Patent Description:
Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to earth-boring (e.g., downhole) tools. In particular, to electrical impulse earth-boring tools and related systems and methods.

Various earth-boring tools such as rotary drill bits (including roller cone bits and fixed-cutter or drag bits), core bits, eccentric bits, bicenter bits, reamers, and mills are commonly used in forming bore holes or wells in earth formations. These earth-boring tools generally remove material downhole using abrasive or hard surfaces that make contact with the downhole formation cutting and eroding material from the formation and subsequently removing the material from the wellbore.

For example, fixed-cutter bits (often referred to as "drag" bits) have a plurality of cutting elements affixed or otherwise secured to a face (i.e., a formation-engaging surface) of a bit body. Cutting elements generally include a cutting surface, where the cutting surface is usually formed out of a superabrasive material, such as mutually bound particles of polycrystalline diamond. During a drilling operation, a portion of a cutting edge, which is at least partially defined by the peripheral portion of the cutting surface, is pressed into the formation. As the earth-boring tool moves relative to the formation, the cutting element is dragged across the surface of the formation and the cutting edge of the cutting surface shears away formation material. Such cutting elements are often referred to as "polycrystalline diamond compact" (PDC) cutting elements, or cutters.

Conventional tools generally have a relatively short service life before the tool must be removed from the hole and repaired or replaced. Alternative methods have been explored that may increase the service life of the associated earth-boring tools. Some of these methods include Electrical Impulse Technology (EIT), where pulses of high voltage energy are used to pulverize the formation ahead of the earth-boring tool, and water jetting where high pressure fluids are used to remove material ahead of the earth-boring tool.

<CIT> discloses a drilling system comprising a bulk material drill bit having a sensing portion, one or more ports for discharging output energy, an input portion arranged to detect input parameters from the sensing portion, a controller arranged to control output energy to the port. The controller is further arranged to determine one or more ports to which the output energy is provided, and control the discharge of the output energy, the output energy discharge being non-uniformly applied to bulk material, and the discharge of the output energy being used to control the drill bit direction.

<CIT> discloses a drill bit assembly including a drill bit body, an insulating layer disposed on an end of the drill bit body and that defines a drill bit face and two electrodes formed such that they both extend from the drill bit face. The two electrodes form a spiral on the drill bit face and are equidistant from each other at all locations of the drill bit face.

From a first aspect of the invention, an electric impulse drilling system as claimed in claim <NUM> is provided.

At least one of the one or more quantum particle or quantum particle information detectors may be disposed on a forward face of at least one of the at least two electrodes, wherein the forward face is configured to contact the downhole formation.

One or more rear quantum particle or quantum particle information detectors may be disposed on a position behind the quantum particle detectors disposed on the forward face.

A distance defined between the quantum particle detectors disposed on the forward face and the rear quantum particle or quantum particle information detectors may be used to determine at least one of a quantum particle speed, a quantum particle direction, a position of a quantum particle source or a type of quantum particle.

The electric impulse drilling system of any one of the above embodiments may further comprise at least one quantum particle or quantum particle information detector located in the drill string in a position behind the BHA.

The electric impulse drilling system of any one of the above embodiments may further comprise at least two communication networks comprising a low voltage communication network and a high voltage communication network.

The high voltage generated by the high voltage generator may be between about <NUM> kilovolts (kV) and about <NUM> kV.

While the specification concludes with claims particularly pointing out and distinctly claiming embodiments of the present invention, the advantages of embodiments of the invention may be more readily ascertained from the following description of embodiments of the invention when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:.

The illustrations presented herein are not meant to be actual views of any particular earth-boring tool or component thereof, but are merely idealized representations employed to describe illustrative embodiments.

As used herein, the term "substantially" in reference to a given parameter means and includes to a degree that one skilled in the art would understand that the given parameter, property, or condition is met with a small degree of variance, such as within acceptable manufacturing tolerances. For example, a parameter that is substantially met may be at least about <NUM>% met, at least about <NUM>% met, at least about <NUM>% met, or even at least about <NUM>% met.

As used herein, relational terms, such as "first," "second," "top," "bottom," etc., are generally used for clarity and convenience in understanding the disclosure and accompanying drawings and do not connote or depend on any specific preference, orientation, or order, except where the context clearly indicates otherwise.

As used herein, the term "and/or" means and includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

As used herein, the terms "vertical" and "lateral" refer to the orientations as depicted in the figures.

As used herein, the terms "behind" and "ahead" when used in reference to a component of a drill string or bottom hole assembly (BHA) refer to a direction relative to the motion of the component of the drill string. For example, if the component is moving into a borehole, a bottom of the borehole is ahead of the component and the surface and the drill rig are behind the component.

Conventional earth-boring tools generally have a short service life in the range of about <NUM> hours to about <NUM> hours. The short service life of conventional earth-boring tools may result from many factors including normal friction wear, the high temperatures and pressures present downhole, the high temperatures at the contact points due to friction, the hard and/or abrasive materials present in downhole formations, etc. Alternative earth-boring tools may reduce one or more of these factors thereby extending the service life of the earth-boring tools.

Electrical Impulse Technology may reduce the amount of contact between the earth-boring tool and the downhole formations by using electrical energy to fracture formation material reducing the amount of friction wear on the drill bit. In some embodiments, downhole sensors may be used, for example, to accurately predict movement of the drill string and/or to provide information about the formation being drilled and other downhole conditions. The electrical energy associated with Electrical Impulse Technology may result in large electric fields. In some embodiments, the large electric fields may interfere with traditional downhole sensors and/or communication systems associated with the downhole sensors. Embodiments of the present invention may provide sensors, sensor locations, and/or sensor systems configured to capture downhole information within a large electric field and provide the downhole information to a user while minimizing interference from the large electric field. Some embodiments of the present invention may use the large electric field to generate at least a portion of the downhole information.

<FIG> illustrates an embodiment of the contact point for an earth-boring tool <NUM> utilizing electrical impulse technology. The earth-boring tool <NUM> may include at least two electrodes <NUM>, <NUM>. The at least two electrodes may include at least one positive electrode <NUM> and at least one negative electrode <NUM>. The at least one positive electrode <NUM> and the at least one negative electrode <NUM> may generate an electric field <NUM> between the positive electrode <NUM> and negative electrode <NUM> from electrical energy provided by a power supply <NUM>. The electric field <NUM> may be sufficient to cause a discharge spark that may jump a gap <NUM> between the positive electrode <NUM> and the negative electrode <NUM>. In some embodiments the negative electrode <NUM> may be connected to a neutral <NUM> (e.g., ground). In some embodiments, the neutral <NUM> may be common with the neutral of the power supply <NUM>.

The downhole environment may include fluids <NUM>, such as water, oil, tar, drilling mud, etc. The fluids <NUM> may be positioned between the earth-boring tool <NUM> and a downhole formation <NUM>. In some embodiments, the fluid <NUM> may be provided through a drill string attached to the earth-boring tool <NUM>. The fluid <NUM> may be provided with a pressure and flow sufficient to evacuate any loose debris, such as loose material from the formation <NUM>, clearing the path for the earth-boring tool <NUM>. In some embodiments, the fluid <NUM> may be provided with specific electrical properties. For example, the fluid <NUM> may have a low electrical conductivity, such as a dielectric fluid, configured to prevent or rapidly quench electrical charges between the positive electrodes <NUM> and the negative electrodes <NUM> that are not passing through the formation <NUM>.

When the earth-boring tool <NUM> advances, the at least one positive electrode <NUM> and at least one negative electrode <NUM> may be placed in contact with the formation <NUM>. The at least one positive electrode <NUM> may then provide an electrical pulse. The electrical pulse may be provided at a sufficient voltage and discharge speed to discharge through the formation <NUM>. For example, the electrical pulse may be provided at a voltage between about <NUM> kilovolts (kV) and about <NUM> kV, such as between about <NUM> kV and about <NUM> kV, between about <NUM> kV and about <NUM> kV, or about <NUM> kV. The voltage may generate an electric field <NUM> between the positive electrode <NUM> and the negative electrode <NUM> that is greater than about <NUM>,<NUM> kilovolt meters (kVm), such as between about <NUM>,<NUM> kVm and about <NUM>,<NUM> kVm, or between about <NUM>,<NUM> kVm and about <NUM>,<NUM> kVm. The electric field <NUM> may be generated within a period of time (e.g., have a rise time) of less than about <NUM> nanoseconds (ns), such as between about <NUM> ns and about <NUM> ns or between about <NUM> ns and about <NUM> ns.

The electric field <NUM> may be discharged through a spark that may travel through the formation <NUM> along a path <NUM>. The spark may generate a plasma in the formation <NUM> along the path <NUM>. The formation <NUM> may fracture along the path <NUM> due to the plasma expansion. The fractured portions <NUM> of the formation <NUM> may separate from the formation <NUM> and be removed. In some embodiments, the fractured portions <NUM> may be removed from the borehole by the fluid <NUM> along with other downhole debris. Once the fractured portions <NUM> are removed the earth-boring tool may move forward placing the electrodes <NUM>, <NUM> in contact with the formation again. In some embodiments, the earth-boring tool <NUM> may rotate as the earth-boring tool <NUM> advances. The electrodes <NUM>, <NUM> may contact the formation <NUM> at different rotational positions as the earth-boring tool <NUM> advances such that a substantially circular hole is formed in the formation.

The earth-boring tool <NUM> may be configured to remove the fractured portions <NUM> and other debris to be removed from the borehole. Some embodiments may use an electrode configurations and geometry similar to those described in, for example, <CIT>, and titled "ELECTRIC PULSE DRILLING APPARATUS WITH HOLE CLEANING PASSAGES".

<FIG> illustrates an embodiment of the earth-boring tool <NUM>. The positive electrodes <NUM> may be arranged in a circular pattern. For example, the positive electrodes <NUM> may be arranged in a "star burst" pattern about a center electrode 102a. For example, the positive electrodes <NUM> may include a center electrode 102a and an array of radially extending electrodes 102b arranged in a circular pattern about the center electrode 102a. The radially extending electrodes 102b may be linear (e.g., straight lines). In some embodiments, the radially extending electrodes 102b may be non-linear. For example, the radially extending electrodes 102b may be curved (e.g., helical, sinusoidal, circular, etc.).

The negative electrodes <NUM> may be arranged between each of the positive electrodes <NUM>. In some embodiments, the negative electrode <NUM> may be a single continuous contact. For example, the negative electrode <NUM> may be formed as a ring <NUM> surrounding the center electrode 102a. The negative electrode <NUM> may also include arms <NUM> extending radially outward from the ring <NUM>. The arms <NUM> may be arranged between the radially extending positive electrodes 102b. In some embodiments, the negative electrodes <NUM> may be an array of negative electrodes <NUM> arranged in a similar manner to the positive electrodes <NUM>.

When in operation electrical pulses <NUM> may be provided through the positive electrodes <NUM>. The electrical pulses <NUM> may travel from each respective positive electrode <NUM> to the nearest portion of the negative electrode <NUM>. For example, the electrical pulse <NUM> from the center electrode 102a may travel to a point on the ring <NUM>. The electrical pulse <NUM> from one of the radially extending electrodes 102b may travel to the nearest arm <NUM> of the negative electrode <NUM>. In some embodiments, electrical pulses <NUM> may travel from multiple positive electrodes <NUM> to a common portion of the negative electrode <NUM>. For example, electrical pulses <NUM> may travel from the center electrode 102a to the ring <NUM> and electrical pulses <NUM> may travel from one of the radially extending electrodes 102b to the ring <NUM>. In another example, electrical pulses <NUM> may travel from at least two of the radially extending positive electrodes 102b to a common arm <NUM> of the negative electrode <NUM> located between the at least two radially extending positive electrodes 102b.

The electrical pulses <NUM> may be provided at intervals of less than about one pulse every <NUM> second, such as intervals of between about <NUM> pulse per second and about <NUM> pulses per second, or between about <NUM> pulses per second and about <NUM> pulses per second or between about <NUM> pulses per second and about <NUM> pulses per second.

<FIG> illustrates an embodiment of the earth-boring tool <NUM>. The earth-boring tool <NUM> may include a bit body <NUM>. The body <NUM> may be formed from any suitable drill bit material. In some embodiments the body <NUM> may be formed of metal. The earth-boring tool <NUM> may include an insulating layer <NUM> that electrically separates the body <NUM> from the electrodes <NUM>, <NUM>. The insulating layer <NUM> may be formed of Ceramic (e.g. Zirconium-Oxide), Plastic Material (e.g. PEEK, PTFE), Elastomers (Silicon) or insulating composite fiber materials depending on and in alignment with the electrical strength of the formation and/or the drilling fluid, as well as the design of the electrodes <NUM>, <NUM>. The electrodes <NUM>, <NUM> may be disposed on a face <NUM> of the earth-boring tool <NUM> that is intended to be the forward most point of a drill string while in operation. The face <NUM> may be defined by the insulating layer <NUM>. In some embodiments, the electrodes <NUM>, <NUM> may extend outwardly from the insulating layer <NUM>. In some embodiments, the electrodes <NUM>, <NUM> may be positioned on the surface of the insulating layer <NUM>. In some embodiments, the electrodes <NUM>, <NUM> may have portions that are embedded in the insulating layer <NUM>. In some embodiments, the electrodes <NUM>, <NUM> may have a protective coating disposed on them or may otherwise be protected from damage due to harsh drilling conditions.

Some embodiments may use contact configurations and geometry similar to those described in, for example, <CIT>, and titled "ELECTRICAL PULSE DRILL BIT HAVING SPIRAL ELECTRODES".

The earth-boring tool <NUM> may include an internal passage that allows a drilling fluid to be pumped through it. That fluid may exit the face <NUM> via jets <NUM>. Such fluid may be directed outwardly in a direction between the electrodes <NUM>, <NUM>. In some embodiments, the flow may help clear cuttings caused by discharges between electrodes <NUM>, <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrates an embodiment of a bottom hole assembly (BHA) <NUM>. The BHA <NUM> may include an earth-boring tool <NUM> configured to contact and remove material from a downhole formation <NUM>. A motor <NUM> (sometimes referred to as a "mud motor") may be coupled to the BHA <NUM> at a first end of the BHA <NUM>. The motor <NUM> may also couple the BHA to a drill string that may be fed in from a drilling station at the surface. The BHA <NUM> may include a power supply <NUM>. In some embodiments, the power supply <NUM> may be part of the motor <NUM>, such as a turbine, a capacitor, or a battery. In some embodiments the power supply <NUM> may be a battery that is charged by the motor <NUM>. In some embodiments, the motor <NUM> may be configured to generate power through the power supply <NUM>. For example, the power supply <NUM> may include a gearbox <NUM> and a generator <NUM>. The motor <NUM> may input mechanical power into the gearbox <NUM>. The generator <NUM> may then convert the mechanical power from the gearbox <NUM> into electrical energy. The electrical energy may be stored in a surge power source <NUM>. The surge power source <NUM> may store the electrical energy until it is discharged through the earth-boring tool <NUM>.

The surge power source <NUM> may supply the stored energy to a high voltage generator <NUM>. In some embodiments, the stored energy may pass through a transformer <NUM> and/or a rectifier <NUM>. The transformer <NUM> may provide an initial step up to a higher voltage. In some embodiments, the energy may be provided in alternating current from the generator <NUM>. The rectifier <NUM> may convert the alternating current energy to direct current energy before passing the current to the high voltage generator <NUM>.

The high voltage generator <NUM> may be a Marx generator or a Tesla generator similar to that described in, for example, <CIT>, and titled "ELECTRICAL PULSE DRILL BIT HAVING SPIRAL ELECTRODES". For example, the high voltage generator <NUM> may comprise a series of capacitors <NUM> configured to be charged in a first parallel orientation. A series of switches may then change the series of capacitors <NUM> to a second series orientation such that a voltage stored in each capacitor <NUM> is added to the voltages in the other capacitors <NUM> in the series connection generating a much higher voltage that may then be supplied to the positive and negative electrodes <NUM>, <NUM> in the earth-boring tool.

In some embodiments, the motor <NUM> may also be configured to rotate at least a portion of the BHA <NUM>. For example, the motor <NUM> may rotate the entire BHA <NUM>. In another example, the motor <NUM> may rotate an outer shell of the BHA <NUM>. The outer shell may cause the earth-boring tool <NUM> to rotate relative to other components of the BHA <NUM>, such as the power supply <NUM> and the surge power source <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrates an embodiment of the BHA <NUM> with an exemplary electronics layout. The BHA <NUM> may be separated into at least three different sections. The at least three sections may be defined by the type of communication used therein. For example, a high voltage region <NUM> may use a communication protocol capable of operating in high voltage environments (e.g., environments with large amounts of electrical noise and/or interference). For example, the high voltage region <NUM> may use protocols such as fiber optics CAN, wire CAN, RS-<NUM>, RS-<NUM>, or RS-<NUM>. Such protocols may be substantially immune to the electrical interference and/or noise present in high voltage environments.

A short hop region <NUM> may include moving BHA components such as the motor <NUM>, the gearbox <NUM>, and/or the generator <NUM> (<FIG>). The short hop region <NUM> may use a wireless data transmission system to relay data to and/or from the high voltage region <NUM>. For example, the short hop region <NUM> may use a wireless data communication system such as, electromagnetic telemetry (EM) or acoustic data transmission systems. Such communication systems may be used to transmit data across moving components where wired communication is not possible. The wireless communication system may have a relatively short range. The short hop region <NUM> may include at least one transmitter <NUM> and receiver <NUM> on each end of the short hop region <NUM>. The transmitter <NUM> and receiver <NUM> may be configured to transmit data from the respective region and receive data transmitted from the opposing region.

A low voltage region <NUM> may use standard downhole communication protocols such as wired drill pipe, mud pulse telemetry, etc. The low voltage region <NUM> may be substantially free from internal and/or external electrical noise and/or interference. For example, the low voltage region <NUM> may be a distance from the high voltage region <NUM> such that the large electrical fields associated with the high voltage region substantially dissipate, for example, into the formation. The low voltage region <NUM> may include low voltage components that generate minimal electrical noise and/or interference with respect to the noise and interference present in the high voltage region <NUM>. In some embodiments, electronic modules <NUM> such as logging while drilling (LWD) modules, measuring while drilling (MWD) modules, control modules, steering modules, etc. may be positioned within the low voltage region <NUM>. In some embodiments, the electronic modules <NUM> may communicate with components such as steering components, speed control components, etc. that may be positioned in the high voltage region <NUM>. In some embodiments, the electronic modules <NUM> may collect data from sensors that may be positioned within the high voltage region <NUM>. For example, the electronic modules <NUM> may collect data related to the downhole conditions such as, vibration at the earth-boring tool <NUM>, downhole temperatures, downhole pressures, weight on bit, fluid flow, etc. In another example, the electronic modules <NUM> may collect data related to properties of the formation <NUM> (<FIG>) such as, density, porosity, resistivity, magnetic resonance, formation pressure, composition of the formation, etc., responsive to waves (e.g., ultrasonic waves, magnetic waves, microwaves, etc.) and/or particles (e.g., quantum particles, quarks, electrons, positrons, baryons, photons, gravitons, etc.) traveling through the formation. The electronic modules <NUM> may be configured to receive data and/or instructions from the surface and/or to transmit data to the surface.

<FIG> illustrates a simplified wiring schematic of the control wiring <NUM> in the BHA <NUM>. The control wiring <NUM> may include sensors <NUM>, modules <NUM>, tool controls <NUM>, and communication units <NUM> among other things. The high voltage region <NUM> may include sensors <NUM> such as, vibration sensors, temperature sensors, pressure sensors, quantum particle detectors, etc. The sensors <NUM> may communicate sensor readings to the modules <NUM>. In some embodiments, the sensors <NUM> may provide raw signal data such as a representative voltage (e.g., <NUM>-<NUM> VDC, <NUM>-<NUM> VDC, etc.), amperage (e.g., <NUM>-<NUM> mA, etc.), a resistance (e.g., thermistor, resistance temperature detector (RTD), a frequency, etc.) to a conversion module configured to translate the raw signal to a format that may be transmitted over the substantially noise immune communication protocol in the high voltage region <NUM>. In some embodiments, the sensors <NUM> may be configured to internally convert the raw sensor data to the substantially noise immune communication protocol and transmit the data on the network in the high voltage region <NUM>.

The sensor readings may be transmitted from a transmitter <NUM> positioned near the high voltage region <NUM>. For example, the transmitter may be located in the short hop region <NUM> just outside the high voltage region. In some embodiments, the short hop region <NUM> may begin a sufficient distance behind the high voltage components (e.g., high voltage generator <NUM>, transformer <NUM>, and earth-boring tool <NUM>) that the electrical fields of the high voltage components are sufficiently dissipated to not significantly interfere with the wireless signals between the respective transmitters <NUM> and receivers <NUM>. In some embodiments, the modules <NUM> may store the readings from the sensors <NUM> for evaluation after the BHA <NUM> is removed from the wellbore. For example, the modules <NUM> may include a memory device, such as a removable memory device or an internal memory device configured to transmit data through an external connector. In some embodiments, the modules <NUM> may relay the readings from the sensors <NUM> to the surface through a communication unit <NUM>. The communication unit <NUM> may be located in the low voltage region <NUM> along with the modules <NUM>. In some embodiments, the communication unit <NUM> may control network traffic in the low voltage region <NUM>. In some embodiments, the communication unit <NUM> may be connected to the surface, for example, through communication wires in the drill string. In some embodiments, the communication unit <NUM> may communicate to the surface through a wireless communication system, such as mud pulse telemetry.

The high voltage region <NUM> may also include tool controls <NUM> such as, steering components configured to change a drilling angle of the earth-boring tool <NUM>. An operator at the surface may communicate commands to the tool controls <NUM> through the communication unit <NUM>. For example, the communication unit <NUM> may receive commands from the surface. The communication unit <NUM> may transmit the commands through the respective transmitter <NUM> in the short hop region <NUM> to the respective receiver <NUM> on an opposite end of the short hop region <NUM> near the high voltage region <NUM>. The receiver <NUM> may then transmit the command to the tool controls <NUM> through the noise immune communication in the high voltage region.

In some embodiments, the low voltage region <NUM> may include sensors <NUM>. In some embodiments, the sensors <NUM> may be connected to the modules <NUM> directly. For example, the sensors <NUM> may provide a readings to the modules as raw sensor data, such as a representative voltage (e.g., <NUM>-<NUM> VDC, <NUM>-<NUM> VDC, etc.), amperage (e.g., <NUM>-<NUM> mA, etc.), or a resistance (e.g., thermistor, resistance temperature detector (RTD), etc.). In some embodiments, the sensors <NUM> may transmit the sensor data through a communication protocol present in the low voltage region <NUM>. For example, the sensors <NUM> may communicate sensor data to the modules <NUM> through the communication unit <NUM> or on a sub-network separated from the communication unit <NUM> by the module <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrates an expanded view of the electrodes <NUM>, <NUM> associated with an embodiment of the earth-boring tool <NUM> (<FIG>). The two electrodes <NUM> and <NUM> may be assembled in a spiral arrangement. A front face <NUM> of at least one of the two electrodes <NUM>, <NUM> may include at least one port <NUM>. The ports <NUM> may be a hole or recess extending into the interior of the electrode from an exposed outer surface thereof. The ports <NUM> may be configured to house sensors configured to monitor properties of the formation <NUM> (<FIG>).

The fast rising electric field <NUM> (<FIG>) that may be generated in the formation <NUM> (<FIG>) from the high voltage rise between the positive electrode <NUM> and the negative electrode <NUM> may cause the release of electrons, positrons, neutrons and/or ions from the materials in the formation. The release of electrons, positrons, neutrons, and/or ions may be related to temporary movement (e.g., linear displacement, oscillation, turning, etc.) around the original centers of gravity of the atoms in the material because of the fast rising electric field <NUM>. For example, the fast rising electric field <NUM> may cause the core (e.g., nucleus) of the atoms to displace to an offset position within the atom. The displacement of the core may result in a "white hole" at the original position of the core (e.g., the original center of gravity of the atom). The white hole may be positively or negatively charged. The charge of the white hole may be detectable as the emission of a positron and/or electron from the atom, or the absorption of a positron and/or electron by the atom. One or more positrons and/or electrons may be released from each atom depending on the strength and speed of the electric field <NUM> (<FIG>). The released positrons and/or electrons may result in quantum particles including quarks, electrons, positrons, baryons, photons, and gravitons traveling through the formation <NUM>. The released quantum particles in and out of "white hole" may be related to energy equilibrium since singularity. Singularity may be hypothetically defined as point of time with a frozen exchange of information without energy (I/E=<NUM>) but a possible predefined structure of an information/energy composition according to formula: <MAT>.

Where I = Information about any structure, E = Energy, m = Mass, f(g,a) = gravity and acceleration functions, c = Speed of light constant, n = Speed of light exponent in transition zone, f(gxy) = function of gravity on a plane defined by x and y, f(axy) = function of acceleration on the plane defined by x and y, f(gz) = function of gravity perpendicular to the plane defined by x and y (e.g., nonotron condition related entry/exit of quantum on plane), mxy mass on the plane defined by x and y, mz mass perpendicular to plane defined by x and y.

An artificial quantum physics transfer tunnel represents information and/or mass, such as quantum particle structure information and/or quantum particles with mass, in transition to parallel remote planes through a channel opened by extremely high energy associated with a high gravity field strength induced by electric fields and/or electromagnetic fields. For example an electric field having a strength greater than about <NUM>,<NUM>,<NUM> V/m, such as an electric field having a strength between about <NUM>,<NUM>,<NUM> V/m and about <NUM>,<NUM>,<NUM> V/m, between about <NUM>,<NUM>,<NUM> V/m and about <NUM>,<NUM>,<NUM> V/m, or about <NUM>,<NUM>,<NUM> V/m, may generate an extreme high gravity field sufficient to open a channel. The electromagnetic field may have a local flux density greater than about <NUM>,<NUM> Tesla, such as a flux density between about <NUM>,<NUM> Tesla and about <NUM>,<NUM>,<NUM> Tesla, between about <NUM>,<NUM> Tesla and about <NUM>,<NUM>,<NUM> Tesla, or about <NUM>,<NUM>,<NUM> Tesla. Flux densities greater than about <NUM>,<NUM> Tesla may be sufficient to maintain nonotron conditions at plasma or at transition zone from a plasma channel to plasma surrounding material. A magnet with a weight of <NUM> formed by current draw of <NUM>,<NUM> Ampere through the plasma, induced by a <NUM>,<NUM>,<NUM> V/m electric field, over <NUM> nanoseconds could achieve a local magnetic field strength of for example <NUM>. 143E6 Tesla. This local magnetic field strength may be comparable to the magnetic field strength on the surface of a neutron star where magnetic field strengths range from <NUM> to <NUM> Tesla. The Electric Impulse Technology (EIT) plasma channel and affected area of high magnetic field strength may have a major dimension (e.g., radius, diameter, apothem, etc.) between about <NUM> nanometer (nm) and about <NUM> millimeter (mm), such as between about <NUM> and about <NUM> micrometers (µm). Whereas a neutron star beam or channel radii with high magnetic field strength zones may be between about <NUM> meters and about <NUM> kilometer due to a much higher energy content.

The sum of distributed information/energy at singularity may be assumed to be zero before the generation of quantum particles. All mass except smallest possible quantum granulate may be assumed to be close to zero. Gravity and acceleration functions f (g,a) may also be assumed to be close to zero due to missing start displacements. The information/mass I/mz may become a value incidentally while exponent n may have an endless value. The function f(gz) may become a value due to I/mz becoming an information and/or mass. Information/Energy I/E may become a maximum value to split the information/mass I/mz. The information/mass I/mxy may be born to start development/movement/expansion with a speed fc (e.g., BUZZ, Build Up Z-Z), the information, gravity and acceleration functions may be in balance on build gravity planes. The gravity planes may be a surface of space of a "standard physics" build. Imperfections or dents on surface at high gravity concentrations may enable communication between planes. The sum of enabled information content/energy may remain constant but distributed on different gravity planes due to the singularity. The exchange of information and/or quantum particles between planes (e.g., micro planes and macro planes) may be possible by stretching the plane surface through the induced extreme high local field strength or through existing remaining channels of space expansion. For example, quantum particles may exchange through the stretching of a Deuterium atomic core. Exchange of particles information can occur with speed cn, where n may be in a range of about <NUM> to <NUM> with regard to maximum number of expected degrees of freedom in existing space. Quantums like gravitons may exchange between gravity planes faster than the speed of light (e.g. c<NUM>) and therefore not be detectable with standard model based technology.

The proven existence of quantum entanglement is supported by the above hypothesis. Without development or expansion, information can be lost, deluded or hidden rapidly by division according to the above formula. Space may need to expand as well for self-protection. Counters and denominators of the above formula may be exchangeable when the system is operating near stable conditions. Three-dimensional expansion of information may be followed by transition into two dimensions (Plane) expansion of information flowed by one-dimensional expansion of information (Line) finalized by shrinkage to one point of information while transforming mass and energy into information about quantum particles. For example, three-dimensional to two-dimensions or two-dimensional to three-dimensional transformations may leave information about the transformation of quantum particles in the space and the information may be detectable by sensors. The probability of detections of information about quantum particles may be calculated by Fermi-Dirac Statistics.

Sensors capable of detecting the quantum particles or information about quantum particles may be placed in the ports <NUM>. For example, sensors such as gas-detectors (e.g., gaseous ionization detectors, ionization chamber, proportional counter, Geiger-Müller tube, spark chamber, etc.), solid-state-detectors (e.g., charge-coupled devices (CCD), semiconductor detectors, nuclear track detectors, Cherenkov detectors, scintillation counters, photomultipliers, photodiodes, avalanche photodiodes, transition radiation detectors), oxygenated silicon, PIN diodes (e.g., Si PIN diodes, InGaAs PIN diodes, Ga PIN diodes, etc.); CVD- diamond detectors, and/or superconducting quantum interference devices (SQUIDs) (e.g., DC SQUID, RF SQUID, etc.) may be positioned in the ports <NUM>.

Properties of the quantum particles may be interpreted to discover information about the formation <NUM> adjacent to the electric field <NUM> that created the quantum particles. For example, a travel time of the quantum particles may be interpreted to characterize a density, porosity, and/or resistivity of the formation <NUM>. In another example, the makeup of the quantum particles may be interpreted to characterize a composition, or magnetic resonance of the formation. In yet another example, the number of each type of quantum particle (e.g., quarks, electrons, positrons, baryons, photons, and gravitons) may reveal additional information about the formation such as chemical composition, physical composition and <NUM>-D geometry of selected regions, <NUM>-D geometry in general, localized specific density, pore composition and pressure, porosity, fluid conductivity (e.g., open pores vs. close pores), dip, stress, stress state, and electrical resistivity as well as other parameters for measuring while drilling (MWD) or logging while drilling (LWD) tasks.

In some embodiments, multiple sensors may be positioned in multiple ports <NUM> in the face <NUM> of the earth-boring tool <NUM>. In some embodiments, one or more of the multiple sensors may be redundant (e.g., configured to detect the same properties of the same types of quantum particles). In some embodiments, one or more of the multiple sensors may be configured to detect different properties of the quantum particles. For example, one or more of the sensors may be configured to detect a charge of the quantum particles and other sensors may be configured to detect a travel time of the quantum particles. In some embodiments, one or more of the sensors may have a higher sensitivity than other sensors such that quantum particles having less energy that may not be detected by the other sensors may be detected by the one or more sensors with higher sensitivity.

<FIG> illustrates a model of the electric field <NUM> around the earth-boring tool <NUM>. The electric field <NUM> may define different zones around the earth-boring tool <NUM> depending on the strength of the electric field <NUM> in each zone. In each zone the quantum particles generated may have different properties. In the area immediately surrounding the earth-boring tool <NUM> a plasma zone <NUM> may be defined where the electric field <NUM> is strongest. The plasma zone <NUM> may have the greatest number of dislocated quantum particles. The dislocated quantum particles in the plasma zone <NUM> may also have the highest energy. The earth-boring tool <NUM> may include sensors <NUM> in the ports <NUM> in the face <NUM> of the earth-boring tool <NUM>. One or more of the sensors <NUM> may be configured to detect and/or measure properties of the quantum particles in the plasma zone <NUM>. The plasma zone <NUM> may reveal information regarding the formation in an area immediately adjacent to the earth-boring tool <NUM>. For example, information regarding the fractured portions <NUM> (<FIG>) of the formation <NUM> and the portions of the formation exposed by the fractured portions <NUM> or surfaces of the formation <NUM> immediately surrounding the earth-boring tool <NUM>.

The next zone in the electric field <NUM> may be a high energy zone <NUM>. The high energy region may still have sufficient strength in the electric field <NUM> to generate a large number of dislocated quantum particles with relatively high energy. The dislocated quantum particles in high energy zone <NUM> may have energy levels that are lower than the energy levels of the dislocated particles in the plasma zone <NUM>. One or more of the sensors <NUM> on the earth-boring tool <NUM> may be configured to detect properties of the quantum particles in the high energy zone <NUM>. For example, one or more of the sensors <NUM> on the earth-boring tool <NUM> may have a higher sensitivity than other sensors <NUM> such that the lower energy quantum particles in the high energy zone <NUM> may be detected by the one or more sensors <NUM> when the energy of the quantum particles may not be sufficient for detection by sensors <NUM> configured to detect dislocated particles from the plasma zone <NUM>.

A third zone in the electric field <NUM> may be the low energy zone <NUM>. The electric field <NUM> in the low energy zone <NUM> may still have sufficient strength to generate some dislocated quantum particles. However, there may be fewer dislocated quantum particles than the plasma zone <NUM> or high energy zone <NUM> and the dislocated quantum particles in the low energy zone <NUM> may have lower energy levels than the dislocated quantum particles of the high energy zone <NUM> or the plasma zone <NUM>. Detecting the quantum particles or properties of the quantum particles from the low energy zone <NUM> may require sensors <NUM> with higher sensitivity than the sensors <NUM> that are configured to detect quantum particles in the plasma zone <NUM> or the high energy zone <NUM>.

In some embodiments, additional sensors <NUM> may be included in other regions of the drill string. The additional sensors <NUM> may detect quantum particles dislocated in the different zones <NUM>, <NUM>, or <NUM> of the electric field <NUM> that travel through the formation <NUM> or in the fluid <NUM> a distance outside of the zones <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> where the quantum particles were dislocated. Properties of the quantum particles such as travel time, number of particles, types of particles, etc. may be interpreted to determine features of the formation between the face <NUM> of the earth-boring tool <NUM> and the additional sensors <NUM>. For example, additional sensors <NUM> may be located on other regions of the earth-boring tool <NUM> away from the face <NUM>. The properties of the quantum particles that reach the sensors <NUM> on the other regions of the earth-boring tool may provide information about the formation <NUM> on the sides of the earth-boring tool <NUM>. In some embodiments, additional sensors <NUM> may be located on other portions of the BHA <NUM> such as the high voltage region <NUM> or the low voltage region <NUM>. In some embodiments, additional sensors <NUM> may be located on the drill string between the BHA <NUM> and the surface.

In some embodiments, additional sensors <NUM> may be located in the formation <NUM>. For example, sensors <NUM> may be located in the formation <NUM> near the surface or near the shore in off-shore drilling operations. Quantum particles that travel from the regions <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> of the electric field <NUM> may provide information regarding characteristics of the portion of the formation <NUM> through which the particles travel to reach the additional sensors <NUM> in the formation <NUM>.

The sensors <NUM> may measure multiple different types of quantum particles and/or radiation produced by the quantum particles to capture different information about the formation. For example, sensors <NUM> configured to capture photons released by X-rays traveling through the formation may provide information regarding formation shape, geometry, density, composition, etc. of the formation, while sensors <NUM> configured to captured alpha particles, beta particles, and/or gamma particles may provide information regarding the chemical makeup, elemental composition, etc. of the formation. In some embodiments, the sensors <NUM> may detect at least three different types of quantum particles to capture a full picture and granularity of the formation. The three types of quantum particles may be chosen from photons, alpha particles, beta particles, and gamma particles. In some embodiments, one sensor <NUM> may be configured to measure more than one type of quantum particle. In some embodiments, each sensor <NUM> may be specifically designed to measure only one type of quantum particle. <FIG> and <FIG> illustrate exemplary embodiments of sensors <NUM> that may be used to measure quantum particles.

<FIG> illustrates a schematic view of a sensor <NUM> configured to measure alpha particles. Alpha particles may exhibit a wave characteristic. Some elements are known to emit alpha particles. For example, Thorium-<NUM> and Americum-<NUM> are elements that are known to emit alpha particles. Alpha particles may also be emitted through an induced nonotron condition. For example, as described above, a rapid rise of an electric field may cause a core displacement in the atoms around the electric field. The core displacement may induce alpha particles.

The sensor <NUM> may include a p-doped layer <NUM> and an n-doped layer <NUM>. The p-doped layer <NUM> may have a positive charge and the n-doped layer <NUM> may have a negative charge. Bringing the p-doped layer <NUM> and the n-doped layer <NUM> together may cause diffusion of the electrons in the p-doped layer <NUM>. The p-doped layer <NUM> and the n-doped layer <NUM> may be separated by a depletion region <NUM>. Electron pairs may be created in the depletion region <NUM>. A voltage <NUM> may be applied across the p-doped layer <NUM> and n-doped layer <NUM>. The voltage may increase the number of electron pairs created in the depletion region <NUM>.

When alpha particles are received in the depletion region <NUM> the alpha particles may cause the electron pairs in the depletion region <NUM> to accelerate. The acceleration of the electron pairs may generate a measureable current pulse. The energy of the particle may correlate to the size of the pulse. For example, a particle having high energy may penetrate deep into the depletion region <NUM> dislocating several electron pairs. The several dislocated electron pairs may generate a large current pulse. Another particle having low energy may be absorbed quickly and only dislocate a small number of electron pairs. The small number of dislocated electron pairs may generate a small current pulse. Accordingly, the size of the pulse generated may reveal information about an energy of the particle.

The sensor <NUM> may include a pulse rectifier <NUM> configured to prepare the current pulse to be measured. For example, the pulse rectifier <NUM> may filter noise out of the pulse. In some embodiments, the rectifier <NUM> may amplify the pulse. The sensor <NUM> may also include a pulse height analyzer <NUM>. The pulse height analyzer <NUM> may measure a size (e.g., height, strength, etc.) of the pulse. In some embodiments, the pulse height analyzer <NUM> may be configured to convert the size of the pulse to a signal readable by an associated transmitter <NUM>, module <NUM>, controller, etc..

The sizes, frequencies, etc. of the pulses may be interpreted to reveal information about the formation. For example, Alpha particles captured by the sensor <NUM> may provide information regarding a chemical composition of the formation. The pulses may also provide information regarding the location of the source of the alpha particles.

<FIG> illustrates a sensor <NUM>. Beta radiation may be measured by measuring a difference between beta-plus decay and beta-minus decay. Beta-plus radiation may result from the transformation of a proton into a neutron. Beta-minus radiation may result from the transformation of a neutron into a proton. The transformation of protons and neutrons may result from the fast rising electric field described above. Beta quantum particles are capable of traveling up to about <NUM> through a solid material, such as between about <NUM> and about <NUM>.

The sensor <NUM> may include a chamber <NUM>. The chamber <NUM> may be defined within a wall <NUM>. The wall <NUM> may be formed from a non-magnetic material (e.g., nonferrous material, non-ferromagnetic material, etc.). In some embodiments, the chamber <NUM> may be a circular (e.g., annular, round, etc.) chamber <NUM>. In some embodiments, the chamber <NUM> may be a spiral (e.g., helical, etc.) chamber <NUM>. The chamber <NUM> may include at least one magnet <NUM>. The at least one magnet <NUM> may be configured to generate a substantially homogeneous (e.g., uniform) magnetic field. For example, the at least one magnet <NUM> may be an array of permanent magnets. In some embodiments, the at least one magnet <NUM>, may be a single permanent magnet. In some embodiments, the at least one magnet <NUM> may be an electromagnet. In some embodiments, the at least one magnet <NUM> may be an array of electromagnets.

The sensor <NUM> may include at least one entry <NUM>. The at least one entry <NUM> may define a passageway through the wall <NUM>. The entry <NUM> may be formed from a nonferrous metal such as, aluminum, copper, lead, nickel, tin, titanium or zinc. The at least one entry <NUM> may be configured to allow quantum particles to enter the chamber <NUM> through the wall <NUM>. The sensor <NUM> may also include a receiver array <NUM> configured to capture the quantum particles after the quantum particles pass through the chamber. The receiver array <NUM> may include a plurality of receivers <NUM> arranged in different radial positions.

A path of the quantum particles passing through the chamber <NUM> may be affected by the homogeneous magnetic field in the chamber. For example, a charge of the quantum particle may change an amount of deflection of the path of the quantum particle as it passes through the magnetic field. In some embodiments, an amount of energy of the quantum particle may affect the amount of deflection of the path of the quantum particle. In some embodiments, the type of quantum particle may affect the amount of deflection. For example, gamma quantum particles are not charged particles. Therefore, the path of gamma quantum particles may be unaffected by the magnetic field.

The sensor <NUM> may provide information regarding the energy of quantum particles over a distance (e.g., the distance traveled through the chamber <NUM>). For example, a high energy quantum particle traveling at a high rate of speed may be deflected a smaller distance by the homogeneous magnetic field than a lower energy quantum particle traveling at a lower rate of speed. An energy level measured over a distance, and/or correlated half-life of isotopes over time, may provide information regarding chemical make-up of the source of the quantum particles. In some embodiments, a charge of the quantum particle (e.g., the type of quantum particle) may affect the amount or direction of deflection. The sensor may also provide information regarding the types and quantities of quantum particles measured, such as the number of electrons, alfa particles, beta particles and gamma particles which may provide additional information about the formation.

<FIG> illustrates a table <NUM>. The table <NUM> represents exemplary elements <NUM> that may be present downhole. Table <NUM> also represents the types of quantum particles <NUM> (e.g., alpha, beta, or gamma) associated with each exemplary element <NUM>. The table <NUM> represents the different quantum energies <NUM> that correlate with each exemplary element <NUM>. The quantum energies <NUM> may be at least one feature of the exemplary elements <NUM> that may be measured by the sensors <NUM> (<FIG>). The table <NUM> also represents the gamma energy <NUM> associated with the respective exemplary elements <NUM>. In some embodiments, the sensors <NUM> (<FIG>) may measure the gamma energy of the quantum particles. The table <NUM> further illustrates the isotope radiation half-life <NUM> for the exemplary elements <NUM>. As described above, the isotope radiation half-life <NUM> may be correlated to the loss of energy over a distance of the associated quantum particle. In some embodiments, the loss of energy over a distance, as measured by a sensor <NUM> (<FIG>), may be utilized to determine the isotope radiation half-life of the quantum particle. Accordingly, the elemental make-up of a formation may be determined from sensor measurements of quantum particles and evaluation of quantum energies, gamma energy, and/or isotope radiation half-life of the respective particles.

Two or more sensor arrays of the same and/or different types of sensors <NUM> may be positioned within a defined distance in a direction along an expected particle path to derive quantum particle speed and/or position of quantum particle source through algorithms such as triangulation and reverse particle path calculation. Source positioning in combination with quantum particle type detection may enable <NUM>-D imaging of excavated or non-excavated formation structures. The combination of EIT process parameter and 3D Imagining may enable a calculation of stress state, porosity, conductivity and/or shape of the formation before and/or after rock excavation. Sufficient sensors at a forward sensor array and a back sensor arrays may enable spectrographic analytics through a process such as interference, diffraction, and refraction image analysis.

Downhole measurement systems may allow an operator to guide the drill string toward more desirable portions of the formation. For example, parts of a formation that are more stable may be a more desirable region through which to pass the earth-boring tool. In some embodiments, accurate information about the downhole environment may allow the user to make decisions on path, speed, weight on bit, rate of penetration, voltage, pulse frequency, etc. to more efficiently advance the earth-boring tool and associated drill string. A drilling operation can be time consuming generally advancing between one and two meters an hour. Accurate determinations of the downhole environment and information about the formation may result in advancing the earth-boring tool at a faster rate by selecting a path that is more desirable. Monitoring the formation may also enable an operator to more accurately predict a position of the BHA within the formation. For example, often a composition of the formation is known as such when the sensors detect a change in characteristics in the formation that may inform the operator what portion of the formation the BHA is entering enabling the operator to position the BHA in the most desirable area and/or stop the drilling operation when a desired location has been reached.

Claim 1:
An electric impulse drilling system comprising:
a drill string;
a bottom hole assembly (BHA) (<NUM>) coupled to the drill string, the BHA comprising:
a motor (<NUM>) configured to rotate;
a power generator (<NUM>) configured to generate electrical power from the rotation of the motor;
a high voltage generator (<NUM>) configured to generate a high voltage from the electrical power generated by the power generator; and
at least two electrodes (<NUM>, <NUM>) configured to discharge the high voltage from the high voltage generator through a downhole formation (<NUM>); and
one or more quantum particle or quantum particle information detectors disposed within at least one of the at least two electrodes configured to interpret quantum particles displaced by the discharge of the high voltage through the downhole formation.