Tubular Telemetry via Flow Rate Modulation and Load Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing communication systems through tubulars in industries like hydrocarbon recovery and carbon dioxide sequestration face limitations, particularly in applications where conventional methods are not employable, such as in downhole completions and carbon dioxide sequestration, where pressure pulse telemetry may not be effective.
Innovation Solution
A telemetry system comprising a pump, a flow altering arrangement, a flow interacting detail within the tubular, and a load sensor to detect forces imposed by fluid flow, allowing for data transmission through fluid flow rate modulation and continuous phase modulation of a carrier signal, enabling communication over distances within the tubular.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If pressure pulse telemetry is used for communication through tubulars, then data transmission is achieved, but the system becomes ineffective in downhole completions and carbon dioxide sequestration applications
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical parameter used for telemetry from pressure pulses to fluid flow rate modulation. By measuring flow rate variations instead of pressure variations, the system achieves reliable communication in downhole completions and carbon dioxide sequestration applications where pressure pulse telemetry fails.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical pressure pulse generation and detection system with a fluid flow rate measurement system. Instead of using pressure sensors to detect communication signals, the system uses flow rate sensors to detect modulations in fluid flow, providing a more reliable method for the specified applications.
2Loss of information
If a load sensor is added to detect forces on the flow interacting detail, then data transmission capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The load sensor serves multiple functions: it detects forces on the flow interacting detail, measures fluid flow rate for telemetry communication, and can potentially monitor system performance parameters. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate sensors and justifies the added complexity by providing multiple benefits from a single component.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the telemetry communication function with the flow measurement function in a single integrated system. The load sensor that detects forces on the flow interacting detail is used both for communication signal detection and for measuring fluid flow rate, merging multiple functions into one component to minimize overall system complexity.
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 reliable data transmission over distances within tubulars, allowing tools to be run through without disrupting the system, and is applicable in scenarios where conventional systems are not typically used, such as in hydrocarbon recovery and carbon dioxide sequestration, by using a load sensor to monitor forces related to fluid flow and track them over time.
Implementation Method 1
a load sensor configured to detect forces imposed on the flow interacting detail due to flow through the flow interacting detail and output signals related to the forces detected
Data Source
AI summary
A telemetry system including a tubular. A pump in operable communication with the tubular configured to pump a fluid through the tubular; a flow altering arrangement in operable communication with at least one of the pump and the tubular. A flow interacting detail disposed in the tubular; and a load sensor configured to detect forces imposed on the flow interacting detail due to flow through the flow interacting detail and output signals related to the forces detected. Also included is a method of communicating through a tubular.