Acoustic Synchronization for Drill Pipe EM Tools
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Solution Overview
Problem
Tools measuring deep azimuthal resistivity in formations face synchronization issues between transmitter and receiver antennas due to distance and design considerations, leading to flawed formation data, as existing systems lack a method to synchronize these components without physical wiring.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating an acoustic transmitter and sensor in the drill pipe to transmit and receive acoustic signals, which synchronize the electromagnetic transmitter and receiver antennas, ensuring accurate timing and phase alignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If transmitter and receiver antennas are spaced farther apart to measure deep azimuthal resistivity, then measurement capability is improved, but synchronization between transmitter and receiver deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
An acoustic signal is introduced as an intermediary carrier to transmit synchronization information from the transmitter to the receiver through the drill pipe. The acoustic signal travels through the solid medium of the drill pipe, providing a reliable timing reference that bridges the large spatial gap between transmitter and receiver antennas, thus maintaining synchronization reliability despite increased distance
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces electrical wiring (mechanical connection) with acoustic wave propagation through the drill pipe. Instead of using physical wires to transmit synchronization signals, the system uses acoustic waves generated by the transmitter that travel through the drill pipe structure to reach the receiver, enabling synchronization without direct mechanical or electrical connections across large distances
2Measurement precision
If transmitter and receiver are in different sections of drill pipe, then deep resistivity measurement is enabled, but physical wiring for synchronization becomes impractical
Solution Approach 1:
The acoustic signal serves as a mediator that eliminates the need for complex physical wiring between transmitter and receiver in different drill pipe sections. The acoustic wave propagates through the drill pipe structure itself, using the existing mechanical infrastructure as a transmission medium, thereby avoiding the complexity of installing and maintaining electrical wiring across multiple disconnected sections
Solution Approach 2:
The drill pipe structure serves multiple functions: it acts as both the mechanical support for housing the instruments and as the transmission medium for the acoustic synchronization signal. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate wiring systems, reducing overall device complexity while enabling deep resistivity measurements across separated sections
3Loss of time
If acoustic signal is used for synchronization, then timing accuracy is improved, but additional components are added to the system
Solution Approach 1:
The acoustic transmitter and sensor functions are merged with the existing electromagnetic transmitter and receiver units. The acoustic signal generation is integrated into the transmitter assembly, and the acoustic sensing is integrated into the receiver assembly, allowing timing synchronization without requiring completely separate dedicated acoustic equipment, thus limiting the increase in device complexity
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 approach enables precise synchronization of EM transmitter and receivers, improving the accuracy of formation data collection by correcting timing and phase drifts, thereby enhancing the reliability of deep azimuthal resistivity measurements.
Implementation Method 1
at least one acoustic transmitter in the drill pipe for transmitting an acoustic signal
Implementation Method 2
at least one acoustic sensor in the drill pipe and electrically connected to one of the at least one first transmitter and the at least one first receiver, the at least one acoustic sensor for sensing the acoustic signal for synchronizing
Data Source
AI summary
A system for synchronizing instruments in a drill pipe to detect formation characteristics comprises at least one first transmitter for transmitting a first signal, at least one first receiver for receiving a second signal having information based on the first signal, at least one acoustic transmitter for transmitting an acoustic signal, and at least one acoustic sensor electrically connected to one of the at least one first transmitter and the at least one first receiver, the at least one acoustic sensor for sensing the acoustic signal for synchronizing the at least one first transmitter and the at least one first receiver.