Wired Motor for Realtime Data Transmission
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional downhole motor systems face challenges in steering and cost due to the length added by near-bit sensors, which require wireless communication and increased power consumption, leading to reliability issues and higher costs.
Innovation Solution
A bottomhole assembly with a downhole motor, bearing assembly, and transmission shaft that includes a sensor and communications package, allowing measurements to be taken and transmitted through a conductor within the rotor and transmission shaft, reducing the need for wireless power and enabling accurate, real-time data transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If sensors are positioned in a near-bit sub to measure parameters from within the wellbore, then measurement capability is improved, but the length of the downhole motor increases, reducing steering capability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent repositions the sensor from the traditional near-bit sub location to the drive shaft end, and places the communications package at the motor nose. This spatial redistribution along different dimensions of the downhole assembly allows measurement functionality to be maintained while optimizing the overall length and steering capability of the motor.
2Loss of information
If wireless connection is used to transmit information from sensors, then communication capability is improved, but power consumption increases, requiring batteries and special antennae
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the wireless electromagnetic transmission system with a wired conductor-based communication system. The conductor is positioned within the transmission shaft and rotor, providing a physical pathway for data transmission that eliminates the need for power-intensive wireless transmitters, batteries, and special antennae.
3Loss of information
If wireless transmission across the mud motor is used, then data communication is achieved, but cost and reliability decrease due to required batteries and special antennae
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes the complex wireless transmission system with a simple wired conductor system integrated into the existing motor structure. This eliminates multiple potential failure points including batteries, wireless antennae, and electromagnetic transmission components, thereby improving reliability while maintaining data communication capability.
4Loss of information
If wireless transmission system is implemented, then communication function is added, but device complexity increases due to additional components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes the existing transmission shaft and rotor structures to serve dual functions: mechanical power transmission and data communication conduit. The conductor is positioned within these existing components, allowing them to perform both their original mechanical function and the new communication function, thereby avoiding additional 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
This configuration enhances steering capabilities while reducing costs and improving reliability by using wired communication within the downhole motor system, enabling accurate and efficient data transmission for real-time drilling decisions.
Implementation Method 1
a conductor positioned within the transmission shaft and the rotor, the conductor extending from the sensor to the second end of the rotor
Data Source
AI summary
A bottomhole assembly may include a downhole motor and bearing assembly. The downhole motor may include a rotor and stator. The bearing assembly may include a bearing mandrel. The bearing mandrel may be coupled to the rotor by a transmission shaft. The bottomhole assembly may include one or more sensors positioned in the bearing mandrel, transmission shaft, or rotor. The bottomhole assembly may include a conductor that passes through one or more of the bearing mandrel, transmission shaft, and the rotor from the sensor to a communications package.