Magnetic Variation Services

  • Part of Helmrich and Payne Technologies (Tulsa, OK)
    • MagVAR – MWD Survey Specialists. Based In Denver
    • Motive Drilling – Directional Advisory system. Based in Dallas
    • Terravici - Rotary Steerable. Based in Houston
  • MagVAR Products and Services:
    • Accurate Magnetic Models – both Global and Local (IFR1)
    • Real-time QC and corrections of magnetic MWD
    • Local magnetic observatories
    • Aeromagnetic and drone services

How to Determine the needed amount of Non-magnetic Spacing in a BHA

  • Magnetometers must be spaced far (!!?) from ferromagnetic (steel) components of the BHA to reduce magnetic interference
  • This DrillString magnetic Interference (DSI) will be in the long (Z) axis
  • Spacing from magnetic sources must be sufficient to keep the azimuth error consistent with error model in use
  • DSI depends only on the distance and the strength of magnetization
  • Total magnetization is the vector sum of residual (semi-permanent) and induced (temporary) magnetization.
  • Non-Mag will always be needed for magnetic MWD
    • Gyro alternatives are not yet practical

Interference is from Residual + Induced Magnetism

  • Magnetic Model using ViziMag
  • 3.18 External field is 50 uT
  • Size is 10x10 m (Not to Scale - Illustration only)

Why is shorter non-mag spacing desirable?

  • Reduces Bit-Sensor Spacing
    • Makes steering easier – less projection needed
    • Directional Driller ‘sees’ trajectory changes earlier
    • Earlier detection of external magnetic interference
      • Better anticollision warning indicator
    • Allows optimizing sensor location to reduce Sag error
  • Saves non-mag costs including Lost in Hole (LIH)
  • Drawback: increased DrillString Interference (DSI)
    • DSI is virtually all in the Z-Axis direction

Magnetic Field drops off as inverse square of distance

  • Magnetic Interference is typically modeled as a number of monopoles
  • Principle of Superposition allows any magnetic field to be modeled as the sum of monopole fields.

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View the entire Presentation:

Non-Magnetic Spacing with Axial Corrections

Neil Bergstrom, P.E.

 

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