Measurement-while-drilling assembly using real-time toolface oriented measurements
AssigneeBaker Hughes Incorporated
InventorsRobert A. Estes, Roland E. Chemali
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Abstract
This invention provides a measurement-while-drilling (MWD) downhole assembly for use in drilling boreholes which utilizes directional formation evaluation devices on a rotating assembly in conjunction with toolface orientation sensors. The data from the toolface orientation sensors are analyzed by a processor and toolface angle measurements are determined at defined intervals. Formation evaluation sensors operate substantially independently of the toolface orientation sensors and measurements of the formation evaluation sensors are analyzed in combination with the determined toolface angle to obtain formation parameters.
Claims41
An apparatus for use on a bottom hole assembly (BHA) for conveying in a borehole in an earth formation, the apparatus comprising:
- (a) an orientation sensor making measurements indicative of a toolface angle of said BHA during rotation of the BHA;
- (b) at least one directionally sensitive formation evaluation sensor for making measurements of a property of said earth formation during said continued rotation;
- and
- (c) a processor which estimates from said directionally sensitive measurements and said orientation sensor measurements a local spatial characteristic of said earth formation wherein said BHA has a non-uniform rate of rotation.
A method of estimating a local spatial characteristic of an earth formation, the method comprising:
- (a) conveying a bottom hole assembly (BHA) into a borehole in an earth formation;
- (b) using an orientation sensor on said BHA for making measurements indicative of a toolface angle of said BHA during continued rotation of the BHA;
- (c) using a first directionally sensitive formation valuation sensor on said BHA for making measurements indicative of of said local spatial characteristic of said earth formation during said continued rotation;
- and
- (d) estimating the local spatial characteristic of the earth formation using said measurements of said directionally sensitive formation evaluation sensor and said orientation sensor measurements, said estimation correcting for a non-uniform rate of rotation of said BHA.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.