Downhole Telemetry Subsystem for Inter-Module Coordination

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing systems face challenges in efficiently communicating between downhole modules in a wellbore, limiting the ability to coordinate operations without involving the surface controller and relying on surface power sources.

Innovation Solution

A telemetry subsystem is introduced to enable communication between downhole modules, using interface circuits and components like routers and switches, allowing for inter-module communication and connection to a surface controller through wired or wireless means, including local power sources like batteries for remote operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of information

If pressure pulse signals are used for communication between surface controller and downhole modules, then communication capability is achieved, but communication efficiency and coordination ability between modules deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecommunication efficiencyVSAvoidcommunication system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The communication system is segmented into multiple independent communication paths: a first communication path between the surface controller and first downhole module, and a second communication path between downhole modules. This segmentation allows efficient direct module-to-module communication while maintaining surface control capability, resolving the contradiction between communication efficiency and system complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The first downhole module acts as an intermediary that receives commands from the surface controller and relays them to other downhole modules. This intermediary approach enables efficient local coordination between modules without requiring direct surface controller involvement in every module interaction, thereby improving communication efficiency while maintaining manageable system complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Productivity

If surface controller is involved in all downhole module operations, then centralized control is maintained, but operational independence and response time of downhole modules deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperational response timeVSAvoidmodule operational independence

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSExtent of automation

Solution Approach 1:

The control system is segmented into centralized surface control functions and distributed downhole control functions. The surface controller maintains overall mission management, while individual downhole modules can autonomously execute tasks and coordinate with each other through direct communication paths, improving both response time and operational independence.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Downhole modules are equipped with autonomous capabilities to receive tasks from the surface controller, process local sensor data, make decisions based on predefined criteria, and coordinate with other modules independently. This self-service capability enables faster response times and operational independence while the surface controller maintains overall mission oversight.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Adaptability or versatility

If hydraulic pressure or mechanical activation is used for downhole modules, then activation capability is achieved, but operational flexibility and coordination between modules deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperational flexibilityVSAvoidmodule coordination capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces hydraulic pressure and mechanical activation systems with electronically controlled modules that communicate through electrical or wireless signals. This substitution provides superior operational flexibility through programmable control and enhanced coordination capability through direct digital communication between modules, eliminating the limitations of analog hydraulic/mechanical control systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS8022839B2Telemetry subsystem to communicate with plural downhole modules

Publication Date: 2011.09.20 SCHLUMBERGER TECH CORP

AI summary

A system for use in a wellbore includes plural modules for positioning in the wellbore and including respective interfaces, where the plural modules are configured to perform predefined downhole tasks in the wellbore. The plural modules are associated with respective local power sources. A telemetry subsystem enables communication between at least two of the plural modules, where the communication between the at least two of the plural modules allows one of the two modules to affect an operation of another of the two modules.