Mud Pulse Telemetry Continuous Circulation Drilling

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional drilling systems experience communication disruptions when the drill string is broken to add or remove equipment, disrupting the flow of information between surface and downhole locations.

Innovation Solution

A mud pulse telemetry system with a continuous circulation system that maintains fluid circulation and enables communication through pressure pulses in the drilling fluid, using signal generators and pressure transducers integrated into the flow diverters, allowing continuous signal transmission between surface and downhole locations even during drill string interruptions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the drill string is broken to add or remove equipment, then the drill string can be maintained and equipment can be updated, but communication between surface and downhole locations is disrupted

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to add or remove equipmentVSAvoidcommunication disruption

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses drilling fluid as an intermediary medium to transmit communication signals. Pressure pulses are generated in the drilling fluid to convey information from downhole to surface, and the fluid itself serves as the communication channel that remains uninterrupted during drill string operations

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system establishes communication through the drilling fluid before any drill string disruptions occur. By using the already-present drilling fluid as the communication medium, the system prepares a communication path that will remain functional even when the drill string is broken or reconfigured

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Productivity

If conventional drilling systems are used, then drilling operations can be performed, but communication links are interrupted during drill string operations

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedrilling operation capabilityVSAvoidcommunication link continuity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs hydraulic communication through drilling fluid to transmit signals. Pressure pulses are generated in the hydraulic medium (drilling fluid) and detected at the surface, providing a reliable communication link that operates independently of the mechanical drill string connections

Inventive Principle:

Principle #29Pneumatics and hydraulics

3Adaptability or versatility

If the drill string is disconnected to perform wellbore operations, then equipment can be added or removed, but fluid circulation may be interrupted

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to perform wellbore operationsVSAvoidfluid circulation continuity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The system maintains continuous drilling fluid circulation throughout the wellbore during all operations. The fluid circulation system is designed to keep the fluid moving continuously, ensuring that communication signals can always be transmitted and that wellbore pressure is maintained without interruption

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

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 real-time, uninterrupted communication and pressure management during drilling operations, allowing for efficient control of wellbore conditions and reducing the risk of pressure-related issues like kicks, while maintaining fluid circulation during drill string connections and disconnections.

Implementation Method 1

at least one signal generator in hydraulic communication with the circulating fluid, the at least one signal generator configured to impart at least one pressure signal into the circulating fluid

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPressure signal transmission: Pressure Gradient

Implementation Method 2

at least one pressure transducer in pressure communication with the circulating fluid and configured to detect the imparted at least one pressure signal

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPressure detection:

Implementation Method 3

a fluid circulating system circulating fluid through at least a part of the string

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFluid circulation: Pump

Data Source

PatentUS10494885B2Mud pulse telemetry with continuous circulation drilling

Publication Date: 2019.12.03 BAKER HUGHES CO

AI summary

A system for performing a wellbore operation while a fluid circulates in a wellbore may include a string, a fluid circulation system, a control device, The string may include at least a first tubular section and a second tubular section. The a fluid circulating system has a first fluid path and a second fluid path, wherein only one of the first fluid path and the second fluid path circulate the fluid into the string at a specified time. The control device selects one of the first or second fluid path through which to convey the fluid into the string, at least one signal generator in hydraulic communication with the circulating fluid, the at least one signal generator configured to impart at least one pressure signal into the circulating fluid, and at least one pressure transducer in pressure communication with the circulating fluid and configured to detect the imparted at least one pressure signal, wherein the at least one signal generator and the at least one pressure transducer form a communication link, the communication link configured to convey information between at least two locations along a flow path of the circulating drilling fluid, irrespective of the fluid path selected by the control device to convey the fluid into the drill string.