Study of Downhole Lateral Force Measurement Modelling and Devices in Petroleum Exploration

Measurement while drilling (MWD) technology is important for obtaining downhole parameters. As an essential parameter in drilling engineering, lateral force provides a powerful reference basis for judging the downhole drilling direction. Although stress measurement technology has matured, research on downhole lateral forces, especially near-bit lateral forces during the drilling process in petroleum exploration, is lacking. Based on the force analysis of a short measurement circuit, the lateral force measurement value of a drill bit and centralizer was converted to a drill string’s radial-bending-force measurement. Two perpendicular lateral force components were measured using strain gauge technology, a lateral force measurement theory model was established, and a set of MWD systems was designed according to the model. The systems’ function was verified through laboratory and field tests, and the field-test data were successfully obtained in the field application. The test results showed that the tested MWD system had acceptable accuracy, stability, and reliability and had the application potential to measure lateral force in the drilling industry. This article provides a new idea to study lateral force while drilling, which is of great significance to oil-drilling exploration and development.