Adaptive Pump Noise Filtering Using Angular Position
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for reducing pump-generated noise in drilling fluid pulse telemetry are inadequate, particularly in long wells where attenuation limits data transmission quality and rate, and mechanical dampers also dampen the telemetry signal, making them unsuitable.
Innovation Solution
The method utilizes the exact angular position of the pump synchronously measured with downstream pressure to create adaptive pump noise models, continuously updated during operation, which are used to filter out noise components originating from variable pump speed, piston speed, valve delays, fluid compressibility, leaks, and inertial effects, represented by an angle-based Fourier series model.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If mechanical dampers (pulsation moderators) are used to reduce pump noise, then pump noise is reduced, but the telemetry signal is also dampened and additional costs are incurred
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical dampers with an electronic signal processing system. A pressure sensor detects the composite signal (telemetry + pump noise), and a signal processing unit separates and removes pump noise components using a mathematical model, leaving only the telemetry signal intact. This eliminates the need for mechanical dampers that would attenuate both noise and signal.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a mathematical model of pump noise as an intermediary between the raw pressure signal and the final telemetry output. This model, based on pump operating parameters, acts as a reference that enables the signal processing system to identify and remove pump noise without affecting the telemetry signal.
2Ease of manufacture
If static calibration methods are used for noise filtering, then the noise model can be established, but the model becomes irrelevant when drilling conditions change (e.g., valve leaks)
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from static calibration to dynamic, continuous adaptation. The noise model is continuously updated during pump operation based on real-time measurements of pump operating parameters (speed, pressure, temperature). This allows the model to adapt to changing drilling conditions such as valve leaks or pump wear without requiring shutdowns or recalibration.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from real-time sensor measurements of pump operating parameters to continuously update the noise model. The model compares predicted noise with actual measurements and adjusts its parameters accordingly, ensuring it remains accurate under varying drilling conditions while the pump operates.
3Measurement precision
If multiple pressure signals are used for noise filtering, then pump noise can be related to time, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the fundamental parameter from time-based signal processing to pump-cycle-based processing. Instead of using multiple time-synchronized pressure signals, the system uses a single pressure signal processed according to pump cycle position (0-100% of pump cycle). This reduces hardware complexity while maintaining the ability to characterize and filter pump noise effectively.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of filtering out pressure noise generated by one or more piston pumps, where each pump is connected to a common downstream piping system, and where the discharge pressure is measured by a pressure sensitive gauge, wherein the instantaneous angular position(s) of the pump(s)' crankshaft or actuating cam is/are measured simultaneously with the discharge pressure and used as fundamental variables in an adaptive mathematical noise model.