Wireless Telemetry Bridging BHA Communication Gaps

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Solution Overview

Problem

Wired-communication gaps in bottom-hole assemblies (BHAs) limit the ability to precisely control and position wellbores, as certain drilling tools like mud motors and reamers cannot be feasibly through-wired, hindering data transmission and control signals between surface and downhole tools.

Innovation Solution

A wireless telemetry system using transceivers that communicate via wireless induction telemetry across the wired-communication gap, with upper and lower transceivers connected to the surface telemetry system and drilling tools respectively, bridging the gap and enabling data transmission between wellbore tools.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If wired communication is used between surface telemetry system and downhole tools, then data transmission reliability is improved, but BHA configuration flexibility deteriorates due to inability to wire through certain tools

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata transmission reliabilityVSAvoidBHA configuration flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical wired communication system with a wireless electromagnetic field-based communication system. Transceivers transmit data through electromagnetic coupling across the BHA, eliminating the need for physical wires that cannot pass through certain downhole tools. This substitution maintains data transmission reliability while enabling flexible BHA configurations with mud motors, reamers, and other non-wirable components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces transceivers as intermediary devices that convert wired signals to wireless electromagnetic signals and vice versa. These transceivers are positioned at strategic locations in the BHA to bridge communication gaps created by non-wirable tools, enabling continuous data transmission between the surface telemetry system and downhole tools without requiring direct physical wire connections through every component.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Loss of information

If sensors and tools are positioned above the mud motor for wired connection, then wired communication is maintained, but measurement precision deteriorates due to lack of inclination data from below the motor

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewired communication continuityVSAvoidwell placement precision

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses wireless electromagnetic communication to transmit data from sensors positioned below the mud motor to the surface, eliminating the need to relocate sensors above the motor. This allows inclination and steering control data to be collected from the optimal position near the bit while maintaining continuous communication through the mud motor and other downhole tools via wireless transceivers.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Adaptability or versatility

If wireless induction telemetry is used to bridge communication gaps, then BHA configuration flexibility is improved, but device complexity increases due to addition of transceivers

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveBHA configuration flexibilityVSAvoidtelemetry system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent designs transceivers as multi-functional devices that perform both wired-to-wireless signal conversion and wireless signal transmission. These universal devices can be positioned at various locations in the BHA depending on the specific configuration needs, providing flexible communication bridging without requiring different specialized components for each application scenario.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 solution allows for precise well placement and control by bridging communication gaps, providing real-time data and command signals across the BHA, enhancing the precision and flexibility of wellbore drilling operations.

Implementation Method 1

the first and the second transceiver in signal communication with one another via wireless induction telemetry

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectWireless induction telemetry: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS8031081B2Wireless telemetry between wellbore tools

Publication Date: 2011.10.04 SCHLUMBERGER TECH CORP

AI summary

An embodiment of a wireless telemetry system for providing signal communication across a wired-communication gap in a bottom-hole assembly (“BHA”), the BHA having an upper portion and a lower portion separated by the wired-communication gap, includes an upper transceiver positioned in the upper portion and in signal communication with a surface telemetry system and a lower transceiver positioned in the lower portion and in signal communication with a drilling tool, the upper and the lower transceivers in signal communication with one another via wireless induction telemetry. Each transceiver may include an antenna that is positioned within the bore of a drill collar adjacent to a thinned wall section in the drill collar. The thinned wall section may include one or more of increasing an inside diameter relative to a base inside diameter of the bore and decreasing an outside diameter relative to a base outside diameter of the drill collar.