What is the current application status of fiber optic gyroscopes in the petroleum field?

What is the current application status of fiber optic gyroscopes in the petroleum field?

The application situations of fiber optic gyroscopes in the petroleum field are as follows:

1. Measurement and Monitoring of Wellbore Trajectories:
During the process of petroleum drilling, accurate measurement of wellbore trajectories is of crucial importance for the efficient development of oil and gas resources. Foreign countries utilize fiber optic gyroscope inclinometers to obtain accurate parameters such as the inclination angle and azimuth angle of the wellbore, providing crucial wellbore trajectory information for drilling operations. Compared with traditional inclinometer instruments, fiber optic gyroscope inclinometers have higher precision and can better adapt to the complex downhole environment, helping to optimize the drilling path and improve the drilling efficiency and success rate. For example, during the construction of special well types such as directional wells and horizontal wells, fiber optic gyroscope inclinometers play an important role.
For the re-measurement of the trajectories of old oil wells, fiber optic gyroscope inclinometers can also provide reliable data support, helping petroleum companies understand the changes in the trajectories of oil wells during the long-term operation process, so as to formulate reasonable workover plans or conduct secondary development.

2. Measurement and Analysis of Cased Wells: Fiber optic gyroscopes have unique advantages in the detection and analysis of cased wells. Conventional magnetic measurement instruments will be affected by the magnetic shielding of metal casings in cased wells, resulting in inaccurate measurement results. However, fiber optic gyroscopes are not affected by magnetic fields and can accurately measure the inclination and azimuth of cased wells. Through the measurement of cased wells, the integrity and stability of the casings can be evaluated, providing a basis for subsequent extraction and maintenance. In addition, during the directional perforation and fracturing operations of cased wells, fiber optic gyroscopes can help determine the directions of perforation and fracturing, improving the operation effects.

3.Pipeline Inspection and Positioning:
For long-distance oil and gas pipelines, fiber optic gyroscopes can be used for deformation detection and positioning analysis of the pipelines. Many well-known pipeline inspection companies abroad utilize inertial navigation systems based on fiber optic gyroscopes, combined with odometers, ground differential GPS information, etc., to accurately measure and map the positions of the pipelines. They can promptly detect the bending, deformation, and stress changes of the pipelines caused by factors such as geological disasters and soil settlement, providing accurate information for the maintenance and repair of the pipelines.

4.Control of Downhole Directional Drilling: During the process of downhole directional drilling, it is necessary to precisely control the direction and position of the drill bit to ensure that the drilling direction meets the design requirements. Fiber optic gyroscopes can provide accurate directional information for the drill bit, helping the operators to grasp the attitude and drilling direction of the drill bit in real time. Through cooperation with other control systems, precise control of downhole directional drilling can be achieved. This is of great significance for improving the efficiency and accuracy of directional drilling and reducing deviations and mistakes during the drilling process.

5.Attitude Monitoring and Control of Offshore Oil Production Platforms: On offshore oil production platforms, fiber optic gyroscopes can be used to monitor the attitude changes of the platforms, such as tilting and swaying. Through real-time monitoring of the platform's attitude, the support systems and balancing devices of the platform can be adjusted in a timely manner to ensure the stability and safety of the platform. Meanwhile, fiber optic gyroscopes can also provide attitude references for cranes, drilling equipment, etc. on the platform, improving the operational accuracy and safety of the equipment.