements.
  • the control unit can control the timing or sequence of activation.
  • the region for activation may be a single point or a specified region (e.g ., a selected azimuthal sector) or multiple locations.
  • the control unit can simultaneously or sequentially activate any number of elements is selected groups or sets.
  • the control unit can control the magnitude or strength of the excitation signal to control the amount of material change (e.g ., length change) of the smart material.
  • the control unit can change the length of the element and/or the magnitude of the force produced by the element.
  • the control unit can control the degree or aggressiveness of path deflection.
  • the steering unit may comprise a mechanical steering devices that may or may not utilize smart materials.
  • a mechanical adjustable joint is disposed in a section of a BHA.
  • the joint includes two or more members that have sloped/inclined faces (e.g ., tubulars, plates, disks, washers, rings) and can rotate relative to one another.
  • a positional sensor package associated with a rotating member e.g ., drilling tubular
  • the sensor package defines a known orientation to the reference vector during random rotation of the rotating member.
  • the sensor package transmits the orientation data to a control / driver device that controls a secondary rotary drive device coupled to one or more of the members having sloped/inclined faces of the adjustable joint.
  • the drive device counter rotates the ring positioned on the rotating member to maintain a fixed or desired orientation to the external reference plane. While the devices are shown as part of a drill string or BHA, these devices can also be incorporated into a drill bit body in a manner previously described.
  • the present invention relates to devices and methods utilizing smart materials for steerable systems, and devices and methods for drilling complex curvature directional wellbores.
  • FIG. 2 there is schematically illustrated a system 100 for performing one or more operations related to the construction, logging, completion or work-over of a hydrocarbon producing well.
  • Fig. 2 shows a schematic elevation view of one embodiment of a wellbore drilling system 100 for directionally drilling a wellbore 102.
  • the drilling system 100 is a rig for land wells and includes a drilling platform 104, which may be a drill ship or another suitable surface workstation such as a floating platform or a semi-submersible for offshore wells.
  • additional known equipment such as a riser and subsea wellhead will typically be used.
  • wellbore drilling system 100 while described below as a conventional flow system, can be readily adapted to reverse circulation (i . e ., wherein drilling fluid is conveyed into an annulus and returned via the drill string).
  • well control equipment 106 also referred to as the wellhead equipment
  • the wellbore 102 is placed above the wellbore 102.
  • This system 100 further includes a well tool such as a drilling assembly or a bottom hole assembly ("BHA") 108 at the bottom of a suitable umbilical such as drill string or tubing 110 (such terms will be used interchangeably).
  • the BHA 108 includes a drill bit 112 adapted to disintegrate rock and earth.
  • the bit 112 can be rotated by a surface rotary drive, a downhole motor using pressurized fluid (e.g., mud motor), and/or an electrically driven motor or combinations thereof.
  • the tubing 110 can be formed partially or fully of drill pipe, metal or composite coiled tubing, liner, casing or other known member. Additionally, the tubing 110 can include data and power transmission carriers such as fluid conduits, fiber optics, and metal conductors. Sensors S are disposed throughout the BHA to measure drilling parameters, formation parameters, and BHA parameters.
  • a drilling fluid from a surface mud system 114 is pumped under pressure down the tubing 110.
  • the mud system 114 includes a mud pit or supply source 116 and one or more pumps 118.
  • the supply fluid operates a mud motor in the BHA 108, which in turn rotates the drill bit 112.
  • the drill string 110 rotation can also be used to rotate the drill bit 112, either in conjunction with or separately from the mud motor.
  • the drill bit 112 disintegrates the formation (rock) into cuttings that flow uphole with the fluid exiting the drill bit 112.
  • the BHA 108 includes a steering unit 120 and a control unit 122.
  • the BHA 108 can also include a processor 124 in communication with the sensors S, the control unit 120 and/or a surface controller 126 and peripherals 128.
  • the sensors S can be configured to measure formation parameters (e.g., resistivity, porosity, nuclear measurements), BHA parameters (e.g., vibration), and drilling parameters (e.g., weight on bit 112 ).
  • the steering unit 120 and control unit 122 (with or without control signals from the surface) provide dynamic control of bit 112 orientation to influence borehole curvature and direction.
  • the steering unit 120 utilizes a fast response "smart" material, described more fully below, coupled with directional drilling assemblies.
  • the control system 130 receives measured data 132 (which can be one or more parameters of interest), which in conjunction with instructions 134 (pre-programmed or dynamically updated), is used to determine appropriate command signals 136 that are transmitted to the steering unit 120.
  • the measured data 132 can include data used in relation to a fixed reference point, such as the surface. Such data can include the three-dimensional orientation of the BHA 108 in the wellbore 102. This data can include azimuth, inclination and depth data.
  • the measured data 132 can also include data that characterizes the formation in the vicinity of the BHA 108 such as porosity, resistivity, etc. Still other measured data 132 can include data that can be used to evaluate the health and efficiency of the BHA 108 as well as data indicative of the wellbore environment such as wellbore pressure and temperature.
  • the control unit 130 uses the measured data 132 to determine the appropriate adjustments to the BHA 108 for more accurate wellbore placement and positioning and enhanced drilling efficiency and BHA health. This determination is based at least in part on the instructions 134.
  • the instructions in one embodiment, can be static and provide a specific wellbore trajectory that is to be followed by the BHA 108. In another embodiment, the instructions can be revised based on learned experience; i .
  • the instructions 134 can periodically adjust the drilling direction to be followed based on measurements lathered regarding a particular geological formation and/or reservoir.
  • the appropriate drilling direction can be determined in reference to a pre-defined well path, a well path adjusted to reflect revised down hole reservoir information, a well path revised from the surface, and/or a well path revised relative to marker limit spacing.
  • the control unit 130 computes the necessary adjustments to be made to the BHA 108 to effect the new drilling direction and transmits via a suitable telemetry system (not shown) the corresponding command or control signals 136 to the steering unit 120.
  • an excitation signal/field generator In response to the command signal 136, an excitation signal/field generator produces an appropriate excitation signal/field.
  • the generator can be a conductor, a circuit, a coil or other device adapted produce and/or transmit a controlled energy field.
  • the excitation signal/field causes a controlled material change (e.g ., rheological, dimensional, etc.) in an appropriately formulated material, hereafter "smart" material.
  • Smart materials include, but are not limited to, electrorheological fluids that are responsive to electrical current, magnetorheological fluids that are responsive to a magnetic field, and piezoelectric materials that responsive to an electrical current. This change is a change in dimension, size, shape or viscosity.
  • the smart material is deployed such that a change in shape or viscosity can alter system geometry, or in other arrangements apply side forces and/or vary the cutting action by the bit face, to thereby control drilling direction of the drill bit 112.
  • the "smart" material is formulated to exhibit the change within milliseconds of being subjected to the excitation signal/field.
  • the requisite field/signal production and corresponding material property can occur within a few milliseconds.
  • hundreds of command signals can be issued in, for instance, one minute.
  • command signals can be issued at a frequency in the range of rotational speeds of conventional drill strings ( i . e ., several hundred RPM).
  • steering units configured to controlling direction by changing the geometry of a BHA ("system geometry change tools"), by generating a selected bit force vector ("force vector systems”), and by controlling the cutting action of the bit 112 (“differential cutting systems").
  • System geometry change steering units effect a change in drilling direction by influencing the way the bit 112 and bottom hole assembly 108 lays in the previously drilled hole so as to influence the tilt of the bit 112.
  • the end effect is that the bit face points or tilts in a selected orientation for the selected new direction of the hole.
  • the act of pointing (through flexure) or tilting (via a hinged joint) the bit 112 generally causes the lower end of the drilling assembly 108 to have a tool assembly centerline that is different from that of the previously drilled hole.
  • This variable tool centerline will occur above and below the point of tilt or area of flexure (can be non-linear) and will be continuous although slope discontinuities within the mechanical assembly may occur.
  • Methods and arrangements for pointing or tilting of the bit face can utilize "composite geometry change" and "local geometry change,” both of which are described below.
  • a steering unit 120 adapted to steer a BHA 108 using composite geometry change.
  • the steering unit 120 changes the pointing of the bit face 150 of the bit 112 by introducing bending stresses in the BHA 108 above the bit 112 to change a bit face tilt angle ⁇ .
  • the BHA 108 is shown in the wellbore 102 as having three points of contact: a contact point C1 at the bit 112, a contact point C2 at a stiffener 152 behind the bit 112 , and either a top hole stiffener 154 or the point where the BHA 108 flexes to lay along a side of the wellbore 102 as contact point C3.
  • the steering unit 120 induces a bending moment between contact points C2 and C3 that causes a pointing of the bit face 150 (contact point C1 ) in a selected direction.
  • Stiffeners 152, 154 which act merely as a relatively rigid attachment point, can be a separate element or formed integral with a drill string or the BHA 108 ( e . g ., a flange).
  • Fig. 5A-D there are shown embodiments of a geometry change steering unit that includes a deformable sleeve.
  • the embodiment of Figs. 5A-B depict a sleeve that expands when subjected to an excitation signal
  • Fig. 5C-D depict a sleeve that contracts when subjected to an excitation signal.
  • other embodiments can include a sleeve configured to expand or contract depending on the excitation signal.
  • Still other embodiments can include a sleeve having some elements that expand when subjected to an excitation signal or other elements that contract when subjected to an excitation signal. It should be understood, however, that these described embodiments are merely illustrative and that the teachings of the present invention are not limited to the described embodiments.
  • a geometry change steering unit 200 includes a deformable sleeve 202 between stiffeners 152 and 154.
  • the sleeve 202 is formed at least partially of one or more smart materials that expand longitudinally (shown with arrow E) when subjected to an excitation field/signal.
  • a tube 204 is configured to carry the compressive and tensional loads for drilling (e.g., a "rigid" tube) and acts as a housing for the sleeve 202.
  • the sleeve 202 is disposed inside the tube 204 and includes a plurality of longitudinal ribs or tendons 206 a-i running the length of the rigid tube 204.
  • the tendons 206a-i are fixedly attached to the stiffeners 152 and 154 to form classic 'bone and tendon network'.
  • the tendons 206 a-i can also attach to the tube 204 at other locations and by other suitable methods ( e.g ., chemical bond, fasteners, weld, etc.)
  • a signal/field generating device 208i produces an excitation signal that causes the tendons 206a-i to react in a predictable manner.
  • the signal/field generating device 208i is an EMF flow circuit where EMF potential difference is controlled and modulated. As shown, each tendon 206a-i has an associated signal/filed generation device 208, but other
  • the smart material performs in an expansion mode. That is, by actively controlling the applied excitation field (e.g ., electrical field), one or more selected ribs or tendons (e.g ., ribs 206c-e ) are caused to expand against the stiffeners 152 and 154 that are fixed to the rigid tube 204. Under this applied force, the rigid tube 204 flexes or curls in the opposite direction of the expanded ribs or tendons 206 c-e. This has the net effect of bending or changing the composite geometry of the BHA 108 proximate the bit 112 ( Fig. 4 ). An exemplary composite geometry tool center line produced by the steering unit 200 is shown as tool center line TL1.
  • the applied excitation field e.g ., electrical field
  • a geometry change steering unit 220 that also includes a deformable sleeve 222 between stiffeners 152 and 154.
  • the sleeve 222 is formed at least partially of one or more smart material that contracts longitudinally (shown with arrow C ) when subjected to an excitation field/signal.
  • a tube 224 is configured to carry the compressive and tensional loads for drilling (e.g., a "rigid" tube) and acts as a housing for the sleeve 222.
  • the sleeve 222 is disposed outside of the tube 224 and includes a plurality of longitudinal ribs or tendons 226 a-i running the length of the rigid tube 224.
  • the tendons 226a-i are fixedly attached to stiffeners 152 and 154 to form classic 'bone and tendon network'.
  • the tendons 226 a-i can also attach to the tube 224 at other locations and by other suitable methods ( e.g ., chemical bond, fasteners, weld, etc.).
  • a signal/filed generation device 228i or other device produces an excitation signal that cause the tendons 226a-i to react in a predictable manner.
  • each tendon 226a-i has an associated signal/filed generation device 228, but other (e.g ., shared) arrangements can also be used in certain applications.
  • the smart material performs in a contraction mode. That is, by actively controlling the excitation field (e.g ., EMF, electrical field) produced by the slgnal/filed generation devices 228, one or more selected ribs or tendons ( e.g ., ribs 226 c-e ) are caused to contract and effective pull together the stiffeners 152 and 154 that are fixed to the rigid tube 224. Under this applied force, the rigid tube 224 flexes or curls in the direction opposite of the shortened ribs or tendons 226 c-e. This has the net effect of bending or changing the composite geometry of the BHA 108 proximate the bit 112 ( Fig. 4 ).
  • An exemplary composite geometry tool center line produced by the steering unit 220 is shown as tool center line TL2.
  • the embodiments described in Figs. 5A-D can include elements for expanding and contracting portions of the rigid tube 204.
  • one element 206a can expand and another element 206i that is oppositely aligned can contract to bend rigid tube 204.
  • a first excitation signal can cause an element 206i to contract and a second excitation signal can cause the element 206i to expand.
  • the elements 206a-i are formulated to either contract or expand when subjected to an excitation signal.
  • the sleeve 202 can include one set of elements configured to expand and another set of elements configured to contract.
  • a geometry change steering unit 240 that also includes a deformable sleeve 242 between stiffeners 152 and 154.
  • the sleeve 242 includes a plurality of axially arranged rings or washers 244 disposed inside or outside of a rigid tube 246.
  • Each washer 244 includes a plurality of circumferentially arrayed deformable elements 248a-h.
  • the elements 248a-h are formed of smart material that deform ( e.g ., expand or contract) along the longitudinal axis A when subjected to an excitation signal, such as an electrical impulse, transmitted via suitable conductors or coils (not shown) from the control unit (not shown).
  • the elements 248a-h can be formed to deform from a steady-state shape or geometry (e.g ., width or length).
  • the selective excitation of the elements 248a-h in the same sector of each washer can produce a combined tension or compression along the rigid tube such that the tube bends in a controlled manner.
  • a tension can be produced in one sector and a compression in a different sector.
  • the smart materials are configured to provide a material change that is proportional to a selected parameter of the excitation signal (i . e ., the strength, intensity, magnitude, polarity, etc.).
  • a selected parameter of the excitation signal i . e ., the strength, intensity, magnitude, polarity, etc.
  • the elements 206a-i can be configured to expand or lengthen an amount proportional to the intensity of the excitation signal. For instance, in response to a low intensity excitation signal, the elements 206a-e expand to a first length to cause a tool center line deflection TL1 for the rigid tube 204.
  • the elements 206a-e expand to a second length to cause a tool center line deflection TL1a for the rigid tube 204.
  • the elements 206a-e expand to a third length to cause a tool center line deflection TL1b for the rigid tube 204.
  • the response of the smart material to the selected parameter of the excitation signal can be of a sliding scale fashion.
  • the response of the smart material can vary directly or inversely with a selected parameter of the excitation signal.
  • the above described composite steering units can be in a lower section of a rotary drill string BHA 108, in a component of a bearing housing in a modular or conventional drilling motor assembly (not shown), or other suitable location sufficiently proximate to the bit 112.
  • the steering unit 250 includes a dynamically adjustable articulated hinge or joint 252 that, when actuated, can adjust the orientation of the bit 112.
  • the articulated joint 252 can be positioned immediately adjacent to the bit 112 or disposed in the BHA 108.
  • the articulated joint 252 includes a washer or ring 254 having a plurality of elements 256a-n that can individually or collectively deform (expand or contract) along a longitudinal axis A of the BHA 108.
  • FIG. 5E-F An exemplary washer arrangement has been previously described in reference to Figs. 5E-F .
  • This controlled longitudinal deformation alters the physical orientation of a face 258 of the ring 254.
  • one or more of the elements 256a-n can expand to produce thrust that acts against a bearing surface of an adjacent structure (e.g ., a sub, thrust bearing, stabilizer, load flange, etc.). This action causes a discontinuity between a tool center line uphole A2 of the joint 252 and a tool center line downhole A3 of the joint 252.
  • the elements operate effectively as an adjustable joint that allows the steering unit to flex or bend (e.g ., assume a bend radius).
  • This angle ⁇ ' provides a corresponding tilt for the bit 112 such that a bit face 260 tilts a corresponding angle ⁇ from a reference plane C.
  • tilt refers merely to a displacement or shift of position from a previous position or a nominal / reference position.
  • the displacement can be longitudinal, radial, and in certain instances rotational, or combinations thereof.
  • a tilt can also be produced by expanding elements 256a and 256n in different amounts, contracting elements 256a and 256n in different amounts, or expanding/contracting element 256a while having element 256n remain static. That is, the slope of the face 258 may be controlled by variation of the energizing field strength for the smart material.
  • the degree of the tilt change for the bit face 260 may be not just turned on or off, it may be tuned and adjusted for aggressiveness and rate of hole angle direction change.
  • the simulated counter-rotation effectively cancels the actual rotation of the bit 112 (or other rotating member) such that the deflection always points (tilts) the bit 112 in a selected direction and thus actively control directional behavior of the well path.
  • the smart material washer or ring 254 may be placed between contact points C2 and C3 to cause a rocking tilt change out on the bit 112 at contact point C1.
  • a joint 261 includes a plurality of hydraulic chamber 262 filled with a smart fluid (e.g ., a fluid having variable-viscosity) and associated pistons 264.
  • the smart fluid provides increased or decreased resistance to compression when subjected to an excitation signal, such as an electrical impulse.
  • an excitation signal causes, for example, the fluid within the chamber to allow the piston 264 to slide into the chamber 262.
  • a conduit 266 can provide communication between the fluid in the chamber 262 and a separate reservoir (not shown) and/or convey the excitation signal from a controller (not shown) to the chamber fluid.
  • one or more excitation signal/field generators 268 can be positioned proximate the chamber 262.
  • the pistons 264 individually or collectively contract or relax when subjected to the forces inherent during drilling (e.g ., weight on bit 112 ). Because selective activation of the smart fluid causes the pistons 264 to compress in different axial amounts, the face 269 of the joint 261 tilts. This tilt thereby alters the physical orientation of the drill bit 112. It should be appreciated that a plurality of serially arranged piston-cylinders can be utilized to provide a composite geometry change.
  • a washer 270 utilizing smart materials can be incorporated directly into a body 272 of the drill bit 112 and placed in close proximity to the bit face 274.
  • a controller 276 communicates with the washer 270 via a short hop telemetry system 278 to control the excitation signals provided to the smart material used by washer 270 by a suitable generator (not shown).
  • the telemetry system can also include hard wiring, inductive coupling or other suitable transmission devices.
  • FIG. 8 there is shown an exemplary steering unit 280 that utilizes force vectors to produce a bit force BF at the bit 112 to result in side cutting and a change in well bore path and direction.
  • This bit force BF at the bit 112 can be caused by moving the centerline of rotation for contact point C2 off the centerline A4 of the well bore 102.
  • the eccentricity of the tool centerline of rotation towards a high side 282 of the well bore 102 causes a bending stress that results in a high side bit force BF for the drill bit 112 (contact point C1 ).
  • the bit 112 is 'forced' into the high side by the bending stress within the deflected steering head assembly 280 caused by the offset of the centerline A5 of tool rotation at contact point C2.
  • the bit 112 tends to preferentially cut where it is forced (the side of the hole) and a change in direction of the well path results.
  • the manipulation of vector forces can be applied to rotary or motor drilling BHAs.
  • a stabilizer 300 utilizing smart materials is configured to produce/adjust bit side force BF.
  • the stabilizer 300 is fixed to a rotating section of the BHA 108.
  • the stabilizer 300 includes a plurality of force pads 302 for applying a force F against a borehole wall 304.
  • steering is effected by force vector F, which creates a reaction force that urges the bit 112 in the direction generally opposite to the force vector F.
  • the stabilizer 300 can be used at contact point C2 to produce a force F1 that causes bit force BF.
  • the force pads 302 are actuated by a shape change material 306 that deform in response to an excitation signal produced by a signal/filed generation device or other suitable generator (not shown) as discussed earlier.
  • the expansion/contraction of the shape change material extends or urges the force pads 302 radially inward and/or outward.
  • a controller (not shown) communicates with the stabilizer 300 to control the operation of the force pads 302.
  • the stabilizer 300 can be positioned as close as possible to the bit 112 to maximize the leverage provided by the extended pads 302.
  • a stabilizer 310 is fixed to a rotating section of the BHA 108.
  • the stabilizer 310 includes a plurality of nozzles 312 that form hydraulic jets 314 of pressurized drilling fluid.
  • pressurized drilling fluid is pumped downhole via the drill string 110 during drilling.
  • the nozzles 312 use a smart material along the fluid exit path to selectively regulate the flow of exiting fluid.
  • the smart material 316 that is disposed in a valve can expand to reduce the cross-sectional flow path to restrict or stop the flow of drilling fluid.
  • the strength of the hydraulic jets 314 can be controlled via a signal/field generator (not shown) to produce reactive forces.
  • the hydraulic jets 314 produce reactive forces that shift the centerline of rotation away from the center of the well bore analogous to all actions discussed with reference to Fig. 9A . Controlling the hydraulic jet 314 velocity/flowrate can alter the symmetry of the lateral hydraulic force vectors and thus control the direction of the lateral deflection in a manner quite similar to mechanical pushing against the well bore wall 304.
  • the stabilizers 300 and 310 can be placed at either contact points C2 or C3. In other arrangements, the stabilizers 300 and 310 can be deployed at C2 and C3. In such arrangements, the stabilizers 300 and 310 can be operated to produce opposite but axially spaced apart reaction forces (e.g ., F1 and F2 ).
  • a deflection device 320 is fixed to a bit 112 to manipulate the radial positioning of the bit 112 relative to the wellbore 102.
  • the drill bit 112 has a bit body 322 adapted to receive the deflection device 320.
  • the deflection device 320 includes a plurality of force pads 324 for applying a force F3 against a borehole wall 103 and gage cutters 326 for cutting the borehole wall 103.
  • the force pads 324 and gage cutters 326 are actuated by a shape change material that expands/contracts in response to an excitation signal as discussed earlier.
  • the expansion/contraction of the shape change material moves or urges the force pads 324 and gage cutters 326 radially.
  • steering is effected by force vector F3, which creates a reaction force urges the bit 112 in the direction generally opposite to the force vector F3.
  • the action of the gage cutters 326 and force pads 324 are coordinated such that when a force pad 324 extends out, the corresponding cutter 326 on the opposite side also extends out to cut the borehole wall.
  • a controller 328 communicates with the deflection device 320 via a short hop telemetry system 330 to control the operation of the force pads 324 and gage cutters 326.
  • the deflection device 320 includes only force pads 324.
  • the deflection device 320 can dynamically adjust the center of rotation for the bit 112, the direction in which the bit 112 is 'pushed' and the aggressiveness of gage cutting structure in a synchronous action.
  • a hydraulic deflection device 340 shown in phantom, can be used in lieu of or in addition to the deflection device 320.
  • the hydraulic deflection device 340 uses smart material controlled nozzles 312 along the outer diameter of the bit 112 to produce controllable hydraulic jets 344 to facilitate the same actions denoted above with respect to Fig. 9B .
  • Data, command signals, and power can also be transmitted to the deflection device 320 via a hard wiring, inductive coupling or other suitable transmission devices and systems.
  • Fig. 10 illustrates a fixed cutter style bit
  • the above described method and arrangement can also be adapted to other styles of bits, including, but not limited to, roller cone bits, winged reamers and other varieties of hole openers (e.g ., bi-center bits).
  • differential cutting steering systems change well bore path and direction by controlling the forward (face) rate of penetration of the bit 112.
  • An aerially variable (i . e ., in one orientation relative to the bore hole axis) cutting rate under a face 400 of the bit 112 can cause the well bore 102 to curve away from the higher ROP segment orientation.
  • the depth of cut can be increased in a consistent face segment (or range of segments) and this portion of the bore hole will be slighter deeper.
  • the bore hole will bend away from the deep side of the bore hole. Exemplary preferential or differential cutting arrangements are described below.
  • a drill bit 112 provided with a plurality of nozzles 402 that utilize smart materials to modulate the flow through the nozzle 402.
  • the degree of bottom hole cleaning in one segment of the hole can be made more or less effective versus another segment.
  • nozzles 402 formed of smart materials or controlled by smart material restrictions restrict the flow of drilling fluid 404 when subjected to a suitable excitation signal.
  • a first set of nozzles 402 denoted by numeral 406 and a second set of nozzles 402 denoted by numeral 408 restrict flow upon entering a first selected sector 410 below the bit face 400 and allows full drilling fluid flow upon entering a second selected sector 412 below the bit face 400.
  • the nozzle sets 406 and 408 cycle the flow of fluid at a frequency that corresponds to the RPM of the bit 112.
  • This differential bottom hole cleaning results in a differential rate of penetration across the bottom of the hole. For instance, drilling cuttings 416 accumulate to a greater degree under segment 410, which reduces ROP and causes the desired change in well path direction.
  • the steering unit 420 includes a plurality of cutters 424a-n, which are disposed on a face 426 of a drill bit 112, that can be individually or collectively ( e.g ., selected groups) axially lengthened. For instance, cutters 424i+1 to 424n, when activated by an appropriate excitation signal, extend deeper into the wellbore bottom 422 than cutters 424a to 424i. Moreover, cutters 424i+1 to 424n can extend the same depth into the well bore bottom 422 or have a graduated depth or extension.
  • the cutter embedment can be preferentially controlled to increase / decrease rate of penetration (ROP) in one wellbore bottom sector or segment 428 versus another wellbore bottom sector or segment 430.
  • ROP rate of penetration
  • the bit face 426 effectively deforms so that the plane of the face of the bit 112 is extended or retracted from an average or reference face plane R1 .
  • This cutter extension / retraction creates a force imbalance (greater or less than average cutter force) between one or more cutters 424a-n and will cause the wellbore bottom 422 to become non-perpendicular to the axis A5 of the bit 112 through controlled differential ROP.
  • the axial extension/retraction of the cutters 424a-n is provided by the selective excitation of a smart material 432n incorporated into the cutter post, mount structure or other component to move the cutter relative to the bit face.
  • a signal/field generation device, conductor or other suitable excitation signal generator 434n disposed in the drill bit 112, can be used to produce the excitation signal or field.
  • Data, command signals, and power can be transmitted to the steering unit 420 via a short hop telemetry system, hard wiring, inductive coupling or other suitable transmission devices and systems.
  • a steering unit 448 actively controls segmental depth of cut using smart materials to alter the height of one or more depth of cut (DOC) limiting protrusions 450 provided on a bit face 451.
  • Some fixed cutter matrix bits PDC and some impregnate
  • PDC and some impregnate include DOC limiting protrusions set at a fixed depth from a reference or control cutter face.
  • the rate of penetration can be controlled by differentially moving the DOC protrusion 450 in or out of the bit face 451 in one orientation relative to the bit 112 centerline A5 .
  • the differential rate of cut can alter bit drilling direction.
  • the axial extension/retraction of the protrusions 450 is provided by the selective excitation of a smart material 452 incorporated into the protrusions 450.
  • a signal/field generation device, conductor or other suitable excitation signal generator 454 disposed in the drill bit 112, can be used to produce the excitation signal or field.
  • Data, command signals, and power can be transmitted to the steering unit 448 via a short hop telemetry system, hard wiring, inductive coupling or other suitable transmission devices and systems (not shown). While two protrusions 450 are shown, greater or fewer may be used.
  • Figs. 11A-C illustrate a fixed cutter style bit
  • the above described method and arrangement can also be adapted to other styles of bits, including, but not limited to, roller cone bits, winged reamers and other varieties of hole openers (e.g ., bi-center bits).
  • a steering unit is incorporated into the BHA 108 can influence the type of control the control unit exerts over the steering unit.
  • a drilling motor which can be substantially stationary relative to the wellbore 102, rotates the drill bit 112.
  • the steering unit e.g ., the steering units of Figs. 4 or 8
  • the steering unit would be substantially stationary relative to the well bore 102.
  • such a control unit transmits excitation signals that effectively bend a portion of the BHA 108 (e.g ., through local geometry change or composite geometry change) to create a tilt angle that points the bit 112 in a specified direction. Because the steering unit is not rotating relative to the wellbore 102, this bend can remain substantially fixed (other than to correct for changes in BHA and/or steering unit orientation) until the next desired change in bit 112 direction/orientation.
  • the steering unit can rotate.
  • the steering unit may be fixed directly or indirectly to the drill bit 112 and rotate at the rotational speed of the drill bit 112 ( e.g ., as shown in Fig. 10 ).
  • the steering unit may be positioned in a rotating drill string 110 and rotate at the rotational speed of the drill string 110 ( e.g ., as shown in Figs. 9A-B ). It should be apparent that a steering unit having a bend, causing a tilt, or causing differential cutting action, will "wobble" about the axis of rotation of the drill string or drill bit 112.
  • a control unit continually transmits excitation signals to the steering unit to compensate for the rate of rotation of the drill string or drill bit 112 (hereafter “reference rotation”). That is, the excitation signals are generated in a reverse synchronous fashion relative to the reference rotation speed.
  • FIG. 12 there is schematically illustrated an exemplary rotating steering unit 500 having a plurality of elements 502 that can be actively controlled to adjust/maintain/change drilling direction.
  • the steering unit 500 is merely representative of the steering units previously discussed.
  • the elements 502a-n each of which have a smart material 504a-n and an associated excitation field/signal generator 506a-n, are representative of the embodiments and arrangements previously discussed for effecting drilling direction; e.g ., elements for changing system geometry, applying reaction forces, controlling fluid flow for differential cutting, etc.
  • a control unit 508 for controlling the steering unit 500 determines that the wellbore direction should be changed in accordance with a controlling condition, surface input, reservoir property, etc. Execution of the direction change can, for example, require that a bend, point, or differential cutting, etc. occur with reference to an arbitrary point or region such as top-dead-center (TDC) 510 of the wellbore.
  • TDC top-dead-center
  • the control unit 508 activates element 502i when entering TDC 510 and deactivates upon leaving TDC 510.
  • the element 502i is activated at a frequency corresponding to the reference rotation RPM or frequency.
  • the control unit 508 can be programmed to adjust a number of variables in connection with the activation of the elements 502a-n. With respect to frequency of activation, the control unit 508 can activate the unit 502i at ratios of one activation per rotation/cycle, one activation per two rotations/cycles, one activation per three rotations/cycles, etc. Thus, the activation frequency can be less than one per rotation as long as the activation occurs while the unit 502i is within the selected region ( e.g ., TDC 510 ). Further, TDC 510 is merely one illustrative reference point.
  • the region for activation may be an azimuthal sector having a specified arc ( e.g ., ninety degrees, one-hundred degrees, etc.).
  • the zone or region wherein activation of the unit 502i can be adjusted.
  • Another variable is the number of elements activated; i . e ., groups of elements as well as individual elements such as elements 502a-b can be collectively energized.
  • the control unit 508 can select multiple zones or reference segments for activation. For example, an element 502n entering another reference point such as bottom-dead-center (BDC) 512 can be energized simultaneous (or otherwise) in conjunction with the activation of the elements entering TDC 510. For instance, an element entering TDC 510 can expand or lengthen while the element entering BDC 512 can retract or shorten.
  • BDC bottom-dead-center
  • Figs. 13A ,B and 14A,B there are shown mechanical steering devices that may or may not utilize smart materials, and which again do not fall within the scope of the claims. While the devices are shown as part of a drill string or BHA, these devices can also be incorporated into a drill bit body in a manner previously described.
  • FIGs. 13A ,B there is shown an adjustable joint 1000 having a first ring 1100 and a second ring 1200 that can rotate relative to one another about a reference tool center line X .
  • Each ring 1100 and 1200 includes an inclined face 1102 and 1202, respectively, that bear on one another.
  • members such as tubulars, disks, plates, etc. that have inclined surfaces can be used instead of rings.
  • the angles of inclination for the faces 1102 and 1202 are selected such that when rings 1100 and 1200 are at a selected baseline or nominal rotational position relative to one another, the angles of inclination of the faces 1102 and 1202 offset or cancel and the tool center line X is not deflected.
  • a reference position R1 for ring 1100 and a reference position R2 for ring 1200 which can be arbitrarily defined, are set to cause no deflection of the tool centerline X .
  • the rings 1100 and 1200 have at least two operational modes. First, the rings 1100 and 1200 rotate relative to one another to set the desired deflection angle, which then produces a corresponding tilt to the BHA/drill bit. Once the deflection angle is set, the relative rotation between the rings 1100 and 1200 is fixed until the deflection angle needs to be changed. Thus, the rings 1100 and 1200 are substantially locked together and the deflection angle does not change during a section of the drilling operation. If the joint 1000 is not being rotated (e.g ., oriented slide drill mode), then the locked rings 1100 and 1200 are rotated as a unit only to maintain the proper orientation. During slide drilling, tools can tend to drift out of proper orientation.
  • the joint 1000 is not being rotated (e.g ., oriented slide drill mode)
  • the locked rings 1100 and 1200 are rotated as a unit only to maintain the proper orientation. During slide drilling, tools can tend to drift out of proper orientation.
  • the joint 1000 can be rotated as needed to counter any rotational drift caused by torsional or other dynamic string wind-up between down hole and the torsional anchor point (which can be at the surface or at a downhole anchor).
  • the locked rings 1100 and 1200 are counter rotated as a unit at the speed of the string rotation so as to maintain the selected tilt angle heading.
  • a downhole motor e.g ., electric, hydraulic, etc.
  • the motor is coupled to the first ring 1100 via a shaft (not shown) and the second ring 1200 is fixed or attached to a drill string (not shown), BHA (not shown) or drill bit (not shown).
  • the motor is energized to make the appropriate alignment changes for R1 and R2 to cause the desired tool centerline deflection.
  • the rings 1100 and 1200 are formed at least partially of a smart material.
  • a control unit can provide an excitation signal to such rings in a manner that simulates an appropriate counter rotation.
  • the adjustable joint 1000 disposed in a section of a BHA 2000.
  • the joint 1000 includes a first ring 1100 and a second ring 1200.
  • a positional sensor package 2100 is located within and rotating with a rotating drilling tubular 2200 that provides drilling torque and WOB for a drilling operation.
  • the positional sensor package 2100 is configured to reference an external reference plane (e.g . gravity vector, magnetic field vectors, etc.) and actively correlate an internal reference plane to the external reference plane. This allows the sensor package 2100 to create a known orientation (it knows its global and local rotary orientation) to the reference vector during random rotation of the drilling tubular 2200.
  • an external reference plane e.g . gravity vector, magnetic field vectors, etc.
  • the sensor package 2100 provides input to a control / driver device 2300 that controls a secondary rotary drive device 2400 connected to the first ring 1100 and the second ring 1200 of the adjustable joint 1000.
  • the drive device 2400 counter rotates the joint 1000 to maintain a fixed or desired orientation to the external reference plane.
  • the control device 2300 provides an excitation signal that for energizing a smart material in the rings 1100 and 1200 to simulate an appropriate counter rotation.
  • nearly any member providing an inclined surfaces that produce a deflection of the BHA when aligned in a selected manner may be used in lieu of rings (e.g ., tubulars, disks, plates, etc.).
  • system geometry change devices may be utilized with formation testing tools, wellbore completion tools, etc., including branch wellbore, lateral re-entry guide tools, tools conveyed on drill pipe or coiled tubing, and casing exit oriented milling/cutting tools.

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Claims (12)

  1. System zum Bohren eines Bohrlochs in einer Erdformation, aufweisend:
    einen Bohrstrang (110), der in das Bohrloch befördert wird;
    eine Bohrlochsohlenanordnung (108), die an ein Ende des Bohrstrangs (110) gekoppelt ist, wobei die Bohrlochsohlenanordnung einen Bohrmeißel (112) aufweist; und
    eine Lenkeinheit (120; 200; 240; 250), die mit der Bohrlochsohlenanordnung (108) verbunden ist, zum Steuern der Bohrrichtung der Bohrlochsohlenanordnung, wobei die Lenkeinheit mehrere Ablenkungselemente (206; 226; 248; 256; 270) aufweist, die jeweils wenigstens teilweise aus einem intelligenten Material gebildet sind, das sich in Form, Größe, Abmessung und/oder Viskosität in Reaktion auf ein Erregungssignal zum Steuern einer Ablenkung einer axialen Werkzeuglinie (A) der Bohrlochsohlenanordnung ändert;
    dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass
    jedes der mehreren Ablenkungselemente (206; 226; 248; 256; 270) unabhängig erregbar ist; und
    die Lenkeinheit ferner eine Steuereinheit zum Bereitstellen des Erregungssignals oder der Erregungssignale für die mehreren Ablenkungselemente (206; 226; 248; 256; 270) aufweist.
  2. System nach Anspruch 1, wobei die mehreren Ablenkungselemente (206; 226; 248; 256; 270) in einem von (i) einer Hülse (202; 222; 242), (ii) einer Scheibe (270), (iii) einer Verbindung (252) und (iv) dem Bohrmeißel (112) angeordnet sind.
  3. System nach Anspruch 1 oder 2, wobei die Steuereinheit so ausgelegt ist, dass sie das Erregungssignal oder die Erregungssignale mit einer Frequenz bereitstellt, die wenigstens teilweise aus einer Drehgeschwindigkeit von einem von (i) dem Bohrmeißel (112) und (ii) dem Bohrstrang (110) bestimmt wird, wobei die Frequenz bewirkt, dass die Ablenkung in der axialen BHA-Werkzeuglinie (A) in Bezug auf das Bohrloch hinsichtlich der Drehung im Wesentlichen unbeweglich bleibt.
  4. System nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, wobei das intelligente Material aus einem von (i) einem elektrorheologischen Material, (ii) einem magnetorheologischen Material und (iii) einem piezoelektrischen Material ausgewählt ist.
  5. System nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, ferner aufweisend einen Rotationssensor zum Messen einer Bezugsdrehung, wobei der Rotationssensor so ausgelegt ist, dass er die Messungen an die Steuereinheit liefert, und die Steuereinheit so ausgelegt ist, dass sie das Erregungssignal oder die Erregungssignale mit einer Frequenz bereitstellt, die wenigstens teilweise unter Verwendung der Drehgeschwindigkeitsmessungen bestimmt wird.
  6. System nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, wobei die Ablenkung eine von (i) einer örtlichen Geometrieänderung der axialen BHA-Werkzeuglinie (A), (ii) einer zusammengesetzten Geometrieänderung der axialen BHA-Werkzeuglinie (A) und (iii) einer Neigung an einer Vorderseite des Bohrmeißels (112) ist.
  7. Verfahren zum Bohren eines Bohrlochs in einer Erdformation, aufweisend:
    Befördern eines Bohrstrangs (110) in das Bohrloch, wobei der Bohrstrang eine Bohrlochsohlenanordnung (108) aufweist, die an ein Ende davon gekoppelt ist, und die Bohrlochsohlenanordnung einen Bohrmeißel (112) aufweist; und
    Lenken der Bohrlochsohlenanordnung (108) mit einer Lenkeinheit mit mehreren Ablenkungselementen (206; 226; 248; 256; 270), die jeweils wenigstens teilweise aus einem intelligenten Material gebildet sind, das sich in Form, Größe, Abmessung und/oder Viskosität in Reaktion auf ein Erregungssignal zum Steuern einer Ablenkung einer axialen Werkzeuglinie (A) der Bohrlochsohlenanordnung ändert;
    dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass
    jedes der mehreren Ablenkungselemente (206; 226; 248; 256; 270) unabhängig erregbar ist; und
    die Lenkeinheit ferner eine Steuereinheit zum Bereitstellen des Erregungssignals oder der Erregungssignale für die mehreren Ablenkungselemente (206; 226; 248; 256; 270) aufweist.
  8. Verfahren nach Anspruch 7, ferner umfassend ein Anordnen der mehreren Ablenkungselemente (206; 226; 248; 256; 270) in einem von (i) einer Hülse (202; 222; 242), (ii) einer Scheibe (270), (iii) einer Verbindung (252) und (iv) dem Bohrmeißel (112).
  9. Verfahren nach Anspruch 8 oder 9, wobei die Steuereinheit das Erregungssignal oder die Erregungssignale mit einer Frequenz bereitstellt, die wenigstens teilweise aus einer Drehgeschwindigkeit von einem von (i) dem Bohrmeißel (112) und (ii) dem Bohrstrang (110) bestimmt wird, wobei die Frequenz bewirkt, dass die Ablenkung in der axialen BHA-Werkzeuglinie (A) in Bezug auf das Bohrloch hinsichtlich der Drehung im Wesentlichen unbeweglich bleibt.
  10. Verfahren nach einem der Ansprüche 7 bis 9, wobei das intelligente Material aus einem von (i) einem elektrorheologischen Material, (ii) einem magnetorheologischen Material und (iii) einem piezoelektrischen Material ausgewählt ist.
  11. Verfahren nach einem der Ansprüche 7 bis 10, ferner aufweisend ein Messen einer Bezugsdrehung unter Verwendung eines Rotationssensors, und wobei die Steuereinheit das Erregungssignal oder die Erregungssignale mit einer Frequenz bereitstellt, die wenigstens teilweise unter Verwendung der Drehgeschwindigkeitsmessungen bestimmt wird.
  12. Verfahren nach einem der Ansprüche 7 bis 10, wobei die Ablenkung eine von (i) einer örtlichen Geometrieänderung der axialen BHA-Werkzeuglinie (A), (ii) einer zusammengesetzten Geometrieänderung der axialen BHA-Werkzeuglinie (A) und (iii) einer Neigung an der Vorderseite des Bohrmeißels (112) ist.
EP08001569A 2003-09-15 2004-09-13 Steuerbare Bohrmeisselanordnung und entsprechende Verfahren Expired - Lifetime EP1933003B1 (de)

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US8570045B2 (en) * 2009-09-10 2013-10-29 Schlumberger Technology Corporation Drilling system for making LWD measurements ahead of the bit
CN103221626B (zh) 2010-09-09 2015-07-15 国民油井华高有限公司 具有地层接口构件和控制系统的井下旋转式钻井设备
US8869916B2 (en) 2010-09-09 2014-10-28 National Oilwell Varco, L.P. Rotary steerable push-the-bit drilling apparatus with self-cleaning fluid filter
GB201216286D0 (en) 2012-09-12 2012-10-24 Iti Scotland Ltd Steering system
EP3228809B1 (de) * 2016-04-06 2018-12-05 Hawle Water Technology Norge AS Lenkverbindung für ein lenkbares bohrsystem
CN115095281B (zh) * 2022-06-02 2023-11-14 江阴市长虹冶金铸造有限公司 一种基于旋挖机的钻孔结构及其使用方法

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