Method for guiding a downhole tool underground
US11512534B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 6, 2017 |
| Grant date | Nov 29, 2022 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 10, 2039 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG01S2205/01
- WIPO fieldCivil engineering
- WIPO sectorOther fields
Abstract
A system for tracking and guiding a downhole tool underground along a desired borepath. GPS measurements are taken by a GPS unit at desired waypoints on the ground surface that overlays the desired borepath. A planned route for the downhole tool to follow underground is generated from the GPS measurements of the waypoints. A tracker is used to track the location of the downhole tool underground while drilling a borepath. GPS measurements of a series of above-ground locations that overlay the borepath created by the moving downhole tool are taken and sent to the processor. The processor checks for deviation between the GPS measurements of the above-ground locations and the planned route and provides directions to correct the borepath of the downhole tool in response to the deviation.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.