Data Retrieval Tags for High-Temperature Drillstring Communication
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Solution Overview
Problem
High-temperature environments in oil well drilling pose challenges for electronic circuits due to increased leakage currents in semiconductor-based components, such as CMOS devices, which affect sensor accuracy and communication reliability in drillstrings.
Innovation Solution
The use of data retrieval tags equipped with sensors and an analog memory system, powered by an external coupler, which can operate in high-temperature environments by minimizing leakage currents through fabrication on insulator substrates and employing power management systems to recharge internal power sources, enabling efficient data collection and communication between nodes in the drillstring.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If semiconductor-based components (CMOS devices) are used in high-temperature environments, then electronic circuits can be implemented for sensing and communication, but leakage currents increase causing decreased resistance and reduced measurement accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the operating parameters of the CMOS devices by implementing power management systems that cycle the devices between active and low-power states. This parameter change reduces the average leakage current while maintaining necessary sensing and communication functionality in high-temperature downhole environments
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs periodic power management where CMOS devices are activated only when needed for measurement or communication, then placed in low-power states. This periodic operation reduces cumulative leakage effects and maintains measurement accuracy while preserving electronic circuit adaptability
2Adaptability or versatility
If conventional CMOS devices operate at high temperatures, then electronic functionality is maintained, but leakage currents increase leading to decreased resistance and communication reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies operational parameters by implementing adaptive power management that adjusts CMOS device activation based on communication needs. This reduces leakage current accumulation while maintaining reliable communication functionality in high-temperature environments
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates self-managing power control where the electronic circuits automatically regulate their own power consumption and leakage current effects, maintaining communication reliability without external intervention in high-temperature downhole conditions
3Productivity
If sensors and electronic circuits are deployed in high-temperature downhole environments, then data collection capability is enabled, but leakage currents affect measurement accuracy and require additional power management
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic sensing and communication cycles where CMOS devices are activated only when data collection or transmission is needed, then placed in low-power states. This maintains productivity while significantly reducing average power consumption and leakage current effects
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically changes operational parameters by adjusting sensor activation timing and duration based on downhole conditions and power availability, optimizing the balance between data collection productivity and power consumption in high-temperature environments
Data Source
AI summary
Data retrieval tags, drillstring communications systems and methods, and computer programs are disclosed. The data retrieval tag includes an insulator substrate, at least one analog memory cell disposed on the insulator substrate and an antenna coupled to the analog memory.