Downhole Network Protocol Translation for Borehole Communication
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Solution Overview
Problem
The complexity of communication protocols used by different tools in hydrocarbon exploration and production activities in boreholes leads to errors and increased complexity in wireline operations, as each tool often requires a unique protocol for data transmission and operation.
Innovation Solution
A communication network system is implemented, where a surface host connects to a subsurface host via a communication link, allowing downhole tools to communicate using a common protocol within each network subset, with network devices translating data between different protocols, enabling seamless communication across multiple subsets.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If each downhole tool uses a unique communication protocol, then the tool can be operated and controlled, but the system complexity increases and errors occur more frequently
Solution Approach 1:
A surface host computer acts as an intermediary between the operator and multiple downhole tools. The surface host runs software that automatically selects and applies the appropriate communication protocol for each tool based on tool type, eliminating the need for manual protocol configuration and reducing system complexity while maintaining protocol compatibility
Solution Approach 2:
The surface host computer provides universal communication capability by supporting multiple communication protocols through a single system. The software can identify and switch between different protocols (such as those for drilling tools, logging tools, and production tools), making one system capable of handling diverse tool types without requiring separate specialized systems for each protocol
2Adaptability or versatility
If each downhole tool uses a unique communication protocol, then the tool can operate independently, but the overall system reliability decreases due to increased errors
Solution Approach 1:
The surface host software includes automatic protocol selection that provides feedback about tool identity and communication status. The system monitors communication attempts and automatically adjusts protocol selection based on tool responses, reducing errors from manual misconfiguration and improving overall communication reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-identification and self-configuration of communication protocols. When a downhole tool is connected, the surface host automatically identifies the tool type and configures the appropriate protocol without requiring manual intervention, reducing human error and improving reliability while maintaining tool independence
3Productivity
If multiple communication protocols are used across different tools, then each tool can be optimized for its specific function, but the ease of operation decreases due to complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The surface host software automatically performs protocol selection and configuration based on tool identification. This self-service capability eliminates the need for operators to manually determine which protocol to use for each tool, maintaining the benefits of protocol optimization for each tool type while dramatically simplifying operator interaction to merely connecting the tool
Data Source
AI summary
A system for communicating with subsurface components includes: a surface host connected to a subsurface location; a subsurface host connected to the surface host by a communication link, the subsurface host configured to communicate with the surface host using a communication protocol; and a plurality of tools configured to be disposed in a borehole, the plurality of downhole tools communicatively coupled to the subsurface host via a communication network. The communication network is divided into a plurality of network subsets, each network subset of the plurality of network subsets including one or more downhole tools, all of the one or more downhole tools configured to communicate using a common protocol, each network subset including a network device configured to receive data and translate the data to the common protocol, the common protocol of one network subset being different than the common protocol of at least one other network subset.