Downhole Fiber Optic Telemetry With Embedded Cable
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional communication systems in borehole operations face significant optical signal attenuation due to the increasing number of fiber optic connectors, which limits the transmission rate and reliability of data transmission between downhole tools and surface equipment.
Innovation Solution
A fiber optic communication system that uses a long length of fiber optic cable connected through a minimal number of connectors, with the cable being positioned within pipe segments and utilizing wet connects and uphole connectors to reduce signal loss and maintain high transmission rates, while also employing optical amplifiers and dispersion-compensating devices to extend communication range.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If conventional fiber optic communication systems use multiple connectors to connect pipe segments, then the system can be assembled in sections, but the optical signal attenuation increases and transmission rate decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the fiber optic cable with the drill pipe by embedding the cable within the pipe structure, eliminating the need for separate connectors at pipe joint locations. This integration approach maintains modular pipe assembly capabilities while removing the signal attenuation caused by multiple connectors, as the fiber runs continuously through the pipe segments without requiring connection at each joint.
2Length of moving object
If the number of fiber optic connectors is increased to accommodate more pipe segments, then the pipe system can extend deeper, but the effective transmission rate is lowered due to signal attenuation
Solution Approach 1:
By combining the fiber optic cable with the drill pipe into a single integrated structure, the system achieves extended borehole depth coverage without increasing the number of connectors. The continuous fiber integration ensures high transmission rates are maintained throughout the entire depth, as each additional pipe segment does not require an additional connector that would attenuate the signal.
3Ease of operation
If fiber optic connectors are used at each pipe segment connection, then the system can be easily assembled and disassembled, but the optical signal loss increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the fiber optic cable with the drill pipe structure so that the cable is embedded within the pipe walls rather than being externally connected. This allows pipe segments to be easily assembled and disassembled using conventional drilling operations, while the integrated fiber maintains continuous optical pathways without requiring connectors at each joint, thereby eliminating the associated signal loss.
Data Source
AI summary
This disclosure presents systems to enable downhole bi-directional communications using a long length of fiber optic cable located within or partially within the internal diameter of a set of lower pipe segments and communicatively coupled to one or more upper pipe segments that utilize pipe cable attached to the outside diameter of each of the upper pipe segments. The long length of fiber optic cable and the one or more pipe cables from the upper pipe segments allow for communication coupling between downhole tools and surface equipment and surface computing systems. In some aspects, the pipe cable attached to the upper pipe segments can be protected from wear using clamps, collars, cages, and other protectors. In some aspects, an optical signal generator and modulator, e.g., a light source, can be located downhole proximate the downhole tools, uphole proximate one of the upper pipe segments, or proximate the surface equipment.