Downhole Telemetry Mode Switching for Connectivity and Data Rate

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Solution Overview

Problem

The process of sealing and unsealing downhole devices for data retrieval in drilling operations is time-consuming and costly, and existing telemetry methods, such as mud pulse and electromagnetic telemetry, have limitations in maintaining connectivity and data transmission rates, especially in deep or conductive wells.

Innovation Solution

A system with an uphole processor and a downhole device that includes a contact module for communicating with the downhole device, allowing for automatic switching between mud pulse and electromagnetic telemetry modes based on trigger events, such as signal strength or fluid flow, to ensure continuous connectivity and optimize data transmission.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If mud pulse telemetry is used for data transmission, then connectivity is maintained in deep wells, but data transmission rate is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveconnectivityVSAvoiddata transmission rate

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically switches between mud pulse telemetry mode and electromagnetic telemetry mode based on real-time detection of trigger events (such as mud pulse signal strength, electromagnetic signal quality, or fluid flow conditions). This allows the system to adapt its transmission method to maximize both connectivity and data transmission rate under varying downhole conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the telemetry transmission parameters by switching between two different transmission modes (mud pulse and electromagnetic). Each mode has different physical parameters and characteristics, and the system selects the optimal mode based on detected trigger events to achieve both reliable connectivity and high data transmission rates.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Productivity

If electromagnetic telemetry is used for data transmission, then data transmission rate is improved, but connectivity is lost in conductive wells

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata transmission rateVSAvoidconnectivity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system continuously monitors downhole conditions and uses this feedback to determine when to switch between telemetry modes. Trigger events such as degraded signal strength or changes in fluid flow conditions provide feedback that initiates mode switching to maintain optimal connectivity and data transmission.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Loss of information

If downhole device is sealed and unsealed for data retrieval, then data can be accessed, but time is consumed and cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata accessVSAvoidsealing and unsealing time

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system enables continuous data transmission from the downhole device to the surface through automated telemetry communication. This eliminates the need to seal and unsealed the device for data retrieval, as data can be continuously transmitted during drilling operations. The useful action of data retrieval continues without interruption to drilling operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Solution Approach 2:

The system replaces the mechanical sealing and unsealing process with an automated telemetry communication system. Instead of physically accessing the device through sealing operations, data is transmitted through mud pulse or electromagnetic signals, substituting a mechanical process with an automated communication-based system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Productivity

If telemetry mode switching is implemented, then data transmission is optimized, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata transmission optimizationVSAvoidtelemetry system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The downhole device incorporates both mud pulse telemetry and electromagnetic telemetry capabilities within a single integrated system. This multi-functional approach allows the device to utilize multiple transmission methods without requiring separate systems, thereby optimizing data transmission while managing complexity through consolidation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS11814954B2Optimization of automated telemetry for a downhole device

Publication Date: 2023.11.14 BLACK DIAMOND OILFIELD RENTALS LLC

AI summary

In some embodiments, a system includes an uphole processor and a tool drill string having a downhole device including a downhole processor. The uphole processor may include a memory storing instructions, the uphole processor may be communicatively coupled to the downhole processor, and the uphole processor may be configured to execute the instructions to determine a configuration setting of the system, determine whether the configuration setting indicates a trigger event has occurred, and responsive to determining the trigger event has occurred, transmit a downlink message to the downhole processor to modify an aspect of the downhole device.