Survey apparatus and methods for directional wellbore surveying
US6631563B2 · kind B2 · utility
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | May 7, 2002 |
| Grant date | Oct 14, 2003 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 7, 2022 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC E)Fixed Constructions
- CPC primaryE21B47/022
- WIPO fieldCivil engineering
- WIPO sectorOther fields
Abstract
Wellbore survey methods and apparatus for wireline and measurement-while-drilling operations are disclosed which include a gyroscope, wherein the gyroscope has a spin axis, aligned with the instrument axis, and further having two sensitive axis orthogonally related to the spin axis and to each other. In addition, the wellbore survey apparatus contains a drive means, functionally connected with the gyroscope, to rotate the gyro about the instrument axis. The wellbore survey apparatus also contains a set of accelerometers, wherein the sensitive axis are aligned orthogonally to each other, and said drive means is functionally connected to the accelerometers to rotate the accelerometers about the instrument axis. Sensors determine the azimuthal direction of inclination of the wellbore at a first location therein and while traversing from said first location. Attitude references of the wellbore with regard to said first location are determined while the tool is continuously traversing through the wellbore on a wireline. Station measurements are automatically initiated by vibration measurements when configured as a measurement-while drilling system.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.