Stabilization system for measurement-while-drilling sensors

Abstract

The present invention provides a drilling assembly with a stabilization system that stabilizes at least a section of the drilling assembly as a function of one or more downhole measured parameters or parameters of interest. One or more sensors carried by the drilling assembly measure the desired parameters of interest and a control system controls the stabilizer system in response to one or more determined parameters of interest to provide desired stabilization of a section of the drilling assembly. Measurement-while-drilling sensors whose measurements are affected by the parameters of interest are preferably disposed in the stabilized section. In one embodiment, the stabilization system includes at least two axially spaced apart stabilizers. Each such stabilizer includes a plurality of independently adjustable members that radially extend from the drilling assembly to exert force on the wellbore inside. A control circuit processes the signals from the sensors and in response thereto causes a power unit to independently adjust the force applied by the adjustable members so as to maintain a parameter of interest below a predetermined value. The measurement-while-drilling sensors take measurements while the stabilization system is activated, which may be during the drilling of the wellbore or during retrieval of the drilling assembly from the wellbore. In an alternative embodiment, the stabilization system includes only one stabilizer that may contain a plurality of independently adjustable members.