Flow Rate Signal Wireless Downhole Communication

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Solution Overview

Problem

Communication between the surface and downhole tools in subterranean operations is challenging due to interference from the formation and harsh downhole conditions, limiting the effectiveness of existing signaling systems and complicating the metallurgy and functionality of downhole tools.

Innovation Solution

The use of flow rate signals with at least two detectable characteristics to facilitate wireless communication with downhole tools, allowing for the actuation of these tools in response to specific signals, thereby overcoming the limitations of magnetic signaling systems and enhancing operational control.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If magnetic materials are used for signaling, then downhole tools can be controlled remotely, but the metallurgy becomes complicated and tool passage is restricted

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveremote control capabilityVSAvoidmetallurgy complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces magnetic field-based signaling with acoustic/pressure wave-based signaling through fluid transmission. Instead of using magnetic materials that complicate metallurgy, the system uses acoustic transducers that convert pressure changes in the drilling fluid into electrical signals, enabling remote control without magnetic components

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes the drilling fluid (泥浆) as a transmission medium for acoustic signals. Pressure changes are introduced into the fluid column, and these pressure variations propagate downhole to activate transducers, leveraging hydraulic/pneumatic principles for communication without requiring magnetic materials

Inventive Principle:

Principle #29Pneumatics and hydraulics

2Reliability

If magnetic signaling systems are used, then wireless communication is achieved, but interference from formation and harsh conditions limit effectiveness

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecommunication reliabilityVSAvoidformation interference

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces acoustic transducers and pressure wave transmission as an intermediary mechanism between the surface control system and downhole tools. This intermediary approach uses mechanical pressure waves that are less susceptible to electromagnetic interference from the formation compared to magnetic field-based signaling

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system replaces electromagnetic/magnetic signaling with acoustic/pressure-based signaling. Acoustic waves transmitted through the drilling fluid are less affected by formation interference and harsh downhole conditions, improving communication reliability in electrically conductive or magnetically interfering environments

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Measurement precision

If flow rate signals with multiple detectable characteristics are used, then communication precision is improved, but signal detection complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesignal detection precisionVSAvoidsignal detection difficulty

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDifficulty of detecting and measuring

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs periodic pressure pulses with specific frequencies and patterns to encode communication signals. By using periodic acoustic signals with distinct temporal characteristics, the system achieves precise signal detection through frequency and pattern recognition, managing complexity through standardized periodic waveforms

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The system encodes information by varying multiple parameters of the acoustic signal including pressure amplitude, pulse duration, frequency, and timing intervals. These parameter changes create distinct detectable characteristics that improve communication precision while maintaining detection feasibility through electronic signal processing

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 method enables reliable wireless communication and control of downhole tools, improving operational efficiency and flexibility without the need for specific metallurgy or restricting the passage of other tools, thus addressing the challenges of interference and harsh conditions.

Implementation Method 1

detecting the first flow rate signal at a first downhole tool disposed within the wellbore

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFlow rate detection:

Data Source

PatentUS11125079B2Flow rate signals for wireless downhole communication

Publication Date: 2021.09.21 HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES INC

AI summary

A method for using flow rate signals for wireless downhole communication comprises generating a first flow rate signal within a wellbore by altering the flow rate of a first fluid in the well bore, wherein the first flow rate signal comprises at least two detectable characteristics; detecting the first flow rate signal at a first downhole tool disposed within the wellbore; and actuating the first downhole tool in response to detecting the first flow rate signal.