Downhole Dual Pulse Generator for Reliable Data Transmission
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems face challenges in transmitting fluid pressure pulses to the surface, particularly in larger diameter tubing and deep wells, due to insufficient pulse magnitude and signal attenuation, which results in data loss.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus employs two fluid pressure pulse-generating devices, housed in a common cartridge within a tubular housing, allowing for simultaneous operation to produce combined pulses that match in profile and amplitude, thereby enhancing detectability at the surface without increasing the device's size, which would impede the fluid flow passage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If a single pulse-generating device is used, then the device size is reduced, but the pulse magnitude becomes insufficient for detection at surface
Solution Approach 1:
The single pulse-generating device is segmented into multiple independent pulse generators (first pulse generator and second pulse generator), each capable of generating pressure pulses independently. This segmentation allows the system to produce combined pulse magnitude greater than a single device could generate, while each individual device maintains a compact size suitable for the housing.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple pulse generators are merged within a single housing structure, with their output pulses combining in the fluid flow path. The housing integrates multiple devices that would otherwise be separate, allowing the pulses to accumulate and achieve sufficient magnitude for surface detection without requiring an oversized single device.
2Illumination intensity
If larger devices are used to generate sufficient pulses, then the pulse magnitude increases, but the device impedes the fluid flow passage
Solution Approach 1:
The pulse generation function is segmented into multiple smaller devices rather than one large device. Each pulse generator is compact enough to be housed within the housing without significantly obstructing the fluid flow passage, yet collectively they generate sufficient pulse magnitude through combined operation.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of increasing device size in one dimension to achieve greater pulse magnitude, the solution transitions to multiple smaller devices arranged within the housing in a different spatial configuration. This dimensional approach allows adequate pulse generation while maintaining clear fluid flow paths.
3Reliability
If multiple pulse generators are provided, then redundancy and adaptability are improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple pulse generators are merged into a single integrated housing with common control mechanisms. This merging approach provides redundancy through multiple generators while managing complexity by sharing structural and control resources across all generators within the unified housing structure.
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 solution enables the generation of sufficient fluid pressure pulses that can be detected at the surface without requiring larger devices, providing redundancy and adaptability to varying downhole conditions, ensuring reliable data transmission of downhole parameters.
Implementation Method 1
a valve having a valve element and a valve seat, the valve being actuatable to control the flow of fluid along the respective flow path
Implementation Method 2
a first device for controlling the flow of fluid along a first flow path which communicates with the internal fluid flow passage, to generate a first fluid pressure pulse; and a second device for controlling the flow of fluid along a second flow path which communicates with the internal fluid flow passage, to generate a second fluid pressure pulse
Data Source
Figure 1
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Figure 4~5
AI summary
This invention relates to apparatus for generating a fluid pressure pulse downhole. One such apparatus (12) is disclosed which comprises an elongate, generally tubular housing (46) defining an internal fluid flow passage (48); a first device (50) for controlling the flow of fluid along a first flow path (52) which communicates with the internal fluid flow passage, to generate a first fluid pressure pulse; and a second device (54) for controlling the flow of fluid along a second flow path (56) which communicates with the internal fluid flow passage, to generate a second fluid pressure pulse. The first and second devices are both provided in the housing, take the form of a cartridge which can be releasably mounted in a space (80, 82) provided in a wall (60) of the housing, and house a valve (74) having a valve element (76) and a valve seat (78), the valve being actuable to control the flow of fluid along the respective flow path.