Downhole Translation Tool for Wellbore Communication Reliability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Downhole tools in wellbore environments often experience communication disruptions due to malfunctions in acoustic repeaters, leading to a loss of communication between the surface and downhole tools, effectively isolating them from the surface control system.
Innovation Solution
A downhole communication system that translates communications between different media, such as pressure pulses and acoustic stimulation, allowing for continued communication even if one medium is compromised, using a translation tool with a processor to receive and transmit commands across various communication techniques like pressure pulses, acoustic signals, or electromagnetic signals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a single communication medium (e.g., acoustic repeater) is used for downhole communication, then the system is simpler, but communication reliability deteriorates when that medium malfunctions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a translation tool as an intermediary device that converts communications between different media (acoustic, pressure pulse, electromagnetic). When one communication path fails, the translation tool enables switching to an alternative medium, thereby improving reliability without requiring complete redundancy of the entire communication system.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically changes communication parameters by switching between different communication media based on which path is available. The translation tool detects failures in one medium and transitions to using a different medium (e.g., switching from acoustic to pressure pulse communication), maintaining communication reliability through parameter adaptation.
2Reliability
If multiple communication mediums are implemented for redundancy, then communication reliability improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The translation tool is designed with multi-functionality, capable of receiving communications in one medium and transmitting in another. This single device performs multiple functions (acoustic receiver, pressure pulse receiver, electromagnetic transmitter, etc.), providing redundancy without requiring separate dedicated systems for each communication path.
Solution Approach 2:
Rather than implementing multiple independent communication systems, the patent uses a translation tool as a mediator that connects different communication media. This intermediary approach provides the benefits of multiple communication paths while avoiding the complexity of managing entirely separate redundant systems.
3Adaptability or versatility
If communication translation between media is implemented, then adaptability improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The translation tool serves as an intermediary that handles the complexity of multi-media communication translation. By concentrating the translation functionality in a single device rather than distributing it across multiple tools, the system achieves high adaptability while localizing the complexity to one manageable component.
4Productivity
If acoustic repeaters are used for communication, then communication efficiency is maintained, but vulnerability to single-point failure increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements beforehand cushioning by having alternative communication paths ready in advance. When the primary acoustic repeater path fails, the translation tool can immediately switch to alternative media (pressure pulses or electromagnetic signals), cushioning against the failure and maintaining communication continuity without interruption to productivity.
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
Ensures uninterrupted communication between the surface and downhole tools by mitigating interruptions and delays, enabling effective control and data transmission through multiple communication mediums, including introducing time delays to signify successful command execution or data transmission.
Implementation Method 1
translating a communication received via one communication medium (e.g., pressure pulses of wellbore fluid) to a different communication medium (e.g., acoustic stimulation of tubing or other wellbore system component)
Implementation Method 2
acoustic stimulation of tubing or other wellbore system component
Data Source
AI summary
In one embodiment of this disclosure there is provided a method for communicating with a second downhole tool in a wellbore that extends from a terranean surface. When there is no loss of communicability in a second communications medium between the terranean surface and the second downhole tool, the method comprises transmitting a first communication in the second communication medium from the terranean surface to the second downhole tool. When there is a loss of communicability in the second communications medium, the method comprises transmitting the first communication from the terranean surface to a first downhole tool positioned in the wellbore in a first communication medium different than the second communication medium, translating the first communication from the first to the second communication medium, and transmitting the first communication in the second communication medium from the first to the second downhole tool.