Acoustic Telemetry Data Acquisition Optimization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Accurate and reliable communication between surface and downhole components in hydrocarbon exploration is challenging due to the invasive nature of wired systems and the limited data transmission capabilities of wireless acoustic communication systems, leading to insufficient data acquisition and analysis during downhole operations.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that optimizes data acquisition in acoustic communication networks by automatically selecting a data set that matches the target data set given the performance limitations of the network, using a network of acoustic communication nodes and a user interface to define data needs and constraints, thereby adapting data acquisition to the current capabilities of the communication system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If wired communication systems are used to transmit data from downhole to surface, then data transmission reliability is improved, but system complexity and invasiveness increase due to cable connections and complex installations at pipe joints
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces wired mechanical communication systems with wireless acoustic communication systems. Downhole components transmit data acoustically through the wellbore fluid or tubing wall to surface receivers, eliminating the need for physical cable connections at pipe joints and complex wired installations, thereby reducing system complexity while maintaining communication reliability
2Loss of information
If acoustic communication nodes transmit all gathered downhole data to the surface, then data completeness is improved, but network bandwidth is exceeded due to intrinsic data throughput limitations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and transmits only the most critical and relevant downhole data parameters to the surface, rather than transmitting all gathered data. The system prioritizes transmission of essential operational parameters that exceed minimum thresholds, filtering out redundant information to stay within acoustic network bandwidth limitations while maintaining sufficient data completeness for monitoring and control decisions
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements selective data transmission where only partial data sets are transmitted based on operational needs and network capacity. The system dynamically adjusts the amount and type of data transmitted, sending sufficient information to maintain effective monitoring and control without exceeding the intrinsic throughput limitations of the acoustic communication network
3Measurement precision
If data transmission frequency is increased to provide real-time monitoring, then monitoring accuracy is improved, but energy consumption increases and network bandwidth is exceeded
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic data transmission at optimized intervals rather than continuous transmission. The system dynamically adjusts transmission frequency based on operational conditions, network bandwidth availability, and data change rates, transmitting data at sufficient intervals to maintain monitoring accuracy while minimizing energy consumption and staying within network throughput limitations
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs dynamic data transmission strategies where transmission frequency and data volume are adjusted in real-time based on operational conditions. The system increases transmission frequency when critical changes are detected and reduces frequency during stable conditions, optimizing the balance between monitoring accuracy and energy consumption adaptively
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 ensures that the data acquired is sufficient for analysis while minimizing the amount of data transmitted, optimizing data selection based on user needs and network limitations, thereby enhancing the efficiency and reliability of downhole operations.
Implementation Method 1
information or messages are exchanged between downhole components and surface systems using acoustic or electromagnetic transmission mediums
Data Source
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AI summary
A system and method to automate data acquisition in a wireless telemetry network optimizes data acquisition to best match a target data set that the user desires given the performance limitations of the telemetry network. The user defines the target data set by providing inputs regarding a target quality of the target data set relative to a data set that has been produced and stored by a communication node in the network. The performance limitations of the network are defined in a system operating envelope. A data acquisition cycle is then automatically initiated and propagated in the network to acquire an actual data set that is an optimal match for the user's target given the system operating envelope.