Crystal Resonator Downhole Sensor Modulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Monitoring conditions at the bottom of a borehole, such as temperature and pressure, is challenging due to the impracticality of wired communication systems for extended distances, and existing remote downhole well telemetry systems face limitations in accurately sensing and transmitting data without interference.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing a crystal resonator-based sensor module that modulates an electromagnetic signal in response to downhole conditions, coupled with a power monitor to detect inflections and determine resonance frequencies, allowing for accurate temperature and pressure monitoring through a coaxial transmission line and surface detection circuit.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If wired communication systems are used for monitoring downhole conditions, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and installation feasibility deteriorate due to impracticality in extended boreholes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical wired communication system with an electromagnetic field-based wireless communication system. The downhole sensor module uses a crystal resonator to modulate electromagnetic signals that travel through the borehole to the surface, eliminating the need for physical wiring deep underground while maintaining measurement capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The electromagnetic signal serves multiple functions: it carries both the monitoring data from the crystal resonator and provides power to the downhole sensor module through power monitoring and inflection detection, making the communication system multi-functional and self-sufficient.
2Ease of operation
If existing remote downhole well telemetry systems are used, then ease of operation is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates due to signal interference and accuracy limitations
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors the power level of the electromagnetic signal and detects inflections that indicate resonance frequency changes. This feedback mechanism allows the crystal resonator to accurately sense downhole conditions by observing changes in the electromagnetic field's power characteristics, improving measurement precision while maintaining ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes changes in the electromagnetic signal's power level and frequency parameters to encode downhole condition information. By monitoring inflections in power level and determining resonance frequencies through voltage controlled oscillation, the system achieves accurate condition sensing without compromising operational ease.
3Measurement precision
If crystal resonator-based sensing is implemented, then measurement precision is improved for temperature and pressure monitoring, but device complexity increases due to additional sensor module components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the crystal resonator, electromagnetic signal generation, modulation, and power monitoring functions into a single integrated downhole sensor module. This merging of functions achieves precise temperature and pressure measurement while minimizing the number of separate components and simplifying the overall device architecture.
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 and efficient monitoring of downhole conditions by accurately measuring changes in resonance frequencies, effectively overcoming the limitations of existing systems and providing real-time data processing and analysis.
Implementation Method 1
a passive resonating circuit including a crystal oscillator having a resonant frequency that varies with changes in the condition in the downhole environment
Implementation Method 2
a passive resonating circuit including a crystal oscillator having a resonant frequency that varies with changes in the condition in the downhole environment to reflect the electromagnetic signal
Data Source
AI summary
A system, method and device for interrogating a downhole environment in a borehole beneath a surface includes a source of electromagnetic energy, operable to transmit an electromagnetic signal in the borehole, a sensor module, including a passive resonating circuit including a crystal oscillator having a resonant frequency that varies with changes in the condition in the downhole environment to reflect the electromagnetic signal and to modulate the electromagnetic signal in response to a condition in the downhole environment in the borehole and a detector positionable to receive the reflected modulated electromagnetic signal. Embodiments include a power monitor and circuitry configured and arranged to measure an input frequency at a time when an inflection in the applied power is observed.