Downhole Downlink Sequencing for Precise Tool Command Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Communication between downhole tools and the surface is limited, slow, and rudimentary, leading to a restricted number of available downlink commands, which may not accurately convey the exact parameters of tool commands, especially in deep wellbores, hindering precise control of downhole tool operations.
Innovation Solution
A downlink generation system that automatically determines a sequence of downlink commands based on a drill plan, considering the downhole tool's capabilities and limitations, to approximate the desired tool commands, facilitating real-time and accurate control of downhole tools.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If downlink commands are transmitted to control downhole tools in deep wellbores, then communication between surface and downhole tool is established, but the number of available downlink commands is limited and cannot convey exact tool command parameters
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments complex tool commands into multiple discrete downlink commands that can be transmitted sequentially through the limited downlink interface. Each downlink command carries a portion of the control information, and the downhole tool reassembles these segments to execute the complete tool command, thereby overcoming the limitation of individual command capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a temporal dimension to the communication process by transmitting commands in sequences over time rather than attempting to convey all parameters in a single downlink command. This transforms the problem from a spatial bandwidth limitation to a temporal transmission solution, allowing complex parameters to be communicated through multiple sequential downlinks.
2Measurement precision
If more downlink commands are made available to convey exact tool command parameters, then control precision improves, but communication complexity and transmission time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary actions by pre-defining tool command templates and parameter structures at the surface before downlink transmission. This allows the system to efficiently pack and transmit only the necessary parameter values through the downlink commands, rather than transmitting complete command structures, thereby reducing transmission time while maintaining precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter representation format to be more compact and efficient for downlink transmission. By optimizing how parameters are encoded and transmitted across multiple downlinks, the system achieves high precision parameter communication with reduced transmission time compared to conventional approaches.
3Adaptability or versatility
If manual methods are used to determine downlink sequences, then flexibility in handling complex tool commands is maintained, but manual errors increase and operational efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service by enabling the downhole tool to automatically receive, process, and execute downlink command sequences without requiring manual intervention for each command. The system autonomously manages the translation from high-level tool commands to sequential downlink transmissions, improving operational efficiency while maintaining flexibility through programmable command structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates feedback mechanisms where the downhole tool acknowledges receipt and execution status of downlink commands, allowing the surface system to monitor and adjust the command sequence transmission. This automated feedback loop enhances both efficiency and flexibility by enabling real-time adaptation to downhole conditions without manual intervention.
Data Source
AI summary
In some embodiments, a method of implementing an operation of a downhole tool within a wellbore includes identifying a tool command for a downhole tool to change a current state of the downhole tool to a target state. The method further includes determining, from a set of candidate downlink commands, a set of one or more downlink commands associated with executing the tool command. The method further includes generating a downlink sequence of one or more downlinks for communicating the set of one or more downlink commands to the downhole tool. The method further includes providing the downlink sequence for transmitting to the downhole tool.