Acoustic Telemetry with Distributed Acoustic Sensing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current telemetry systems in subterranean wells face challenges in accurately and efficiently transmitting downhole sensor measurements from well tools to the surface, limiting the ability to monitor parameters effectively and enhance production efficiency.

Innovation Solution

A distributed acoustic sensing (DAS) system utilizing an optical fiber as an acoustic receiver, where a downhole well tool generates acoustic signals that cause strain in the fiber, detectable by a DAS instrument at the surface, allowing for wireless transmission of sensor data using acoustic telemetry, with optional modifications like fiber Bragg gratings or Fabry-Perot interferometers, and command transmission via acoustic pulses or mechanical movements.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional electrical telemetry systems are used to transmit sensor measurements from downhole tools to the surface, then data transmission can be achieved, but the system complexity increases and battery life is depleted faster

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata transmission reliabilityVSAvoidtelemetry system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces traditional electrical telemetry systems with an acoustic telemetry system that uses acoustic waves propagating through the wellbore fluid or wellbore structure to transmit data. This substitution eliminates the need for complex electrical communication infrastructure downhole, reducing system complexity while maintaining reliable data transmission from sensors to the surface.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces acoustic waves as an intermediary medium for data transmission. Instead of direct electrical signal transmission, sensor measurements are converted to acoustic signals that propagate through the wellbore environment, serving as a mediator between the downhole tools and surface receivers, thereby simplifying the overall telemetry architecture.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Loss of time

If traditional electrical telemetry systems are used for continuous data transmission, then real-time monitoring is achieved, but battery life is significantly reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata transmission time delayVSAvoidbattery consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of timeVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The acoustic telemetry system enables flexible transmission scheduling where data can be sent periodically or on-demand rather than continuously. This periodic action allows real-time monitoring capabilities when needed while conserving battery life during normal operation, as acoustic transmissions only consume battery power when data needs to be transmitted to the surface.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

3Use of energy by moving object

If acoustic signals are used for data transmission, then battery life is conserved and wireless communication is achieved, but signal accuracy and noise resistance may be affected

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebattery consumptionVSAvoidsignal detection accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent acknowledges that acoustic signals can be affected by wellbore noise but converts this challenge into an advantage by using the wellbore environment itself as the transmission medium. Acoustic waves naturally propagate through the wellbore fluid and structure, and the system is designed to detect these signals despite ambient noise, effectively using the environment that causes interference as the very medium for reliable communication.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

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

Enables accurate, efficient, and wireless transmission of sensor data from multiple downhole tools to the surface, conserving battery life and allowing for real-time or scheduled data transmission, with flexibility in tool installation and data modulation techniques, enhancing monitoring capabilities and production efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

an acoustic transmitter capable of generating an acoustic signal that can be detected by an optical fiber or other optical waveguide

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAcoustic signal generation: Acoustics

Implementation Method 2

distributed acoustic sensing (DAS) system utilizing an optical fiber as an acoustic receiver, where a downhole well tool generates acoustic signals that cause strain in the fiber, detectable by a DAS instrument at the surface

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDistributed acoustic sensing: Photoelasticity

Data Source

PatentUS9823373B2Acoustic telemetry with distributed acoustic sensing system

Publication Date: 2017.11.21 HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES INC

AI summary

An acoustic telemetry method for use with a subterranean well can include positioning a well tool in the well, the well tool including an acoustic transmitter and a sensor, and an acoustic receiver in the well receiving an acoustic signal transmitted by the transmitter, the acoustic signal including information representative of a measurement by the sensor. A system for use with a subterranean well can include a well tool positioned in the well, the well tool including an acoustic transmitter and a sensor, the acoustic transmitter transmits an acoustic signal including information representative of a measurement by the sensor to an acoustic receiver positioned in the well.