Acoustic Noise Isolation Pad for Subsea Telemetry Reliability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Acoustic noise interference in subsea acoustic telemetry systems reduces communication reliability, particularly in subsea applications where sea currents cause tubing shifts and noise generation, leading to unreliable data transmission of downhole well parameters.
Innovation Solution
A well system component with a body and radially extending lobes, featuring a pad made of acoustic dampening material, is coupled to the pipe string and contacts the inner wall of the marine riser and wellhead installation to absorb and reduce excessive acoustic noise, improving communication reliability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If acoustic telemetry is used to transmit data through tubing vibrations, then downhole well parameters can be monitored, but excessive acoustic noise from tubing shifts and strikes reduces communication reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces acoustic dampening material as an intermediary substance between the tubing and the surrounding environment (marine riser/wellhead installation). This material absorbs acoustic noise generated by tubing shifts and strikes, preventing the noise from interfering with acoustic telemetry signals while allowing the telemetry function to continue operating
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the harmful acoustic noise generated by tubing movement into a beneficial dampening effect. By applying acoustic dampening material to the tubing, the same movements that previously generated harmful noise are now absorbed and converted into harmless vibrations within the dampening material, thereby improving communication reliability
2Reliability
If clamping mechanisms and acoustic power enhancement are used to improve transmission, then signal strength increases, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of enhancing acoustic power throughout the entire system or adding complex clamping mechanisms, the patent applies acoustic dampening material locally at specific locations where noise is generated (at the tubing interface with the marine riser and wellhead installation). This localized approach reduces noise interference without requiring system-wide modifications or complex mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs acoustic dampening material that can be applied as a relatively simple, cost-effective solution compared to complex clamping mechanisms or acoustic power enhancement systems. The material serves its noise-absorbing function and can be replaced or reapplied as needed, providing a simpler and more economical alternative to complex mechanical or electronic solutions
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
The solution effectively dampens noise at critical transmission locations, enhancing the reliability of acoustic telemetry systems by reducing noise interference and maintaining accurate signal communication through the pipe string and subsea equipment.
Implementation Method 1
absorbing with the pad acoustic noise generated within the marine riser and/or the wellhead installation
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosure provides a well system component configured to reduce excessive acoustic noise that would otherwise interfere with acoustic telemetry systems. Specifically, the well system component includes a body configured to be coupled to a pipe string, at least one lobe extending radially from the body, and a pad disposed on the at least one lobe and extending radially from an outer radial extent of the at least one lobe. The well system component can be installed at critical acoustic transmission locations, such as at the location of a hanger, at or near a flex joint in a wellhead installation, and/or at or near a rig floor or deck of an offshore rig.