Acoustic Telemetry Synchronization for Borehole Data Transmission

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Solution Overview

Problem

Communicating complex data between downhole locations and the surface in oil and gas wells is challenging due to the complex acoustic propagation characteristics of piping structures, making it difficult to choose an optimal carrier frequency for reliable data transmission, and existing wireless telemetry systems lack efficient synchronization methods.

Innovation Solution

A method and system for automatically synchronizing transmitters and receivers by generating a modulated acoustic signal at a first frequency and bit rate, adjusting if synchronization is unsuccessful, and using a predetermined set of frequencies and bit rates to ensure successful data transmission along tubing in a borehole.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If a fixed carrier frequency is used for acoustic signal transmission, then the system structure is simple, but the data transmission reliability deteriorates due to complex acoustic propagation characteristics of piping structures

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem structureVSAvoiddata transmission reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically selects carrier frequency and bit rate based on synchronization success. The transmitter and receiver iteratively adjust these parameters until successful synchronization is achieved, transforming a static fixed-frequency system into a dynamic adaptive system that overcomes complex acoustic propagation characteristics

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes physical parameters (carrier frequency and bit rate) to adapt to the acoustic channel conditions. By iterating through different frequency and bit rate combinations, the system finds optimal parameters for reliable data transmission through the complex piping structure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If iterative frequency and bit rate adjustment is implemented, then data transmission reliability is improved, but the synchronization time increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata transmission reliabilityVSAvoidsynchronization time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary synchronization attempts at the originally selected frequency and bit rate before iterating to other parameters. This preliminary action allows the system to achieve quick synchronization when conditions are favorable, reducing average synchronization time while maintaining the ability to iterate if needed

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Reliability

If cable is used for downhole communication, then data transmission reliability is improved, but the device complexity and installation difficulty increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata transmission reliabilityVSAvoidcable passage structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system replaces the mechanical cable-based communication system with an acoustic wireless telemetry system. Acoustic waves propagate through the tubing fluid, eliminating the need for complex cable passage structures and emergency disconnect mechanisms while providing reliable two-way communication

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 reliable two-way communication between surface and downhole tools, improving data transmission rates and robustness by iteratively adjusting frequencies and bit rates to achieve synchronization, thereby overcoming the limitations of existing systems in acoustic propagation environments.

Implementation Method 1

generating a modulated acoustic signal using a transmitter at a first location on the tubing, and receiving the acoustic signal at a receiver at a second location on the tubing

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAcoustic propagation: Sound

Data Source

PatentUS9631486B2Transmitter and receiver synchronization for wireless telemetry systems

Publication Date: 2017.04.25 SCHLUMBERGER TECH CORP

AI summary

A method and system are presented for transmitting data along tubing in a borehole, comprising generating an acoustic signal using a transmitter at a first location on the tubing, and receiving the acoustic signal at a receiver at a second location on the tubing. The method and system further comprise: (i) generating the acoustic signal at the transmitter at a first frequency and bit rate; (ii) receiving the acoustic signal at the first frequency at the receiver and attempting to synchronize the receiver at the first frequency, and (iiia) if the synchronization is successful, continuing to transmit the acoustic signal so as to pass the data from the transmitter to the receiver; or (iiib) if the synchronization is unsuccessful, adjusting the frequency and/or bit rate of the signal and repeating steps (i)-(iii) on the basis of the adjusted signal.