Pressure Release Encoding for Downhole Inclination Data
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional downhole tools for transmitting directional information from a wellbore to the surface are costly and require significant power, often necessitating wireline operations for inclination measurements, which are inefficient and disruptive to drilling operations.
Innovation Solution
A pressure release encoding system utilizing a ruggedized float valve and hydraulic brake within the drilling sub, which restricts fluid flow to create timed pressure drops correlated with downhole conditions, allowing real-time transmission of inclination data without the need for wireline connections or significant modification to existing drilling equipment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If wireline operations are used for inclination measurements, then measurement precision is improved, but productivity deteriorates due to disruptive drilling operations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces wireline mechanical operations with a mud pulse telemetry system that transmits inclination data through the drilling fluid circulation system. The float valve modulates mud flow to encode inclination measurements, which are detected by pressure sensors at the surface, eliminating the need to stop drilling for wireline operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The drilling fluid circulation system is utilized for dual purposes: maintaining drill bit cooling and lubrication, and transmitting inclination measurement data to the surface. The float valve integrates into the existing mud system to perform both flow control and data transmission functions.
2Reliability
If conventional downhole tools are used for transmitting directional information, then reliability is improved, but use of energy deteriorates due to significant power requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The float valve system utilizes the kinetic energy of the circulating drilling mud to operate the valve mechanism and generate pressure pulses for data transmission. The mud flow itself powers the telemetry system, eliminating the need for separate power sources while maintaining reliable data transmission.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs hydraulic principles by using the pressurized drilling mud flow to actuate the float valve and generate encoded pressure pulses. The hydraulic energy from the mud circulation system is converted into modulated pressure signals that carry inclination data to the surface.
3Ease of operation
If float valve is allowed to open freely at commencement of flow, then ease of operation is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates due to inability to create timed pressure drops
Solution Approach 1:
The brake device is pre-positioned to engage with the float valve at the commencement of flow, restricting the valve's opening motion. This preliminary restriction ensures that the float valve opens in a controlled, timed manner that generates precise pressure drops correlated with downhole conditions, rather than opening freely.
Solution Approach 2:
The brake device dynamically controls the float valve's opening motion during flow commencement, adjusting the valve's movement to create specific timed pressure drops. The brake engages and disengages based on flow conditions, transforming the float valve from a passive component into an active timing mechanism.
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 cost-effective, real-time communication of downhole directional information to the surface with reduced power consumption, automating activation and deactivation based on mud pump cycles, and extending battery life by using mud pumps as the primary energy source.
Implementation Method 1
a flow valve means positioned in the fluid passageway so as to provide a flow restriction to fluid passing therethrough
Implementation Method 2
a brake means cooperative with the flow valve means and restricting the flow valve means from fully opening
Data Source
AI summary
A pressure release encoding system for communicating downhole information through a wellbore to a surface location include a downhole tool with a valve for providing a fluid restriction to fluid passing in the wellbore, a sensor positioned in the wellbore for sensing a downhole condition in the wellbore, a brake cooperative with the valve for moving the valve between at least two positions in timed relation to the downhole condition sensed by the sensor, and a detector positioned at the surface location for providing a measurement value at the surface location correlative to the time between the changes of the pressure of the fluid in the wellbore. The system associates position of the valve with pressure transduction. The sensor is an inclination sensor for sensing an angle of inclination of the wellbore.