DOWNHOLE ROCK MECHANICS CHARACTERISATION TOOL, ASSEMBLY AND METHOD

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to the drilling of oil wells and more particularly to a testing tool, a testing assembly and method for use in measuring selected rock mechanics characteristics downhole.

Claims

1. A downhole tool for performing downhole rock characterisation tests on a test site of a formation, the downhole tool comprising at least one surface preparation cutter and at least one testing cutter, wherein the at least one surface preparation cutter is configured for removing debris from between the test site and the downhole tool, in preparation for engagement of the at least one testing cutter with the test site.

2. The downhole tool of claim 1, wherein the at least one surface preparation cutter is further configured to remove a layer of the test site.

3. The downhole tool of claim 2, wherein the at least one surface preparation cutter is pre-set to remove a layer substantially 20 mm deep.

4. The downhole tool of claim 1, wherein the at least one testing cutter is substantially blunt for performing an internal friction angle test.

5. The downhole tool of claim 1, wherein the at least one testing cutter is substantially sharp for performing a uniaxial (unconfined) compressive strength test.

6. The downhole tool of claim 1, wherein the at least one testing cutter comprises a sharp cutter for performing a uniaxial (unconfined) compressive strength test, and a blunt cutter for performing an internal friction angle test.

7. The downhole tool of claim 1, wherein the at least one surface preparation cutter is configured to be moved through a first circular path for performing surface preparation.

8. The downhole tool of claim 1, wherein the at least one testing cutter is configured to be moved through a second circular path for performing one or more of an internal friction angle test or a uniaxial (unconfined) compressive strength test.

9. The downhole tool of claim 8, wherein the second circular bath is within a circumference of the first circular path.

10. The downhole tool of claim 6, wherein the sharp cutter and the blunt cutter are integrated into one testing cutter.

11. The downhole tool of claim 1, wherein the at least one surface preparation cutter comprises a plurality of surface preparation cutters, and the at least one testing cutter comprises a plurality of testing cutters.

12. The downhole tool of claim 1, wherein the at least one surface preparation cutter and at least one testing cutter are mounted for relative movement such that they are alternately positionable in active cutting and passive retracted states.

13. The downhole tool of claim 1, wherein the at least one surface preparation cutter can be electively moved from a first position of the downhole tool for removing debris to a second position of the downhole tool for allowing the at least one testing cutter to perform a test.

14. The downhole tool of claim 13, wherein the at least one testing cutter can be selectively moved from the first position of the downhole tool where the at least one surface preparation cutter can remove debris, to the second position of the downhole tool where the at least one testing cutter to perform a test.

15. The downhole tool of claim 14, wherein the at least one surface preparation cutter and the at least one testing cutter are linked by a mechanical linkage such that movement of the surface preparation cutter from the first position of the downhole tool to the second position of the downhole tool causes movement of the testing cutter from the first position of the downhole tool to the second position of the downhole tool.

16. The downhole tool of claim 12, wherein the at least one surface preparation cutter and the at least one testing cutter are configured to move relative to each other by one or more of a hydraulic piston arrangement or an electrical arrangement.

17. The downhole tool of claim 1, further comprising a core drill bit configured to translate the at least one surface preparation cutter and the at least one testing cutter to the test site.

18. The downhole tool of claim 17, wherein the core drill bit is translated in a direction substantially perpendicular to the axial direction of the well at test site.

19. A downhole tool assembly comprising a tool of claim 1, the downhole tool assembly comprising a load bearing structure, within which components of the downhole tool can be isolated from a well environment, and one or more characteristics of the well environment within the load bearing structure being adjustable to match those of the well environment.

20. The downhole tool assembly of claim 19, wherein the one or more characteristics include one or more of pressure and temperature.

21. The downhole tool assembly of claim 19, further comprising a core drill bit that is configured to move from within the load bearing structure to outside the load bearing structure.

22. The downhole tool assembly of claim 19, further comprising a compensator configured to pump fluid in to or out of the load earing structure such that an internal pressure of the load bearing structure is balanced with a local external pressure of the load bearing structure.

23. The downhole assembly of claim 19, further comprising deployable immobilising means for bracing the downhole tool assembly against a well interior.

24. The downhole assembly of claim 23, wherein the deployable immobilising means comprises one or more shoe components for bearing against a well wall for creating a fixing reaction during testing operations.

25. The downhole tool assembly of claim 19, further comprising a connection means for connecting to drill pipe or tools of a bottom hole assembly.

26. The downhole tool assembly of claim 19, further comprising a power module to deliver power to a motor for translating a drill core bit to the test site.

27. The downhole tool assembly of claim 26, wherein the power module is a battery.

28. The downhole tool assembly of claim 19, further comprising at least one force sensor configured to determine a first force at the at least one surface preparation cutter.

29. The downhole tool assembly of claim 19, further comprising at least one force sensor and at least one torque sensor configured to determine a second force and a torque measurement at the at least one testing cutter.

30. The downhole tool assembly of claim 19, further comprising a processing means for calculating an internal friction angle or a confined compressive strength from the second force and the torque measurement.

31. A method of performing a rock characterisation test on a test site within a wellbore, the method comprising the steps of: arranging a downhole tool in accordance with claim 1 or a downhole tool assembly downhole in a well, the downhole tool assembly comprises the downhole tool of claim 1 and a load bearing structure, within which components of the downhole tool can be isolated from a well environment, and one or more characteristics of the well environment within the load bearing structure being adjustable to match those of the well environment; translating the at least one surface preparation cutter to a test site, to remove debris located along the translational path; translating the at least one testing cutter to the test site; and engaging the testing cutter with the test site.

32. A method as claimed in claim 31, wherein, once positioned downhole at the test site, the downhole tool assembly is pressure balanced such that measurement components are encapsulated within an enclosure that is pressured to match a local environmental pressure.

33. The method of claim 31, further comprising the steps of: engaging a blunt cutter with the test site; measuring a force along a rotational axis of the blunt cutter; and measuring a cutting torque at the blunt cutter.

34. The method of claim 31, further comprising the steps of: engaging a sharp cutter with the test site; measuring a force along a rotational axis of the sharp cutter; and measuring a cutting torque at the sharp cutter.

35. The method of claim 31 further comprising calculating an internal friction angle from a force along a rotational axis of a blunt cutter and a measured cutting torque at the blunt cutter.

36. The method of claim 31, further comprising calculating a uniaxial (unconfined) compressive strength from a force measured along a rotational axis of a sharp cutter and a measured cutting torque at the sharp cutter.

37. A cutter for use in the downhole tool of claim 1 or a downhole tool assembly that comprises the downhole tool of claim 1 and a load bearing structure, within which components of the downhole tool can be isolated from a well environment, and one or more characteristics of the well environment within the load bearing structure being adjustable to match those of the well environment, wherein the cutter has a profiled cutting edge that is bevelled so that it can perform both blunt and sharp cutter functions.

38. A cutter of claim 36, wherein the bevel has a radius of between 0.1 and 0.5 mm.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0051] Embodiments of the present invention will now be described by way of example and with reference to the accompanying drawings, of which:

[0052] FIG. 1a shows a schematic view of a prior art arrangement of a well that has been drilled in a formation;

[0053] FIG. 1b shows a schematic view of prior art drill string comprising a known core sampling tool in a well that has been drilled in a formation;

[0054] FIG. 2 shows a schematic view of rock characterisation tool (RCT) in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the RCT being assembled within a bottom hole assembly and positioned within a well;

[0055] FIG. 3a shows a front end view of core drill bit of the RCT in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

[0056] FIG. 3b shows a side view of the core drill bit of FIG. 3a and the RCT positioned within a well and operated to remove debris from a test site;

[0057] FIG. 4 shows a core drill bit in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

[0058] FIG. 5a shows a core drill bit in accordance with a further embodiment of the invention;

[0059] FIG. 5b shows an alternative embodiment wherein the core drill bit is advanced by means of an inclined cam;

[0060] FIG. 5c shows an alternative embodiment wherein the core drill bit is advanced by means of a second electric motor connected via a worm gear;

[0061] FIG. 5d shows an alternative embodiment wherein the core drill bit is advanced by means of a bit holder connected to the core drill bit by means of a helical cam;

[0062] FIG. 5e shows an alternative embodiment wherein the core drill bit is advanced by means of a worm gear connected to a second electric motor;

[0063] FIG. 5f shows an alternative embodiment wherein the core drill bit is advanced by a hydraulic arrangement;

[0064] FIG. 5g shows an alternative embodiment wherein individual cutters are advanced by a piston driven by a worm gear;

[0065] FIG. 5h shows an alternative embodiment wherein each cutter has a dedicated hydraulic actuator;

[0066] FIG. 6 shows a schematic view of a RCT assembly in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

[0067] FIGS. 7a and 7b show two views of the main components of the RCT of FIG. 6;

[0068] FIG. 8 shows a cross-sectional view of the RCT shown in FIGS. 7a and 7b;

[0069] FIG. 9a shows an RCT according to the present invention being run into a well to perform tests on a test site of the formation, in accordance with an aspect of the invention;

[0070] FIG. 9b shows the RCT of FIG. 9a positioned at the test site to perform tests on the formation;

[0071] FIG. 10a shows a side view of an example of sharp cutter;

[0072] FIG. 10b shows a front view of the example sharp cutter of FIG. 10a;

[0073] FIG. 10c shows a top view of the example sharp cutter of FIG. 10a;

[0074] FIG. 10d shows an isometric view of the example sharp cutter of FIG. 10a;

[0075] FIG. 11a shows a side view of an example blunt cutter;

[0076] FIG. 11b shows a front view of the example blunt cutter of FIG. 11a;

[0077] FIG. 11c shows a top view of the example blunt cutter of FIG. 11a;

[0078] FIG. 11d shows an isometric view of the example blunt cutter of FIG. 11a;

[0079] FIG. 12a shows a side view of an example bevelled cutter;

[0080] FIG. 12b shows a front view of the example bevelled cutter of FIG. 12a; and

[0081] FIG. 12c shows a top view of the example bevelled cutter of FIG. 12a.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0082] As discussed above, FIGS. 1a and 1b relate to known arrangements for taking a core sample from a formation for analysis at the surface.

[0083] In contrast, the present invention relates to a method of analysing rock characteristics downhole and also a rock characterisation tool (RCT) and assembly which can be used to perform that method.

[0084] In this regard, as shown in the schematic arrangement of FIG. 2, a rock characterisation tool (RCT) 200 is configured to be run in to the well as part of the bottom hole assembly (BHA) 201. In the described embodiment, the RCT 200 is configured to be positioned around 35-45 metres from drill bit 202. Greater or shorter distances from the drill bit may be used depending on the configuration of the drill string, the formations to be drilled and the data to be acquired. In this regard, there may be several hundred to several thousand metres of drill string behind the BHA 201. The BHA 201 typically comprises, in addition to the drill bit 202, measurement while drilling (MWD) tools 204, logging while drilling (LWD) tools 205 and/or other equipment located behind the drill bit 202.

[0085] In the described embodiment, the RCT 200 is a standalone module, however it will be understood that the RCT 200 may be integrated within another component of the BHA 201, such as an MWD tool 204 or LWD tool 205, for example.

[0086] Where the RCT 200 is a standalone module, it is configured such that it can connect to the other components of the drill string 203. This is typically achieved by a standard threaded connection, although any other connection means known in the art may be used.

[0087] Similarly, the RCT 200 is configured such that it can be communicated with when positioned in use in the drill string and in the well. To allow for communication from the surface, the RCT 200 of the present embodiment can use mud pulse telemetry. It will be appreciated that the RCT 200 may use any known communication technique to communicate with the surface, including for example, wired drill pipe.

[0088] The RCT 200 comprises a core drill bit 300, shown in FIG. 3a, which, in contrast with prior art arrangements, does not remove a core sample from the formation. Instead, the core drill bit 300 comprises one or more surface preparation cutters 301 and one or more testing cutters 302. The surface preparation cutters 301 are used to remove layers of debris 303, as shown in FIG. 3b, which have built up on the internal walls of the well. Such debris may comprise, but is not limited to, particulates from the drilling mud which are deposited as a coating on the inside of the wellbore, commonly known as mud cake. The surface preparation cutters 301 are configured to cut through the debris 303 and reveal the surface of the actual formation 304, i.e. the wellbore, upon which the testing cutters 302 can perform tests. In this respect, FIG. 3b shows how the surface preparation cutters 301 have cleared through the debris so that the testing cutters 302 are at the face of the formation.

[0089] The surface preparation cutters may additionally cut into the formation 304, for example around 20 mm when using a 31.1 cm drill bit, to remove a portion of the formation which may have been damaged or adversely affected in some way by the drilling operation. This allows the testing cutters 302 to perform the tests on an undamaged and more truly representative formation, to provide more accurate and reliable results. In this regard the surface preparation cutters 301 clear away the debris from the test site where the testing cutters 302 will then perform the tests. The surface preparation cutters 301 may clear away a larger area, for example a large circular area, with the testing cutters 302 being configured to engage the formation 304 at a more focused area, for example a smaller circular area within the larger cleared area, which has been cleared by the surface preparation cutters 301.

[0090] In the described embodiment of FIG. 3a, the surface preparation cutters 301 and the testing cutters 302 are mounted on the same core drill bit 300, and each can be selected for use when required. The RCT 200 may be configured to allow selection of the desired cutters, i.e. either surface preparation cutters 301 or testing cutters 302, by either a passive configuration or an active configuration.

[0091] In this connection, a passively configured RCT 200 allows selection and switching between the cutters 301, 302 without a dedicated actuator, typically by use of the gearing arrangement, already present in the RCT 200 to provide rotation. The drive mechanism of the RCT 200 may have only a single motor, and the gearing arrangement may include reduction gear and/or reverse gear configurations, to allow the surface preparation cutters 301 and testing cutters 302 to be rotated clockwise at various speeds/torques and anti-clockwise at various speeds/torques. As will be understood with reference to FIG. 3a, in this configuration the surface preparation cutters 301 are arranged such that they are effective in performing their surface preparation cuts when rotated in direction A, and not effective in performing their surface preparation cuts when rotated in direction B. On the other hand, the testing cutters 302 are effective in performing their testing cuts or scratches when rotated in direction B, and not effective in performing their testing cuts or scratches when rotated in direction A.

[0092] In the presently described embodiment, the core drill bit 300 can hence effectively cut through the debris 303 by direction A rotation to engage surface preparation cutters 301 with the debris 303 to be removed. Once the core drill bit 300 advances to the position shown in FIG. 3b, the direction of rotation of the core drill bit 300 can be changed to direction B, thus rotating the testing cutters 302 in the direction required for them to be performing their desired function. Each set of cutters may project slightly when rotation is effected in the direction required for those cutters to engage the formation or debris. Torsion springs (not shown) may aid in ensuring that one pair of cutters projects when required, and not the other.

[0093] In such a further embodiment making use of a torsion spring arrangement, the surface preparation cutters 301 can be arranged to project beyond the testing cutters 302 in a first configuration, and the testing cutters 302 may project beyond the surface preparation cutters 301 in a second configuration.

[0094] The blades of the testing cutters 302 may be configured such that a substantially blunt cutter edge is offered to the formation upon rotation of the drill core bit 300 in the first direction, and a substantially sharp cutter edge is offered to the formation upon rotation of the drill core bit 300 in the second direction opposite to the first direction.

[0095] In this connection, the blunt cutter edge is required to allow measurement of the internal friction angle (F), and the sharp cutter edge is required to allow measurement of the unconfined compressive strength (UCS).

[0096] FIG. 4 shows a cross-sectional view of part of an RCT assembly comprising an active mechanism for moving surface preparation cutters 401 and testing cutters 402 to the forefront of core drill bit 400, ready for surface preparation or testing, respectively. The core drill bit 400 is generally rotatable through the gearing 403, 404, 405.

[0097] In this respect, the active mechanism comprises a first screw 406a and a second screw 406b. The first and second screws 406a, 406b each have respective helical threaded portions 407a, 407b which are arranged to be inter-engaging such that clockwise rotation and linear translation in direction C of the first screw 406a causes anticlockwise rotation and linear translation in direction D of the second screw 406b. The core drill bit 400 is generally rotatable via the gearing 403, 404, 405 by motor 408. The first screw 406a is rotated by a motor 409, which does not need to drive the second screw 406b because of the previously described arrangement of inter-engaging helical threaded portions 407a, 407b. The first screw 406a is attached to the surface preparation cutter 401, and the second screw 406b is attached to the testing cutter 402. The pitch of the threads, length of the shafts etc. required can be adjusted to meet requirements. The described arrangement is used to move each cutter 401, 402 into position when required, and retract the cutters 401, 402 when they are not required. The embodiment described shows only one surface preparation cutter 401 and one testing cutter 402, however it will be understood that any number of surface preparation cutters 401 and testing cutters 402 may be used.

[0098] The mechanically driven extension and retraction of the first 406a and second 406b screws could equally be replaced by electrically or hydraulically driven arrangements.

[0099] FIG. 5a shows an alternative embodiment of a drill core bit 500 which can be used in an RCT assembly, such as, for example, the RCT assembly of FIG. 4. In this embodiment, the drill core bit 500 uses an active mechanism to move the surface preparation cutter 501 and testing cutter 502 into and out of position. The drill core bit 500 has a central shaft 503 which is connected to a first insert 504 at a first end, and a hydraulically driven piston 505 at the opposite end. The insert 504 houses the surface preparation cutter 501, and is configured to be able to move, relative to the rest of the core drill bit 500, in direction E to bring the surface preparation cutter 501 to the front for use. The testing cutter 502 is mounted in an arm 507 of the drill core bit 500. When the surface preparation cutter 501 has been used and it is desired to bring the testing cutter 502 to the front, the insert 504 may be retracted by the hydraulic piston moving back and spring 506 biasing the insert 504 back into the retracted position. As an alternative to the hydraulic piston arrangement, the movement of the insert 504 may be controlled and driven by other suitable mechanisms, for example an electrical means.

[0100] The embodiment described in FIG. 5a shows only one surface preparation cutter 501 and one testing cutter 502, however it will be understood that a modification of the embodiment is possible to provide a plurality of each of the surface preparation cutters 501 and the testing cutters 502. One such modification would be to provide multiple surface preparation cutters 501 on the insert, and similarly multiple testing cutters 502 on the body of the core drill bit 500. An alternative modification would be to provide multiple inserts, each carrying one or more surface preparation cutters 501. It will be understood that the surface preparation cutter 501 and testing cutter being mounted on the insert 504 and the core drill bit 500 respectively, may be reversed, i.e. with the testing cutter 502 being mounted on the insert 504 and the surface preparation cutter being mounted on the arm 507 of the core drill bit 500.

[0101] The testing cutters 502 may moreover be arranged with a blade configuration similar to that previously described with reference to FIG. 3. i.e. with a blunt cutter edge offered to the formation when the drill core bit 500 is rotated in a first direction, and with a sharp cutter edge offered to the formation when the drill core bit 500 is rotated in a second direction opposite to the first direction.

[0102] Alternatively, the configuration may comprise three separate and distinct cutters, or three sets of cutters. The first set of cutters being surface preparation cutters, the second set being blunt edge cutters for measurement of the internal friction angle (F), and the third set being sharp edge cutters for measurement of the uniaxial compressive strength (UCS). The surface preparation cutters may be mounted on an arm of the drill core bit, as previously described. The blunt edge and sharp edge cutters may be mounted on separate first and second inserts, which can be moved independently to each other using a similar arrangement to the embodiment described with reference to FIG. 5a.

[0103] Regardless of the cutter deployment method, either through reversing the rotation of the core drill bit and/or through bringing a different cutter to the forefront, the use of the surface preparation cutters along with blunt and sharp cutters on the same drill core bit, allows the same general area of the formation to be tested to determine UCS and F.

[0104] FIGS. 5b-5h show alternative embodiments for moving the drill core bit and cutters out from within the tool so that they can perform their function on the wellbore. In these embodiments, the core drill bit and surface preparation and testing cutters are, for ease of reference, labelled respectively as 500, 501 and 502, but it will be understood that the embodiments of FIGS. 5b-5h are not limited to specific features of the embodiment of FIG. 5a.

[0105] FIG. 5b shows an electro-mechanical subsystem wherein the cutters 501, 502 are rotated using a first electric motor 508. Movement of the core drill bit 500 is achieved by a second electric motor 509 moving an inclined cam 510. The second electric motor 509 may be connected to the inclined cam 510 by a worm gear 511, or any other suitable connection to transfer the rotational output of the second electric motor 509 to translational movement of the inclined cam 510 in direction F, which causes translational movement of the core drill bit 500 in direction E.

[0106] FIG. 5c shows another alternative embodiment wherein the core drill bit 500 is moved by means of a second electric motor 509a combined with a worm gear 511a connected to the core drill bit 500. As shown in FIG. 5c, the second electric motor 509a is arranged to also move the first electric motor 508a which drives the cutters 501, 502, such that the core drill bit 500 and first electric motor 508a are both moved into position together by the second electric motor 509a and the worm gear 511a. It will be appreciated that a worm gear 511a is selected to convert the rotational motion from the second electric motor 509a to the translational motion of the core drill bit 500 and first electric motor 508a, however any suitable mechanism may also be used.

[0107] FIG. 5d shows another alternative embodiment wherein the first electric motor 508b is connected to the core drill bit 500 to drive, i.e. rotate, the cutters 501, 502, and the second electric motor 509b is connected to a bit holder 512, which is a support member arranged to hold or encase a portion of the core drill bit 500. The bit holder 512 is in engagement with a helical cam 513, such that rotation of the bit holder 512 by the second electric motor 509b will cause translational movement of the core drill bit 500. This embodiment allows translational advancement of the core drill bit 500 and rotation of the core drill bit 500.

[0108] FIG. 5e shows an alternative embodiment wherein the first electric motor 508c is connected to the core drill bit 500 via a bit holder 512c. In this embodiment, the core drill bit 500 is rotated as the bit holder 512c is rotated by the first electric motor 508c. The second electric motor 509c is used to advance the core drill bit 500 by driving a worm gear 511c which is connected to the core drill bit 500.

[0109] FIG. 5f shows an alternative embodiment which is an electro-mechanical and hydraulic system. In this embodiment, a first electric motor 508d is connected to the core drill bit 500d to provide rotation of the core drill bit 500d. The core drill bit 500d is translated by a hydraulic piston wherein a second electric motor 509d drives a worm gear 511d which in turn moves a first piston 514 within a first hydraulic cylinder 515. The first hydraulic cylinder 515 is connected to a similar second hydraulic cylinder 516 within the core drill bit 500d. A corresponding second piston 517 within the second hydraulic cylinder 516 is fixed, however the core drill bit 500d is arranged to be free to move with respect to the fixed second piston 517. As the first piston 514 within the first hydraulic cylinder 515 moves, hydraulic fluid is pumped into one side of the second hydraulic cylinder 516 and is pumped out of the other side of the second hydraulic cylinder 516, forcing the core drill bit 500d to translate outwardly or inwardly, around the fixed second piston 517.

[0110] FIG. 5g shows another alternative embodiment, wherein various cutters (i.e. surface preparation 501 and testing cutters 502) are positioned on individual dedicated bits which are supported on a slidable structure 518. The slidable structure 518 may be controlled by a worm gear 519 driven by an electric motor 520 or by any other suitable means. The cutters 501, 502 can be rotated by a rotation motor 521, and are translated forward using an advancing motor 522, which in the present embodiment advances an actuator 523 to contact the correct cutter 501, 502 by use of a worm gear 524.

[0111] Alternatively, the slidable structure 518 may be a rotatable carousel, in which case the worm gear 519 shown in FIG. 5g would be replaced by a suitable arrangement to rotate the carousel such that the correct cutter 501, 502 can be selected.

[0112] FIG. 5h shows an alternative embodiment using dedicated hydraulic actuators for each cutter. The embodiment shown in FIG. 5h uses only two cutters 501, 502, however it will be appreciated that any number of cutters may be used in this embodiment, with corresponding dedicated hydraulic actuators for each cutter. Referring to FIG. 5h, the first cutter 501 has a dedicated first hydraulic actuator 525, which is a piston cylinder arrangement whereby hydraulic fluid can be pumped under pressure to one side of the cylinder to cause the piston, and therefore the cutter 501, to translate outwardly. When the cutter 501 is to be retracted, hydraulic fluid can be pumped to the other side of the piston, to move the piston in the opposite direction, and thus retract the cutter. The same arrangement is provided separately for the second cutter 502. This embodiment allows each cutter 501, 502 to be controlled individually, and also provides an embodiment whereby the tool body does not need to be divided into parts like in the embodiment shown in FIG. 5a above.

[0113] Referring now to FIG. 6, this shows a schematic view of a RMT assembly 600 having a core drill 601 which may comprise a core drill according to any of the configurations previously described. Regardless of the configuration of cutters on the core drill bit 601, the surrounding system is designed to provide local environmental stability during the measurement of the formation UCS and F. In this regard, the surrounding system comprises a load bearing structure in the form of an enclosure 602 for isolating internal components from the external drilling mud environment and immersing them in hydraulic oil. A compensator 603 maintains the pressure within the structure 602 to match the external pressure.

[0114] FIGS. 7a, 7b and 8 show an assembly of the nature of FIG. 6 in greater detail. In this regard, the RCT assembly 600 provides the measurement system, means for extension and retraction of a core drill bit 601, along with features to provide load bearing and damping of the forces created during measurement of the formation.

[0115] The core drill bit 601 may be any of the previously mentioned core drill bit configurations. The load bearing structure may comprise a first motor and gearbox unit 702, a second motor and gearbox unit 703, a linear guide 704, a wedge element 705, and a core drill bit support 706. These features provide a mechanism for converting rotary motion in the first or second motor and gearbox unit 702, 703 to translational movement to move the core drill bit 601 forwards to perform tests on the formation. The load bearing structure further comprises bushes/bearings 707 and dynamic seals which ensure rotational movement of the core drill bit 601 without leakage of fluid. Moreover, electrical connectors 708, 709 are coupled to provide power and to control the motors and sensors. The load bearing structure also comprises hydraulic connectors for connecting the compensator 603 and to allow initial filling of the load bearing structure with oil.

[0116] The hydraulic compensator 603 is configured to balance the internal environment of the assembly so that it substantially matches the environment outside of the load bearing structure, i.e. keeping the pressure of the lubricating oil, within the assembly equal with that of the mud pressure in the annulus. The hydraulic compensator achieves this by pumping fluid into or withdrawing fluid from the load bearing structure to compensate for changing is depth that the RCT is operating at, changes in ambient temperature, and/or changes in internal volumes which change during the operation of advancing the core drill bit 601.

[0117] With the assembly in a balanced stable status, the described system allows scratching of the formation to determine UCS and F. The scratching is preferably performed in a circular motion, as opposed to a traditional linear scratch on a core sample retrieved from a well.

[0118] FIGS. 10a-10d and FIGS. 11a-11d show various views of example sharp and blunt cutters, respectively.

[0119] FIG. 10a shows a side view of an example of a sharp cutter 1000 with a cutting edge 1010. FIGS. 10b, 10c and 10d show a front view, top view and isometric views of the sharp cutter 1000. FIG. 11a shows a side view of an example of a blunt cutter 1100, and FIGS. 11b, 11c and 11d show front, top and isometric views of the blunt cutter 1100. Typical dimensions for the sharp cutter 1000 are shown in FIGS. 10a-10c, and typical dimensions for the blunt cutter 1100 when using a 31.1 cm drill bit are shown in FIGS. 11a-11c. It will be appreciated that the dimensions will vary when using other sizes of drill bits, and that these exact dimensions are only an example of dimensions which would be suitable.

[0120] As an alternative to having a distinct sharp cutter and a distinct blunt cutter, a single cutter may be provided which can be used as both a sharp cutter and a blunt cutter. This is achieved by providing a cutter having a profiled cutting edge that is bevelled. An example of such a bevelled cutter 1200 is shown in FIGS. 12a-12c. The cutter 1200 can perform the function of both the sharp cutter and the blunt cutter. The bevel 1210 may have a radius in the range of 0.1 mm to 0.5 mm as appropriate. For example a 0.1 mm, 0.3 mm or 0.5 mm bevel may be used.

[0121] When a single cutter is used as described above, an estimate of both UCS and F can be obtained with good precision whilst reducing the measurement time required to perform the test. Furthermore, the tool is simplified by eliminating the need to move the sharp and blunt cutters into and out of their respective positions.

[0122] Running the Tool

[0123] The present invention hence relates to a module which can be installed in the drill string at the bottom-hole assembly (approximately 35-45 m from the bit). To obtain measurements of UCS and F the tool assembly performs the following main functions in succession:

[0124] a) waiting for a valid activation command: [0125] the device is normally in low consumption mode in which only the module responsible for detecting a valid activation command from the surface through, for example, a succession of suitably coded pressure waves or, if present in the string, through a data communication system, is activated; [0126] on detecting such a command the module responsible for this checks its validity on the basis of predetermined criteria (for example and as a minimum condition: it checks that the string is not rotating) [0127] if the activation command is validated, the module brings the system into operating mode, otherwise it returns to the mode awaiting an activation command

[0128] b) immobilising/supporting the system on the inner wall of the well: [0129] the first function which the system performs in operating mode is to draw out the shoes which by bearing against the well wall create a fixing reaction for subsequent cutting and scratching operations [0130] suitable sensors and/or current measurements determine that the operation has been completed correctly, so as therefore to progress to the next function, or if negative, interrupt the procedure

[0131] c) preparation (cutting) of the surface of the well wall: [0132] the measurement subsystem (or subsystems) cause the core drill bit to come out and rotate for surface preparation [0133] the core drill bit passes through the layer of mud separating the tool from the wall and comes into contact with the formation, contact indicated by a rapid increase in the force indicated by the corresponding load cells fitted within the tool [0134] as soon as contact is made the core drill bit moves forward (rotating) to a predetermined depth (of the order of approximately 20 mm when for example, using a 31.1 cm drill bit) thus removing the potentially damaged layer of the formation through which the drill bit has passed [0135] the operation is concluded with withdrawal of the core drill bit

[0136] d) “scratching” operation: [0137] using a suitable mechanism, the measurement subsystem (or subsystems) changes over the cutters preparing the surface to the scratching cutters to measure UCS (sharp cutters) and F (blunt cutters) [0138] the core drill bit comes out again into contact with the wall of the previously “prepared” formation [0139] the core drill bit performs scratching operations in succession, over variable depths and lengths according to the predetermined programme [0140] the operation concludes with return of the core drill bit

[0141] e) release from the wall on re-entry into the envelope of the housing: [0142] the locking system causes the shoes to retract

[0143] f) processing of measured formation parameters (UCS and F) in their original tensional state: [0144] the system processes the measurements on the basis of a predetermined code [0145] the system makes a record in internal memory and possibly communicates with the surface (if a communication system is available)

[0146] g) stand-by awaiting the next activation command: [0147] the system enters low consumption mode, awaiting a new activation command.

[0148] The “scratching” operation as described in paragraph d) is carried out on an operating principle similar to that of a conventional laboratory tool such as EpsLog's Wombat: the demolition of definite quantities (volumes) of rock to measure its UCS and F using two sets of suitably shaped cutters for the two different measurements.

[0149] A main difference distinguishing the two (bottom-hole measuring component vs. laboratory tool), in addition, to the different measurement conditions (bottom hole characterised by high pressures and high temperatures vs. laboratory, and therefore environmental temperature and pressure) is the manner in which the mechanical action of scratching on the formation is performed, which is circular in the case of the former component and linear in the latter.

[0150] A possible embodiment of the invention provides for the use of two adjacent measurement subsystems, one used to determine UCS and one F. It is preferable that these systems are close together to ensure that they measure the two parameters at two points in the same formation.

[0151] In order to ensure greater stability during measurement, one or more immobilising/supporting systems on the inner wall of the well may be provided.

[0152] These systems are intended to react to the force generated by the measurement tools as they interact with the formation.

[0153] Further components also have the object of ensuring proper functioning of the system and ensuring that the system has the correct power, which in the solution proposed is envisaged as batteries.

[0154] A method of performing a test to determine UCS and F of a formation 900 at a point in a well 901 is now described with reference to FIGS. 9a and 9b.

[0155] An RCT 902 in accordance with any of the previously described embodiments is provided in a bottom-hole assembly 903 around 35-45 m from the drill bit 904, and is run in to the well 901 to the desired location 905 to perform the rock characterisation tests—i.e. to perform tests to determine UCS and F. The RCT 902 is then communicated with via mud pulse telemetry from the surface to awaken the RCT 902 from the low power consumption mode. The RCT 902 subsequently extends shoes into the well 901 which create a force against which the RCT 902 can press to perform tests on the well 901. Sensors within the RCT 902 determine if the shoes have been set adequately to move on to the step of preparing the formation for testing and performing tests on the formation.

[0156] Preparing of the Formation

[0157] If the shoes have been set adequately, the measurement subsystem of the RCT 902 causes the core drill bit (not shown in FIGS. 9a and 9b) to come out of the load bearing structure and rotate for surface preparation—i.e. for removal of the mud cake/debris layer. The core drill bit will ultimately come into contact with the formation after removal of the layers of debris. The RCT 902 detects when the core drill bit has contacted the formation by a rapid increase in the force indicated by the load cells fitted within the RCT 902. The core drill bit can then advance a pre-determined distance into the formation (typically around 20 mm) to remove the potentially damaged or disturbed layer of the formation through which the drill bit has passed when drilling that part of the well. The core drill bit is then withdrawn to leave a part of the formation ready for testing.

[0158] The RCT 902 has one of the previously described configurations of cutters and mechanisms to switch between which cutters are foremost. Using the mechanism, the surface preparation cutters are retracted and the testing cutters are brought to the fore. The testing cutters on the core drill bit are then brought into contact with the formation to be tested. The testing cutters can then perform a scratching operation on the formation to determine UCS and/or F. The testing cutters perform this operation according to a pre-determined programme or routine which is either predetermined and preprogramed into the tool or sent from the surface in a command to the tool.

[0159] Data Acquisition and Transmission

[0160] When the required data has been collected during the scratch test, the data may be processed in the RCT 902 or may be sent to the surface via mud pulse telemetry or another communication means, where it can be processed for evaluation. The RCT 902 also stores the recorded data, possibly together with time, temperature, vibrational data etc. in its internal tool memory, which can be downloaded to produce high quality data at the surface when the tool is recovered from the well and the BHA is dismantled.

[0161] Re-Testing or Withdrawal

[0162] If required more scratch tests can be performed, otherwise the core drill bit and supporting shoes are retracted from the formation back into the load bearing structure. Typically, the RCT 902 will then enter a low power consumption mode and await a new activation command.

[0163] The present invention disclosed herein provides both a method of analysing rock characteristics and also a rock characterisation tool (RCT) and assembly which can be used to perform that method.

[0164] As a result, the method, tool and assembly of the present invention afford the following advantages: [0165] an improvement in the wellbore stability model through the possibility of measuring formation UCS and F parameters directly on the inner wall of the well under their original tensional state during the drilling stage; [0166] the possibility of obtaining a greater number of characterisations than with coring, especially in environments which are usually not cored; [0167] reduced costs due to the possibility of avoiding coring operations; [0168] reduced costs through reducing non-productive time, thanks above all to the following aspects: [0169] no slowing down of drilling work, in that it is envisaged that the invention will be used while changing drilling rods with active circulation; [0170] no lengthening of waiting times for results from the measurement of formation UCS and F, in that the values acquired and stored directly by the invention on site are for example available after every change of bit; and [0171] increased operating safety in that all the actions associated with obtaining downhole cores from the well and their subsequent handling/movement and all laboratory activities are avoided.

[0172] In this connection, the tool of the present invention can be used to directly measure formation UCS and F parameters downhole under their original tensional state through one or more measuring devices housed directly within a module which can be installed in the drill string in the bottom-hole assembly.

[0173] The tool can be activated from the surface through for example a succession of suitably coded pressure waves or, if present in the string, through a data communication system.

[0174] On receipt of the activation command the system works in completely independent mode performing the envisaged operations and measurements in succession during the time needed for a change of drill rod, without any action by the operator, and ensuring the safety of operations.

[0175] Moreover, the data recorded and saved on site may be subsequently available, for example, at every bit change or available in real time if a data communication system is present in the string.

[0176] Calculation of the unconfined compressive strength and internal friction angle can be achieved using the same theory as in prior art systems which test the rock characteristics at the surface, such as the Wombat system. The present invention has a further benefit of cost reduction due to improvement of wellbore stability models and reduction in non-productive time.