Downhole Tension Link With Shared-Power Beacon Telemetry
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing downhole tools require multiple power sources for sensors and beacons, increasing complexity and cost, and existing tension monitors are not compatible with generic beacons, necessitating multiple high-powered units for different drilling operations.
Innovation Solution
A downhole tool with a tension monitor and beacon system that operates at low power by using a shared power source and encoding tension data onto a beacon signal, allowing compatibility with various beacon types and reducing the need for multiple power sources.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple specialized power sources are installed for each sensor and beacon, then each component can operate independently, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple power sources into a single shared power source that supplies power to both the tension monitor and the beacon. This merging approach reduces the number of power sources from multiple specialized units to one common power source, thereby reducing device complexity and cost while maintaining the independent operation capability of each component through the power management circuitry.
Solution Approach 2:
The single power source is designed with universal functionality to serve multiple purposes - it powers both the tension monitor sensors and the beacon transmitter. The power management circuitry enables this single power source to dynamically allocate power to different components, making it a multi-functional power supply that replaces multiple specialized power sources.
2Adaptability or versatility
If tension monitors are made integral with beacons, then compatibility is ensured, but the complexity and cost increase requiring multiple high-powered units
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the downhole tool into separate functional modules: a tension monitor module and a beacon module. The tension monitor is disposed within the beacon housing but remains as a separate functional unit with its own power source and transmitter. This segmentation allows the tension monitor to work with generic beacons without requiring integral integration, reducing complexity while maintaining compatibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a power management circuitry as an intermediary between the single power source and the various components (tension monitor and beacon). This intermediary enables the tension monitor to operate independently with its own power supply while maintaining compatibility with the beacon system, avoiding the need for complex integral integration.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple high-powered beacons are purchased for different drilling operations, then operational requirements are met, but the cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal beacon housing that can accommodate different beacon types and configurations. The standardized housing design with integrated power management circuitry allows a single beacon unit to serve multiple drilling operations and applications, eliminating the need to purchase multiple high-powered beacons for different operational requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the beacon functionality with the tension monitor within a single integrated housing. This combination allows one unit to perform multiple functions (position tracking and tension monitoring) that would traditionally require separate beacons and monitors, thereby reducing the total number of units needed and lowering overall cost.
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
The system simplifies operations by using a single power source for tension monitoring and beacon communication, reducing complexity and cost while maintaining effective tension data transmission.
Implementation Method 1
a tension monitoring sensor configured to generate a tension signal indicative of a tension within the link
Implementation Method 2
a first transmitter connected to the power source and configured to send the tension signal
Implementation Method 3
The receiver is configured to receive the tension signal and generate tension data. The second transmitter is configured to transmit a beacon signal to an uphole location. The tension data is encoded on the beacon signal.
Implementation Method 4
The transmitting antenna 82 is configured to emit a magnetic dipole signal or 'beacon signal' 44
Data Source
AI summary
A tension link for use in downhole operations. The tension link has a link body connecting two features, such as a backreamer and product pipe, which are towed through a borehole. The tension link has electronics which can monitor the tension in the link body. The electronics may include a Bluetooth radio or similar device, which uses a power source to send a low power signal including the tension data to a beacon, which is located in a separate cavity of the tension link. The beacon encodes received information about tension onto a stronger electromagnetic field. This electromagnetic field may, in turn, be used to power the electronics. No direct link between the electronics and the beacon exists, and the beacon may be used in other downhole operations other than tension monitoring, such as directional drilling. The electromagnetic field signal is detected at a receiving antenna at an uphole location.