Wireless Downhole Tool String Transceivers

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Solution Overview

Problem

The challenge in the oil well perforation process lies in properly assembling the perforation apparatus on the surface, which often involves complex wiring and precise orientation of subs, making it difficult and time-consuming.

Innovation Solution

A wireless communication technique is employed within the perforation system, using RF signals and addressable gun subs to simplify assembly by eliminating the need for direct connections between modules and allowing for flexible orientation, with each gun sub being individually addressable and capable of receiving and transmitting RF signals.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If complex wiring and precise orientation of subs are used in the perforation apparatus, then reliable communication and detonation control are achieved, but assembly difficulty and time consumption increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecommunication and detonation controlVSAvoidassembly process

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical wiring system with a wireless communication system. Each gun sub and tandem sub is equipped with a transceiver that communicates wirelessly with the surface system, eliminating the need for complex physical wiring connections during assembly while maintaining reliable communication and detonation control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The transceiver units in each sub serve multiple functions: receiving identification signals, transmitting status information, and controlling detonation sequences. This multi-functional approach simplifies the overall system architecture compared to separate wiring systems for each function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If direct connections between modules are required, then signal transmission reliability is improved, but device complexity and assembly difficulty increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesignal transmissionVSAvoidwiring complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent substitutes physical wiring connections with wireless RF communication between transceivers. Each sub contains a transceiver that establishes wireless communication links, eliminating the need for direct physical connections while maintaining signal transmission reliability through protocol-based communication.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Reliability

If precise orientation of subs is required during assembly, then proper signal routing is ensured, but assembly time and operational complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesignal routingVSAvoidassembly time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The wireless communication system allows subs to be assembled in any orientation without requiring precise alignment. The transceivers dynamically establish communication links regardless of the physical orientation or position of each sub, providing flexibility in assembly while ensuring proper signal routing through software-based address assignment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses feedback mechanisms where transceivers exchange identification signals and status information to automatically establish proper communication routing. This feedback-based approach eliminates the need for manual orientation checks and ensures correct signal routing through automated protocol handling.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

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 approach simplifies the assembly process, reduces the complexity of wiring, and allows for flexible ordering of gun subs, enhancing efficiency and reducing the time required for setup while ensuring accurate communication and detonation of perforating charges.

Implementation Method 1

capable of transmitting and receiving RF signals

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRF signals: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

shaped explosive charges

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectExplosion: Explosion

Implementation Method 3

detonator coupled to the gun sub transceiver

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDetonation: Detonation

Data Source

PatentUS9523271B2Wireless communication for downhole tool strings

Publication Date: 2016.12.20 HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES INC

AI summary

A wireline interface sub includes a wireline-interface-sub housing mechanically coupleable to a wireline and a wireline-interface module electrically coupleable to the wireline. A first tandem sub includes a first-tandem-sub housing mechanically coupled to the wireline-interface-sub housing, a first-tandem-sub-upside transceiver wirelessly coupled to the wireline-interface module, and a first-tandem-sub-downside transceiver electrically coupled to the first-tandem-sub-upside transceiver. A first gun sub includes a first-gun-sub housing mechanically coupled to the first-tandem-sub housing, a first-gun-sub transceiver wirelessly coupled to the first-tandem-sub-downside transceiver, and a first-gun-sub detonator coupled to, and triggerable by, the first-gun-sub transceiver.