Downhole Communication via Drill String Fluid Venting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current communication systems between downhole tools and the surface in well bores, particularly for whipstocks, are inefficient and require additional components like bypass valves, which add weight, complexity, and potential failure points, while also consuming energy and not allowing effective communication during milling or drilling operations.
Innovation Solution
A method that encodes measured parameters into the venting of fluid from the drill string using pressure variations, eliminating the need for separate bypass valves by integrating measurement tools that selectively vent fluid to communicate orientation and other parameters, allowing for efficient communication without disrupting drilling fluid circulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If conventional communication systems are used with bypass valves, then communication between downhole tools and surface is achieved, but system complexity and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The measurement tool is integrated directly into the drill string, merging the measurement function with the existing drill string structure. This eliminates the need for separate bypass valves and communication devices, reducing system complexity while maintaining communication capability through the drill string fluid pathway
Solution Approach 2:
The drill string fluid pathway serves multiple functions: it maintains drill string integrity, enables drilling fluid circulation, and simultaneously serves as a communication medium for transmitting measurement data to the surface. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for dedicated communication components
2Loss of information
If bypass valves are added for communication, then data transmission is enabled, but weight of the system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The communication function is merged into the existing drill string structure, utilizing the drill string's inherent fluid pathway. This integration eliminates the need for additional heavy components like bypass valves and dedicated communication devices, reducing overall downhole tool weight
3Loss of information
If additional valves are installed for communication, then measurement data can be transmitted, but potential failure points increase
Solution Approach 1:
By merging the communication function into the existing drill string, the invention eliminates additional valves and connectors that would create failure points. The drill string's inherent robustness provides a reliable communication pathway without introducing new potential failure modes
4Loss of information
If separate communication components are used, then parameter measurement is achieved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The drill string fluid pathway performs multiple functions including maintaining structural integrity, enabling drilling fluid circulation, and transmitting measurement data. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate energy-consuming communication systems, reducing overall energy consumption
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 enables effective communication between downhole tools and the surface without the need for additional valves, simplifying the system, reducing weight and energy consumption, and allowing continuous communication during drilling operations.
Implementation Method 1
encodes a measured parameter into the venting of fluid from the fluid path... detected by a pressure sensor
Data Source
Figure 1~3
AI summary
A method of communication between a device located in a borehole and a remote sensor, comprising the steps of: providing a drill string comprising a plurality of connected components (2,3,5,6,7), one or more vessels running along the drill string to form a continuous fluid path (13); incorporating a device (22) into the drill string so that the device is in communication with the fluid path; inserting the drill string into a borehole (18) so that the device is located below a surface into which the borehole is formed and the fluid path extends from the surface to the device; substantially filling the fluid path with a pressurised fluid; circulating fluid through the fluid path and through the device, so that the majority of the fluid leaves the fluid path and passes into the surrounding wellbore through an exit aperture formed below the device; providing a pressure sensor at or near the surface, the pressure sensor being adapted to sense the pressure of the fluid in the fluid path; over a communication period, restricting (23) the flow of fluid through the fluid path at or near the device so that the resulting increase in pressure in the fluid in the fluid path can be detected by the pressure sensor; and following the communication period, commencing a milling or drilling operation using a milling or drilling arrangement (7) provided as part of the drill string, wherein the exit aperture is left open during the milling or drilling operation.