Downhole Communication via Pressure Patterns and Stored Power
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing oilfield systems face communication disruptions with downhole tools when locally generated electrical power is not available, particularly due to interruptions in drilling fluid circulation below a threshold flow rate, which prevents energization of communication devices.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that utilize a locally powered sensor and controller connected to a bottomhole assembly, generating power only when fluid flow exceeds a threshold, allowing communication by detecting predetermined pressure patterns and transmitting signals using stored power when fluid circulation falls below the threshold.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If electrical power is generated using turbines or rotary devices that harness energy from circulating drilling fluid, then downhole communication devices can be energized, but interruptions to fluid circulation disrupt communication
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by storing pressure energy in the elastic element (bladder or bellows) before the drilling fluid flow is interrupted. The accumulator is pre-charged with gas or fluid under pressure, and the elastic element is positioned to store potential energy that can be rapidly converted to kinetic energy or pressure when needed, ensuring communication devices remain energized during flow interruptions.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic element acts as a cushion that stores energy in advance to compensate for interruptions in drilling fluid circulation. When flow is interrupted, the pre-stored energy in the elastic element maintains pressure and power supply to communication devices, preventing disruption and ensuring continuous operation during transient flow conditions.
2Power
If fluid circulation is maintained above threshold flow rate to generate power, then communication devices remain energized, but this limits operational flexibility during drilling interruptions
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adapts to varying drilling fluid flow conditions by using the elastic element to buffer between high-flow periods (when power is generated and stored) and low-flow or interrupted periods (when stored power is released). This dynamic response allows the system to maintain power availability across a range of operational conditions without requiring constant threshold-flow circulation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters by switching between active power generation mode (when flow is above threshold) and stored power mode (when flow is below threshold or interrupted). The elastic element enables this parameter change by storing and releasing energy, allowing the system to adapt its power source based on real-time flow conditions rather than being constrained to a single operating regime.
3Reliability
If local power sources are used to energize sensors and controllers during flow interruptions, then communication can continue, but this requires additional energy storage capacity
Solution Approach 1:
The elastic element serves multiple functions: it acts as a pressure buffer during normal operation, an energy storage device during flow interruptions, and a power source for both sensors and controllers. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components for each function, thereby limiting the increase in system complexity while maintaining communication reliability during interruptions.
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
Enables continuous communication between the surface and downhole tools even during interruptions in fluid circulation, allowing for control and data transmission during drilling operations by using stored power and pressure patterns.
Implementation Method 1
generating power at the bottomhole assembly using a generator energized by a drilling fluid flowing at at least a threshold flow rate value
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
AI summary
A method enables communication with downhole tools during a "flow off" condition by energizing at least one sensor and a controller using a local power source only after flow of drilling fluid has been reduced below the threshold flow rate value. Thereafter, the method involves generating the at least one predetermined pattern into the wellbore, detecting the at least one predetermined partem using the at least one sensor and the controller, and transmitting a signal using the controller in response to the detected at least one predetermined pattern.