Acoustic Riser Communication for Downhole Tools
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing systems for communicating between a surface location and a downhole tool in subsea operations are inefficient due to the large space requirements and time-consuming coupling process of umbilical lines, which are hundreds of meters long and take up significant space on vessels.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that includes a downhole tool with an internal transducer that sends signals indicative of its position, received by external transducers on the riser, which are then transmitted to the surface using transponders, eliminating the need for a communication umbilical line by using external transducers and transponders positioned on the riser to relay the information.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If umbilical lines are used to transfer communication signals between the vessel and the downhole tool, then communication is established, but the umbilical lines take up a large amount of space on the deck of the vessel
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the communication function from the physical umbilical line by using acoustic transducers mounted on the riser. The transducers transmit signals acoustically through the riser wall, eliminating the need for long umbilical lines that occupy deck space while maintaining communication reliability between the vessel and downhole tool.
2Reliability
If umbilical lines are coupled to the tubing string and downhole tool at predetermined locations, then communication connection is established, but the coupling process takes a significant amount of time
Solution Approach 1:
The acoustic transducers are pre-mounted on the riser at predetermined locations, allowing them to automatically couple with the downhole tool as it passes by during normal operations. This eliminates the need for manual coupling operations and significantly reduces connection time while maintaining reliable communication.
Solution Approach 2:
The transducers are installed on the riser in advance at specific locations where downhole tools will pass. This preliminary positioning ensures that when a downhole tool is deployed, communication is automatically established without requiring time-consuming on-site coupling operations.
3Loss of information
If umbilical lines are used for communication, then signal transmission is achieved, but the lines are hundreds of meters long and have large diameter
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical umbilical line system with an acoustic transmission system. Acoustic transducers convert electrical signals to acoustic waves that propagate through the riser wall, eliminating the need for long physical cables while maintaining signal transmission capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The riser itself serves as an intermediary medium for signal transmission. Instead of using long umbilical lines, the acoustic transducers transmit signals through the riser wall, using the existing riser structure as the transmission medium and eliminating the need for separate communication cables.
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 enables efficient communication between the downhole tool and the surface without the need for lengthy umbilical lines, reducing space requirements and coupling time, while allowing real-time monitoring of the downhole tool's status.
Implementation Method 1
An internal transducer may be coupled to the downhole tool and transmit a signal indicative of the position of the device. An external transducer may be positioned on an exterior of a riser. The external transducer may receive the signal from the internal transducer through the riser.
Data Source
AI summary
A system for communicating between a downhole tool and a surface location. The system may include a downhole tool disposed within a subsea riser. The downhole tool may include a device that actuates between first and second positions. An internal transducer may be coupled to the downhole tool and transmit a signal indicative of the position of the device. An external transducer may be positioned on an exterior of a riser. The external transducer may receive the signal from the internal transducer through the riser. A transponder may be positioned on an exterior of the riser and coupled to the external transducer. The transponder may transmit a signal to a surface location indicative of the position of the device.