Apparatus and methods of evaluating rock properties while drilling using acoustic sensors installed in the drilling fluid circulation system of a drilling rig
US10551516B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 7, 2018 |
| Grant date | Feb 4, 2020 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 7, 2038 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG01V2210/1425
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
Apparatus and methods of identifying rock properties in real-time during drilling, are provided. An apparatus includes an acoustic sensor installed in a drilling fluid circulation system of a drilling rig, the acoustic sensor coupled to one of the following: (i) a bell nipple, (ii) a gooseneck, or (iii) a standpipe. Raw acoustic sensor data generated real-time as a result of rotational contact of the drill bit with rock during drilling is received, and a plurality of acoustic characteristics are derived from the raw acoustic sensor data. The lithology type of rock undergoing drilling may be determined from the acoustic characteristics. Petrophysical properties of the rock undergoing drilling may be determined using a petrophysical properties evaluation algorithm employable to predict the petrophysical properties of rock undergoing drilling from the raw acoustic sensor data.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.