Centralizer-based survey and navigation device and method
View Patent ↗A Centralizer based Survey and Navigation (CSN) device designed to provide borehole or passageway position information. The CSN device can include one or more displacement sensors, centralizers, an odometry sensor, a borehole initialization system, and navigation algorithm implementing processor(s). Also, methods of using the CSN device for in-hole survey and navigation.
1. A metrology device, comprising:
at least one sensor string segment;
at least three centralizers;
at least one metrology sensor; and
at least one odometry device; and
wherein said metrology sensor is a displacement detector; and
wherein said displacement detector is configured to measure the displacement of a straight beam relative to one of said at least three centralizers; and
wherein said straight beam is fixed to a first centralizer and a third centralizer, where said one of said three centralizers is a second centralizer between said first and second centralizers.
2. The metrology device of claim 1 , wherein said displacement detector comprises a capacitance proximity detector.
3. The metrology device of claim 2 , wherein said capacitance proximity detector comprises a plurality of capacitor plates.
4. A metrology sensing device, comprising:
at least three centralizers;
a beam connecting at least two of said at least three centralizers;
a metrology sensor associated with said beam, said metrology sensor being located between said centralizers;
a housing encasing said beam and said metrology sensor; and
fluid within said housing and at least partially supporting said beam.
5. The metrology sensing device of claim 4 , wherein said metrology sensor is an angle measuring sensor.
6. The metrology sensing device of claim 4 , wherein said metrology sensor is a displacement sensor.