Gyro Orientation

Gyro Orientation
Gyro orientation: what can go wrong and what to watch for.
Gyro orientation for drilling or setting a whipstock is by design subject to errors, either
by the people operating the gyroscope, calculation methods, tool misalignments, well
location, hole conditions and or instrument failure. Depending on the type of gyro survey
system selected, there are several ways that even little errors can affect the quality of
information to be interpreted for effective use. Human error is probably the biggest factor
leading to survey/orientation error, and is the root of most orientation and tool errors.
Errors in the tool can result from the assembly of the tool in the shop. Failure to calculate
the correct declination as well as applying the correct declination while setting the
gyroscope at surface will result in orientation error. Another calculation error is the
failure to account for the drift rate. Incorrect torque or BHA design can result in false
orientation results. Influences from the Earths magnetic field, especially on wells of
higher latitudes can affect the surface orientation if using a Brunton Compass which
utilizes a magnetic sensor. North Seeking Gyro Survey Systems are affected in the higher
latitudes as well but more so by the effect of the drift rate of the Earths smaller spin rate.
The direction a deviated well (specifically being drilled along an East or West direction)
can affect orientation as well. The last three influences from the global placement and
orientation of the well must be recognized and compensated for by the operator. Of
course the human factor is generally a result of improper / inadequate training and
experience.
When preparing to run a gyroscope survey assembly, the declination of the well must be
determined for the surface location of the well to be drilled. The declination must then be
added or subtracted accordingly to set the tool to True North at surface before running in
for some gyro systems, or to the survey information retrieved to surface after with other
gyro systems. The declination for the location of the well can be determined from
Geological charts or the MAGUTM program. To determine True North, simply add the
magnetic direction to the declination, if the declination is an East declination the number
added will be positive, or if the declination is a West declination the number added will
be negative.
When designing the BHA (either drilling or whipstock), ensure that the ID of the
tubulars, and other components of the BHA will allow the gyro scope assembly to pass
through freely to the UBHO (mule) sub. The drill pipe and any other components above
the UHBO sub, should be drifted prior to running the gyro scope. This will ensure the
gyro scope barrel wont get hung up in the drill string.
When picking up the assembly, ensure that the components, especially the UBHO sub,
are properly torqued to the required specifications. If the orientation sub is not torqued
properly, the gyro scope’s alignment with the whipstock (or motor) will be incorrect,
resulting in false placement of the whipstock, or tool face of the motor. Next ensure that
the high side of the motor, or face of the whipstock is scribed to the UBHO sub and the
offset determined properly before running in the hole.
Prior to running in the hole assemble the gyro scope barrel and the UHBO sub together
on the catwalk and manually test the assembly. This will help to ensure the proper
equipment is on location and that the stinger of the gyroscope assembly will seat properly
aligning properly down hole. Once the gyro scope assembly is ready to run in, the next
step is to orient the gyro scope to True North (applying the declination), or a known
geographical reference. When using a known geographical reference, make sure the
stake or flag used will be firmly planted in a spot close enough to the rig. and where it
won’t be removed or displaced (maybe at the end of the catwalk). The next step is to
determine the drift rate by lowering the tool to a predetermined survey point and held
stable for an extended amount of time to record the drift rate. It is important to know the
drift rate, and if is not accounted for will result in false survey information. Depending on
the gyro scope used, after the drift rate has been established the tool can be run in,
stopping at other predetermined depths which may act as benchmarks, to shoot
comparative surveys on the way out. That type of gyro scope is aligned to the same
reference point used prior to running in the hole to ensure accuracy with calculations
after.
When drilling or lining up a whipstock it is important to stab or set the gyro scope twice
to ensure the stinger has seated properly and surveys taken. The same results should be
achieved, if not repeat the process to verify the accuracy of the toolface before
proceeding any further.

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Gyro Orientation

Gyro orientation: what can go wrong and what to watch for.

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