Distributed Marinized Borehole System Signal Loss
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing underwater borehole monitoring systems face challenges in transmitting large amounts of data over long distances due to signal losses, particularly in distributed acoustic sensing (DAS) systems, where the effective range is limited by distance between a platform and an undersea borehole.
Innovation Solution
A distributed borehole system is implemented with a surface-based assembly and a marinized assembly, where a borehole interrogator with a transmitter generates a laser beam and a receiver in the marinized assembly converts reflected light into electrical signals, which are then transmitted to a processor on the surface-based assembly for data processing, reducing the need for complex data processing at the marinized assembly and minimizing signal loss.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of stationary object
If a traditional DAS system transmits signals over extended distances between platform and undersea borehole, then the monitoring coverage is improved, but signal loss increases and limits the effective range
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the monitoring functions into two segments: the transmitter remains on the surface platform while the receiver is deployed at the marinized assembly near the borehole. This segmentation allows the signal transmission path to be optimized separately from the processing location, enabling extended monitoring distances while managing signal loss through appropriate receiver placement and signal processing at the marinized assembly
Solution Approach 2:
The marinized assembly acts as an intermediary between the surface platform and the borehole environment. It receives optical signals from the transmitter, converts them to electrical signals, processes the data, and then transmits the processed data back to the surface. This intermediary function allows the system to overcome direct signal transmission limitations over extended distances
2Loss of time
If data processing is performed at the marinized assembly, then real-time monitoring capability is improved, but device complexity and bandwidth requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The marinized assembly performs partial data processing functions rather than complete processing. It converts optical signals to electrical signals and performs initial data processing, then transmits the processed data to the surface for further analysis. This partial action approach provides real-time monitoring capability while avoiding the complexity of implementing full data processing capabilities at the marinized assembly
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
This approach enhances data transmission efficiency by reducing signal loss and bandwidth requirements, allowing for accurate monitoring and characterization of borehole conditions over extended distances without the limitations of traditional DAS systems.
Implementation Method 1
a transmitter of an interrogator generates a laser beam
Implementation Method 2
a receiver in the marinized assembly converts reflected light into electrical signals
Data Source
AI summary
A distributed borehole system includes a surface-based assembly located on a surface of a body of water and a marinized assembly located on a floor of the body of water adjacent to a borehole in an earth formation. The system includes a borehole interrogator including a transmitter configured to generate a signal and to transmit the signal into the borehole and a receiver configured to receive a reflected signal from the borehole based on the signal transmitted by the transmitter. The system further includes a processor configured to process the reflected signal to generate data representing characteristics of one of the borehole system, the borehole, and an earth formation defining the borehole. The processor is located in the surface-based assembly, the receiver is located in the marinized assembly, and the transmitter is located in at least one of the surface-based assembly and the marinized assembly.