Determining a borehole azimuth from tool face measurements

Geometrical instruments – Indicator of direction of force traversing natural media – Borehole direction or inclination

Reexamination Certificate

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Details

C033S302000

Reexamination Certificate

active

07080460

ABSTRACT:
A method for surveying a subterranean borehole is provided. The method includes determining tool face angles at first and second longitudinal positions in the borehole. The method further includes processing the tool face angles to determine a change in borehole azimuth between the first and second positions. Exemplary embodiments of this invention provide a direct mathematical solution for the change in azimuth and therefore provide for improved accuracy and reliability of azimuth determination (as compared to the prior art) over nearly the entire range of possible borehole inclination, azimuth, tool face, and dogleg values.

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Marketing material MagTraC Jun. 2003 by Scientific Drilling available for download at http://www.scientificdrilling.com/pdf/magtrac%20overview.pdf.

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