Wireless Electromagnetic Telemetry Using Insulated Gap Axial Current

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing telemetry systems in bottomhole assemblies face challenges in transmitting signals between MWD-EMAG telemetry tools and other downhole tools due to impracticality of running wires, especially in environments with rotating components like mud motors and geostationary control units, leading to increased costs and complexity with current wireless solutions.

Innovation Solution

A wireless electromagnetic telemetry system that uses an insulated gap to modulate voltage and create an axial current along the drill string, producing a magnetic field measurable by sensors, allowing signal transmission between downhole tools without the need for physical connections.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If wire links are formed between MWD-EMAG telemetry tool and other downhole tools, then signal transmission reliability is improved, but device complexity and difficulty of installation increase due to rotating components like mud motors and geostationary control units

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesignal transmission reliabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical wire link system with an electromagnetic field-based wireless transmission system. The MWD-EMAG telemetry tool generates an electromagnetic field that can be detected by other downhole tools without physical connections, eliminating the need for wires to pass through rotating components like mud motors or connect to geostationary control units.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an electromagnetic field as an intermediary medium for signal transmission between downhole tools. Instead of direct physical connections, the electromagnetic field serves as the mediator that carries signals through the borehole environment, allowing communication across rotating and stationary components without mechanical contact.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If wire links are formed between downhole tools, then signal transmission reliability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to manual adjustment requirements and operational disruptions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesignal transmission reliabilityVSAvoidease of operation

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual wire installation and adjustment operations with an automated electromagnetic field-based transmission system. The system automatically establishes wireless communication between downhole tools without requiring manual wire routing through rotating components or surface mud pump adjustments, significantly improving ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Ease of operation

If conventional wireless telemetry systems are used, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to increased hardware modifications and operational disruptions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of operationVSAvoidsignal transmission reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent utilizes the existing electromagnetic field parameters generated by the MWD-EMAG telemetry tool's axial current to enable wireless communication. By leveraging the naturally produced electromagnetic fields rather than introducing separate wireless transmission systems, the patent achieves reliable signal transmission without requiring additional hardware modifications or operational disruptions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 and cost-effective wireless communication between MWD-EMAG telemetry tools and other downhole tools, reducing hardware modifications and operational disruptions, while providing a backup for wired systems.

Implementation Method 1

circuitry which modulates a voltage across the insulated gap, wherein the voltage creates an axial current along the bottomhole assembly which results in the magnetic field

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS7477162B2Wireless electromagnetic telemetry system and method for bottomhole assembly

Publication Date: 2009.01.13 SCHLUMBERGER TECH CORP

AI summary

A wireless electromagnetic telemetry system for broadcasting signals across a bottomhole assembly disposed in a borehole drilled through a subterranean formation includes an insulated gap at a first point in the bottomhole assembly, at least one magnetic field sensor at a second point in the bottomhole assembly which measures a magnetic field, and a circuitry which modulates a voltage across the insulated gap, wherein the voltage creates an axial current along the bottomhole assembly that results in the magnetic field.