Mixed-Mode Telemetry Relay System for Deep Boreholes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current telemetry systems face challenges in effectively communicating data from deeper boreholes or those passing through formations that highly attenuate electromagnetic (EM) telemetry signals, limiting their depth capability and reliability.
Innovation Solution
A telemetry relay system that combines mud pulse (MP) and EM telemetry by using a pressure sensor to decode MP signals, re-encode them for EM transmission, and switch between modes based on data type, allowing for efficient data transmission through multiple hops using EM telemetry relay systems, even in regions where EM signals are strongly attenuated.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If electromagnetic telemetry is used for data transmission from deep boreholes, then data transmission rate is improved, but signal attenuation increases in formations with high EM attenuation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary conversion system that receives mud pulse signals downhole, converts them to electromagnetic signals, and transmits them to the surface. This mediator resolves the contradiction by allowing MP telemetry to operate reliably in high-attenuation formations while achieving EM telemetry transmission rates through the conversion process.
Solution Approach 2:
The system segments the telemetry function into two parts: mud pulse signal generation at the drill bit (where reliable operation is needed in high-attenuation zones) and electromagnetic signal transmission at the surface (where high data rates are needed). The conversion point separates these functions to optimize both aspects.
2Reliability
If mud pulse telemetry is used in regions with high EM signal attenuation, then reliability is improved, but data transmission rate decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The conversion system acts as an intermediary that receives reliable but low-rate MP signals from deep in the wellbore and converts them to high-rate EM signals for surface transmission. This resolves the contradiction by allowing the system to benefit from MP reliability in high-attenuation zones while achieving EM transmission rates at the surface.
3Length of stationary object
If EM telemetry signals are transmitted through highly attenuating formations, then depth capability is improved, but signal strength at surface decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses an intermediary conversion system located downhole that converts MP signals to EM signals before transmission through the attenuating formation. This mediator allows the system to achieve greater depth capability by converting signals at the optimal point while maintaining sufficient signal strength for surface detection.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the signal transmission parameter from direct EM transmission through high-attenuation zones to MP signal generation followed by EM conversion at the optimal depth. This parameter change optimizes both depth capability and signal strength by performing the conversion at the point where MP signals are still strong but EM transmission to the surface is feasible.
4Ease of manufacture
If MP telemetry pressure transducers are placed at the surface, then data acquisition is simplified, but system complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the pressure transducer function from the surface equipment and places it downhole with the drill string. This eliminates the need for complex surface pressure measurement systems while maintaining data acquisition capability through the converted EM signals.
Solution Approach 2:
The downhole conversion system acts as an intermediary that eliminates the need for surface pressure transducers. By converting MP signals to EM signals downhole, the system removes the complexity of surface pressure measurement while maintaining full data acquisition capability.
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 solution enhances data transmission fidelity and rate, extends the reach of EM telemetry, and reduces the need for MP telemetry pressure transducers at the surface, enabling more reliable and efficient data communication from deep boreholes.
Implementation Method 1
a pressure sensor arranged to detect pressure fluctuations corresponding to mud pulse telemetry signals
Implementation Method 2
transmit the re-encoded signal by the electromagnetic telemetry transmitter
Data Source
AI summary
A telemetry method transmits data by MP telemetry to a telemetry relay system which retransmits the data by EM telemetry. The method avoids the need to incorporate MP telemetry pressure transducers into rig equipment and permits telemetry from regions unfavorable for EM telemetry because of depth and/or characteristics surrounding formations.