Downhole Communication Connection Device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current downhole communication systems using metallic structures as signal channels face limitations in range and data rate due to the non-ideal nature of the metallic structure as a signal channel, and existing solutions can cause disturbance and leakage risks when deployed.
Innovation Solution
A well installation communication system that uses a connection device to establish an electrical or inductive coupling between a cable and the downhole metallic structure, allowing for improved signal characteristics and minimizing disturbance by being deployable and retractable, with a connection device that provides mechanical and electrical contact for efficient signal transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If electrical signals are transmitted along the downhole metallic structure, then communication between downhole and surface units is enabled, but signal quality deteriorates due to the non-ideal nature of the metallic structure as a signal channel
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a cable as an intermediary signal transmission medium between the downhole metallic structure and surface communication units. The cable connects to the metallic structure at a specific location and provides a dedicated signal path that bypasses the limitations of using the metallic structure alone for long-distance signal transmission, thereby maintaining signal quality while enabling communication.
2Loss of information
If a cable is introduced into the well to improve signal characteristics, then signal quality improves, but disturbance in the well increases and leakage risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the signal transmission path into two parts: the downhole metallic structure for local signal generation/reception and the cable for dedicated signal transmission. This segmentation allows the cable to be introduced only when communication is required, minimizing the time the cable is present in the well and thus reducing disturbance and leakage risk while maintaining signal quality during active communication.
3Reliability
If the cable remains in the well continuously, then communication can be maintained, but disturbance in the well increases and leakage risk increases over time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic approach where the cable is introduced into the well only when communication is required and removed when not needed. This dynamic deployment strategy balances communication availability with minimizing disturbance and leakage risk, as the cable's presence in the well is temporary rather than continuous.
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
The system enhances signal quality and reduces interference and leakage risks by using a connection device that improves signal propagation while being removable, thus optimizing communication between downhole and surface units.
Implementation Method 1
The connection device may provide inductive coupling between the cable and the portion of downhole metallic structure
Data Source
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AI summary
A well installation communication system comprising downhole metallic structure (2), a downhole communication unit (3), and a surface communication unit (4) arranged for electrical signal communication with the downhole communication unit via a signal channel. The signal channel comprises a portion of the downhole metallic structure (2), a portion of cable (5) running within the downhole metallic structure away from said portion of the downhole metallic structure towards the surface and a connection device (6). The connection device (6) is in the signal channel between the portion of metallic structure (2) and the portion of cable (5). The connection device is removeably deployed in the metallic structure, is electrically disconnectably and reconnectably connected to the metallic structure and has a connector portion to which an end of the cable is mechanically and electrically connected.