Flow-Off Telemetry via Bypass Valve Pressure Pulses
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current telemetry systems in drilling operations are disrupted when mud flow is interrupted, such as during a kick, leading to a lack of communication between downhole and surface locations, especially in situations where auxiliary options like wired pipe or electromagnetic telemetry are not available.
Innovation Solution
A flow-off telemetry system is implemented using a downhole system with inner and annulus sealing elements to create standing columns of fluid, and a bypass valve generates pressure pulses that can communicate information between the downhole and surface locations, allowing for data transmission even without mud circulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If mud flow is interrupted to control a kick, then well control safety is improved, but telemetry communication between downhole and surface is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism (bypass valve) that enables pressure pulse generation as a mediator for communication. When mud flow is stopped for well control, the bypass valve creates pressure pulses that propagate through the standing mud column to convey telemetry information from downhole to surface, serving as an intermediary communication path that doesn't require continuous fluid flow
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operational parameter from continuous mud flow to static standing columns with pressure pulses. By creating standing columns of mud in both the drill string and annulus, and using pressure variations (pulses) instead of flow to transmit information, the system maintains communication capability during flow interruption
2Loss of information
If continuous mud circulation is maintained for telemetry, then communication reliability is improved, but the ability to respond to kicks is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically switches between flow mode and static pressure pulse mode. The bypass valve can be activated to create pressure pulses in the standing columns when needed for communication during kick response, allowing the system to adapt its operational state based on whether continuous flow or static pressure control is the priority
3Loss of information
If auxiliary telemetry options (wired pipe, electromagnetic) are used, then communication during flow interruption is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The bypass valve, originally designed for circulation control, is given a dual function: it serves both as a circulation control device and as a telemetry communication device by generating pressure pulses. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate auxiliary telemetry systems, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining communication capability during flow interruption
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
Enables reliable communication between downhole and surface locations during mud flow interruptions, enhancing well control and safety by allowing for the transmission of critical information and control commands, even in high-pressure high-temperature and deep-water environments.
Implementation Method 1
A bypass valve at a downhole location in the string is activated to generate a pressure pulse due to a pressure difference between the first standing column of fluid and the second standing column of fluid
Implementation Method 2
A first standing column of fluid is created in the inner bore and a second standing column of fluid is created in the annulus by closing at least one of the inner bore using an inner bore sealing element and the annulus using annulus sealing element
Data Source
AI summary
A flow-off telemetry system and method of communicating information from a downhole location in a borehole to a surface location while fluid circulation is off. A string is conveyed in the wellbore to define an inner bore and an annulus. During a flow-off condition, an inner bore sealing element closes the inner bore to create a first standing column of fluid in the inner bore, and an annulus sealing element closes the annulus to form a second standing column of fluid in the annulus. A bypass valve in the string at a downhole location between the first standing column of fluid and the second standing column of fluid is activated to generate a pressure pulse including information for performing an action. The pressure pulse is received at a pressure sensor at the surface location and a controller performs an action in response to the information in the pressure pulse.