Downhole Node Network Segmentation for EM Telemetry Power

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current data communication systems for downhole electronic systems in subsurface drilling face challenges such as limited depth capability, incompatibility with certain formations, and high power requirements for electromagnetic telemetry, which affect the reliability and efficiency of data transmission.

Innovation Solution

A method and system utilizing a network of nodes along the drill string with built-in intelligence to manage power consumption and maintain reliable data transmission, employing electromagnetic telemetry with high-frequency signals and electrically insulating gaps to optimize signal range and reduce power usage, and using relay devices to inhibit operation in regions with strong signal attenuation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If electromagnetic telemetry is used for data transmission, then data transmission speed and reliability are improved, but power consumption increases and depth capability is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata transmission speedVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The drill string is divided into multiple segments with electrically insulating gaps between them, creating discrete transmission zones. Each gap sub acts as an independent electromagnetic telemetry unit, allowing data transmission over shorter distances with lower power requirements, thus resolving the contradiction between transmission speed and power consumption.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Electrically insulating gap subs are introduced as intermediary elements between drill pipe sections. These gap subs serve as both mechanical connectors and electromagnetic transmission points, enabling efficient data transmission while reducing the overall power burden compared to continuous EM telemetry along the entire drill string.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If electromagnetic telemetry is used for data transmission, then data transmission reliability is improved, but depth capability is limited due to signal attenuation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata transmission reliabilityVSAvoiddepth capability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLength of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

By segmenting the drill string into sections separated by electrically insulating gaps, the system creates multiple discrete transmission points. This segmentation allows EM signals to be transmitted over shorter, more reliable intervals, overcoming the signal attenuation problem that limits depth capability in continuous EM telemetry systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system transitions from a single-dimension continuous EM transmission model to a multi-dimensional distributed transmission model, where multiple gap subs at different depths create parallel transmission paths. This dimensional change allows data to be transmitted from multiple points simultaneously, effectively extending depth capability while maintaining reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Length of stationary object

If electromagnetic telemetry is used in high-power mode to overcome signal attenuation, then transmission range is improved, but power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetransmission rangeVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Length of stationary objectVSUse of energy by stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of applying full-power EM transmission continuously along the entire drill string, the system uses partial action by activating only specific gap subs as needed. This approach extends transmission range effectively while avoiding the excessive power consumption that would result from continuous high-power transmission.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

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 reliability and efficiency by optimizing signal range and power management, enabling faster data rates and lower latency, even in challenging formations, and conserving battery power in downhole systems.

Implementation Method 1

transmitting a first signal from a first node based on a first transmission setting... determining a second transmission setting based on the measurement of the measured aspect of the first signal

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic radiation: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

optimizing signal range and power management, enabling faster data rates and lower latency

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic reflection: Reflection

Data Source

PatentEP3158166B1Optimizing downhole data communication with at bit sensors and nodes

Publication Date: 2019.07.10 EVOLUTION ENG

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AI summary

Data is communicated from sensors at a downhole location near a drill bit to surface equipment. Communication to the surface equipment may be direct or may pass through a series of nodes. The nodes in some cases are intelligently reconfigured to achieve desired data rates, achieve power management goals, and/or compensate for failed nodes.