Acoustic Downhole Sensor Communication System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Downhole tools used in oil field exploration and drilling face challenges in reducing wiring complexity, which affects the mechanical design, cost, and maintenance, due to the need for multiple sensors to communicate with processors and transmit data to surface equipment.
Innovation Solution
Implementing an acoustic communication system within the tool that uses signal acquisition devices and a concentrator to transmit processed measurements acoustically, eliminating the need for wiring and reducing mechanical complexity, while maintaining accurate data transmission through acoustic paths within the tool or outside in the annulus.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple sensors are wired to processors in downhole tools, then data transmission is reliable, but wiring complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical wiring system with an acoustic communication system. Sensors transmit data acoustically through the wellbore fluid or through the tool housing instead of using physical wires, thereby eliminating complex wiring while maintaining data transmission reliability in the downhole environment
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces acoustic waves as an intermediary medium for data transmission. Instead of direct electrical connections, sensor data is converted to acoustic signals that propagate through the wellbore environment to reach receivers, serving as a mediator between sensors and data collection systems
2Loss of information
If extensive wiring is used to connect sensors to processors, then data can be transmitted, but mechanical design becomes more complex and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes electrical wiring with acoustic transmission mechanisms. Sensors convert measurements to acoustic signals that travel through the wellbore fluid or tool structure to receivers, eliminating the need for complex wiring harnesses and simplifying mechanical design while preserving complete data transmission
3Quantity of substance
If multiple sensors communicate with processors, then comprehensive measurements are obtained, but the number of wiring connections increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal acoustic communication channel that can carry multiple sensor signals simultaneously. Different sensor measurements are modulated onto acoustic carriers or transmitted through the same acoustic medium, allowing one communication path to serve multiple sensors and eliminating the need for separate wiring for each sensor
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple sensor communication channels into a single acoustic transmission medium. Instead of separate wires for each sensor, all sensor data is transmitted through the wellbore fluid or tool housing using acoustic waves, merging multiple communication paths into one unified system
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This solution reduces wiring complexity, lowers costs, and simplifies the mechanical design of downhole tools by enabling efficient data transmission from sensors to the surface without the need for extensive wiring, thereby enhancing the operational efficiency and reducing maintenance costs.
Implementation Method 1
an acoustic transducer in the signal acquisition device transmits the processed measurements acoustically
Implementation Method 2
transmits the processed measurements acoustically through the housing or outside the tool in the annulus
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus includes a housing. The housing includes a concentrator and a plurality of signal acquisition devices. Each signal acquisition device is coupled to a respective sensor. Each sensor measures an environmental parameter outside the housing. Each signal acquisition device includes an acoustic transducer. Each signal acquisition device includes a controller to accept measurements from the respective sensor, process the measurements and format them into a transmittable form, and transmit the formatted measurements via the acoustic transducer. A concentrator includes an acoustic transducer to receive acoustic transmissions from the plurality of signal acquisition devices, a processor to process the received acoustic transmissions, and a telemetry device through which the processor can transmit the processed transmissions.