Downlink Mud Flow Modulation With Sinusoidal Signal Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional drilling systems face limitations in generating downlink signals due to restricted frequency and amplitude ranges, leading to reduced information transmission and increased wear on mud pumps, with existing methods like mud pulse telemetry only allowing for square wave-shaped signals.

Innovation Solution

A flow regulation system with a variable flow valve and pressure sensor is used to generate sinusoidal fluid flow patterns by redirecting drilling fluid back to the mud pit, allowing for more variability in fluid flow rates and enabling the transmission of multiple signal bands with different frequencies, reducing wear on equipment and improving signal quality.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of information

If conventional drilling systems use restricted frequency and amplitude ranges for downlink signals, then equipment wear is reduced, but information transmission capacity is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinformation transmission capacityVSAvoidequipment wear

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts the frequency and amplitude of downlink signals based on operational conditions. The variable frequency modulator and variable amplitude modulator allow real-time changes in signal characteristics, enabling higher information transmission capacity without requiring constant maximum-power operation that would increase equipment wear.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes multiple signal parameters (frequency, amplitude, phase) to encode information. By varying these parameters within optimized ranges rather than using fixed restricted ranges, the system achieves higher information capacity while maintaining equipment reliability through controlled parameter variation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Loss of information

If variable flow valve position is continuously adjusted to generate sinusoidal flow patterns, then information transmission capacity increases, but valve wear increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinformation transmission capacityVSAvoidvalve wear

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces direct mechanical valve modulation with electronic signal modulation. Instead of continuously adjusting the variable flow valve mechanically, the system uses electronic modulators to vary frequency and amplitude of the downlink signal, reducing mechanical wear while maintaining information transmission capacity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces electronic modulators as intermediaries between the control system and the fluid flow system. These modulators translate digital information into varied signal characteristics without requiring direct mechanical adjustment of the flow valve, thereby reducing wear on the valve while enabling complex information transmission.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If mud pump output is maintained constant, then equipment wear is reduced, but fluid flow variability is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveequipment wearVSAvoidfluid flow variability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses a variable flow valve as an intermediary device that decouples the constant-output mud pump from the variable-flow requirement. The valve modulates the constant pump output to create variable fluid flow patterns and sinusoidal downlink signals, maintaining pump reliability while achieving flow variability needed for information transmission.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces direct pump modulation with valve-based flow control. Instead of varying pump speed or output mechanically (which would increase wear), the system maintains constant pump output and uses a variable flow valve to create the necessary flow variability and signal modulation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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

This approach enhances the complexity and amount of information transmitted to downhole tools, improves signal reception, and extends the operational lifetime of mud pumps by allowing for sinusoidal transitions and constant mud pump operation.

Implementation Method 1

A flow regulation system with a variable flow valve and pressure sensor is used to generate sinusoidal fluid flow patterns by redirecting drilling fluid back to the mud pit

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFluid flow:

Implementation Method 2

A pressure sensor is located between the fixed flow valve and the variable flow valve

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPressure measurement:

Data Source

PatentUS20230009998A1Systems and methods for generating a downlink signal

Publication Date: 2023.01.12 SCHLUMBERGER TECH CORP

AI summary

A flow regulation system for downlink communication includes a fixed flow valve and a variable flow valve on a discharge line. A pressure sensor is located between the fixed flow valve and the variable flow valve. A sinusoidal communication flow pattern in the drilling fluid is generated by adjusting the position of the variable flow valve based on measured valve pressures from the pressure sensor.