Control method for downhole steering tool
US7584788B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | May 22, 2007 |
| Grant date | Sep 8, 2009 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 3, 2027 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC E)Fixed Constructions
- CPC primaryE21B7/04
- WIPO fieldCivil engineering
- WIPO sectorOther fields
Abstract
A method for determining a rate of change of longitudinal direction of a subterranean borehole includes positioning a downhole tool in a borehole, the tool including first and second longitudinally spaced surveying devices disposed thereon. The method further includes causing the surveying devices to measure longitudinal directions of the borehole at first and second longitudinal positions and processing the longitudinal directions of the borehole to determine the rate of change of longitudinal direction of the borehole between the first and second positions. The method may further include processing the measured rate of change of longitudinal direction of the borehole and a predetermined rate of change of longitudinal direction to control the direction of drilling of the subterranean borehole. Exemplary embodiments of this invention tend to minimize the need for communication between a drilling operator and the bottom hole assembly, thereby advantageously preserving downhole communication bandwidth.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.