Dart-Based High-Frequency Downhole Data Streaming While Drilling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for streaming high-frequency data from downhole tools to the surface during drilling are expensive and uneconomical, leading to missed opportunities for optimizing drilling activities and increased time, cost, and danger due to delayed data analysis.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a dart deployment sub, a downhole data collection sub, and a surface collection device, which allows for real-time transmission of high-frequency data through a dart that deploys from the deployment sub to the collection sub via a data transmission cable, enabling low-energy and low-cost operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If expensive high-frequency data streaming systems are implemented, then real-time data transmission capability is improved, but implementation cost increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the data transmission function into two parts: a reusable surface-based dart deployment sub that launches darts, and disposable downhole data collection subs that collect and store data. This segmentation allows the expensive transmission infrastructure to be reused while the disposable components handle data collection, reducing overall system cost while maintaining real-time transmission capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs disposable data collection subs that are dropped down the wellbore, collect data, and are then retrieved with the dart. These disposable components eliminate the need for expensive, complex reusable downhole tools, significantly reducing implementation cost while maintaining the ability to transmit high-frequency data in real-time.
2Measurement precision
If data is recorded and analyzed after pulling tools to surface, then data accuracy is maintained, but time and operational danger increase
Solution Approach 1:
The dart acts as an intermediary that retrieves the disposable data collection sub from the wellbore and brings it to the surface. This intermediary mechanism enables rapid data retrieval and analysis without requiring full tool string retrieval, significantly reducing the time loss while maintaining data accuracy through direct physical connection during data transfer.
3Productivity
If high-frequency data is transmitted in real-time, then drilling optimization opportunity is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the data collection function into a separate disposable sub that can be independently deployed and retrieved. This extraction simplifies the overall system by separating the complex reusable transmission infrastructure from the simpler disposable data collection component, reducing system complexity while enabling real-time high-frequency data transmission for drilling optimization.
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method include a dart deployment sub coupled to a drill string including a data receiver, a transmission device, and a data transmission cable, a downhole data collection sub coupled downhole from the dart deployment sub including an instrumentation package capable of acquiring parameter data regarding a location in the wellbore, and a dart disposed inside the dart deployment sub coupled to the data transmission cable configured to receive acquired parameter data from the downhole data collection sub. The dart is configured to depart from the dart deployment sub and land in the downhole data collection sub, wherein the data receiver is configured to receive parameter data from the dart via the data transmission cable. The system further includes a surface collection device coupled to the transmission device configured to transmit parameter data from the dart deployment sub to the surface collection device.