Repeater Sub Toroid Signal Loops for Drill String Telemetry
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing data transmission systems for subterranean operations, such as hard-wire connections, acoustic, and electromagnetic methods, face challenges like high costs, signal attenuation, noise, and inefficiency in transmitting data between different axial positions within a wellbore, particularly in drilling operations.
Innovation Solution
A wireless signal transmission system using a repeater sub with toroids and insulative coatings within the drill string to create bidirectional signal loops, allowing data and power transmission between drill pipe sections, facilitated by a network of repeater subs and an information handling system for real-time monitoring and control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If hard-wire connection is used for data transmission, then transmission speed is improved, but system complexity and cost increase due to connectors and modification requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical hard-wire connection system with an electromagnetic field-based wireless transmission system. The transmitter generates electromagnetic signals that couple with receivers in the drill string, eliminating the need for physical connectors and reducing mechanical wear while maintaining data transmission capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces electromagnetic fields as an intermediary medium to transfer data between the surface and the drill string. Instead of direct mechanical contact, the electromagnetic field serves as the mediator that carries information through the wellbore environment, enabling wireless communication.
2Ease of operation
If acoustic or electromagnetic signals are used for data transmission, then wireless operation is achieved, but signal attenuation and noise adversely impact transmission reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates feedback mechanisms where the system monitors signal quality and adjusts transmission parameters accordingly. The receiver detects signal strength and the system can retransmit or modify signals to compensate for attenuation and noise, improving reliability under varying downhole conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs parameter changes in the electromagnetic signals, such as varying frequency, amplitude, or modulation schemes, to optimize transmission through different wellbore environments. By adapting signal parameters to overcome attenuation and noise, the system maintains reliable communication.
3Ease of operation
If electromagnetic signals are transmitted through the formation, then data can be transmitted without physical connectors, but large amounts of power are required and signal attenuation occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the transmission system into segmented transmitter and receiver components distributed along the wellbore. Multiple smaller transmission nodes rather than a single high-power system reduce overall energy consumption while maintaining effective communication ranges. Each segment can operate at optimized power levels for its specific location.
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 efficient, reliable, and cost-effective data transmission between axial positions in a drill string, improving operational efficiency and real-time monitoring of subterranean operations by reducing wear and modification requirements, while minimizing signal attenuation and noise.
Implementation Method 1
A wireless signal transmission system using a repeater sub with toroids and insulative coatings within the drill string to create bidirectional signal loops, allowing data and power transmission between drill pipe sections
Data Source
AI summary
A system for signal transmission along a drill string is disclosed. A first drill pipe section and a second drill pipe section each comprise an inner pipe. A first repeater sub is coupled to the first drill pipe section and the second drill pipe section at a first position along the drill string. The first repeater sub comprises a first toroid corresponding to the first drill pipe section and a second toroid corresponding to the second drill pipe section. A signal transmitted through the first drill pipe section, an inner mandrel of the repeater sub and the inner pipe of the first drill pipe section is received by the first toroid. The first repeater sub processes the signal received by the first toroid to generate a processed signal and transmits the processed signal to the second drill pipe through the second toroid.