US20130257629A1 - Wireless communication between tools - Google Patents

Wireless communication between tools Download PDF

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Publication number
US20130257629A1
US20130257629A1 US13/991,492 US201113991492A US2013257629A1 US 20130257629 A1 US20130257629 A1 US 20130257629A1 US 201113991492 A US201113991492 A US 201113991492A US 2013257629 A1 US2013257629 A1 US 2013257629A1
Authority
US
United States
Prior art keywords
tool
downhole
antenna
acoustic
downhole tool
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Abandoned
Application number
US13/991,492
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English (en)
Inventor
Jørgen Hallundbæk
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Welltec AS
Original Assignee
Welltec AS
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Welltec AS filed Critical Welltec AS
Assigned to WELLTEC A/S reassignment WELLTEC A/S ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS). Assignors: HALLUNDBAEK, JORGEN
Publication of US20130257629A1 publication Critical patent/US20130257629A1/en
Abandoned legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • E21B47/122—
    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E21—EARTH OR ROCK DRILLING; MINING
    • E21B—EARTH OR ROCK DRILLING; OBTAINING OIL, GAS, WATER, SOLUBLE OR MELTABLE MATERIALS OR A SLURRY OF MINERALS FROM WELLS
    • E21B47/00—Survey of boreholes or wells
    • E21B47/12—Means for transmitting measuring-signals or control signals from the well to the surface, or from the surface to the well, e.g. for logging while drilling
    • E21B47/14—Means for transmitting measuring-signals or control signals from the well to the surface, or from the surface to the well, e.g. for logging while drilling using acoustic waves
    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E21—EARTH OR ROCK DRILLING; MINING
    • E21B—EARTH OR ROCK DRILLING; OBTAINING OIL, GAS, WATER, SOLUBLE OR MELTABLE MATERIALS OR A SLURRY OF MINERALS FROM WELLS
    • E21B47/00—Survey of boreholes or wells
    • E21B47/12—Means for transmitting measuring-signals or control signals from the well to the surface, or from the surface to the well, e.g. for logging while drilling
    • E21B47/13—Means for transmitting measuring-signals or control signals from the well to the surface, or from the surface to the well, e.g. for logging while drilling by electromagnetic energy, e.g. radio frequency

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a downhole tool system for being submerged into a casing, comprising at least three tools having a tool axis. Furthermore, the present invention relates to a downhole tool system for being submerged into a casing, comprising at least three tools, and finally the invention relates to communication methods for communicating wirelessly between a first and a third tool separated by a second tool.
  • well fluid is most often very inhomogeneous as it comprises mud, scales, both oil and water, and gas bubbles. Therefore, the communication sometimes fails.
  • a downhole tool system for being submerged into a casing, comprising at least three tools having a tool axis:
  • the antennas may transmit radio waves having a wavelength which is lower than 200 m, preferably lower than 1 m, more preferably lower than 10 cm, even more preferably lower than 2.5 cm.
  • the antenna may comprise one or more ferrite rods.
  • the inductance is increased without increasing the size of the antenna substantially.
  • Said ferrite rods may extend parallel to the tool axis.
  • the ferrite rods may be arranged in a circular loop.
  • orthogonal frequency-division multiplexing (OFDM) modulation may be used for transmitting encoding digital data on multiple carrier frequencies between the antennas.
  • OFDM orthogonal frequency-division multiplexing
  • the antenna may send and receive at different frequencies with one frequency for each rod.
  • the antenna may be a loop antenna.
  • the antenna may be a small loop antenna.
  • the antenna may be a loop stick antenna.
  • the waves may be transmitted at a frequency of 520-1610 kHz.
  • the present invention further relates to a downhole tool system for being submerged into a casing, comprising at least three tools:
  • the acoustic devices arranged at each end of the intermediate tool are able to send acoustic signals propagating along the housing of the intermediate and second tool.
  • the housing is often made of a solid material, increasing its transmitting ability compared to the transmitting ability in the surrounding well fluid which may be inhomogeneous and thereby be a poor transmitting media compared to a metal housing.
  • the three tools are most often connected by means of threaded connections providing a sufficiently firm connection for transmitting acoustic signals from the first or third tool to the second tool.
  • the first and second acoustic devices may comprise means for converting data parameters into electric signals and transducers for receiving the electrical signal and generating acoustic signals propagating along the housing of the second tool.
  • the transducers may abut the ends of the second tool.
  • the transducers of the first and second acoustic devices may face the second tool, causing the acoustic signals to propagate axially along the housing of the second tool.
  • the first and second communication devices may be antennas instead of acoustic devices, sending and receiving radio waves.
  • the antennas may transmit signals having a wavelength of 1-2 cm.
  • the third tool may be a logging tool.
  • the first tool may comprise an electronic motor.
  • first and/or second communication device(s) may comprise a memory.
  • the first and/or second communication device(s) may comprise a processing unit for processing data before converting the data into acoustic signals.
  • the transducer may be a magnetostrictive transducer.
  • the acoustic devices may comprise piezoelectric microphones.
  • the first tool may be connected with a wireline.
  • the first or third tool may comprise a driving unit, such as a downhole tractor.
  • the communication device may comprise a battery.
  • the acoustic devices may comprise mechanical or electronic filters.
  • the present invention furthermore relates to a communication method for communicating wirelessly between a first and a third tool separated by a second tool, comprising the steps of:
  • the communication method described above may further comprise the step of using orthogonal frequency-division multiplexing (OFDM) modulation for transmitting encoding digital data on multiple carrier frequencies between the antennas.
  • OFDM orthogonal frequency-division multiplexing
  • the present invention relates to a communication method for communicating wirelessly between a first and a third tool separated by a second tool, comprising the steps of:
  • This communication method may further comprise the step of converting data parameters into electric signals.
  • FIG. 1 shows a partial cross-sectional view of a downhole tool system
  • FIG. 2 shows another embodiment of the downhole tool system
  • FIG. 3 shows yet another embodiment of the downhole tool system.
  • FIG. 1 shows a downhole tool system 1 comprising three tools; a first 1 , a second 2 and a third 3 tool, arranged as a tool string.
  • the first tool 1 is connected to a wireline at its first end 11 to power the tool string.
  • the first tool 1 is connected to a first end 21 of the second tool 2 by means of a threaded connection firmly connecting the first 1 and second 2 tools.
  • the second tool 2 is connected to a first end 31 of the third tool 3 , also by means of a threaded connection.
  • Two operators may work together to perform a well operation in the sense that a tool of one operator is arranged between the tools of another operator.
  • the first 1 and the third tool 3 come from a first operator and the second tool 2 comes from a second operator. Since the first 1 and third 3 tools are separated by the second tool 2 , communication between the tools of the first operator cannot take place inside the tools in the conventional way since it is not possible to communicate through the second tool 2 . This is due to the fact that the second operator uses a different communication system than the first operator and that it is not possible to pull wires through the intermediate tool without having to substantially reconstruct this tool.
  • the first 1 and third 3 tools comprise communication devices 13 , 33 in the form of acoustic devices.
  • the acoustic device of the first tool 1 is arranged in a housing wall at the second end 12 of the first tool 1 , abutting the first end 21 of the second tool 2 , thereby being able to generate acoustic signals propagating axially along the housing 23 of the second tool 2 .
  • the acoustic device of the third tool 3 is arranged in a housing wall at the first end 31 of the third tool 3 , abutting the second end 22 of the second tool 2 , thereby also being able to generate acoustic signals propagating axially along the housing 23 of the second tool 2 .
  • Each acoustic device comprises a transducer 5 facing the end of the housing 23 of the second tool 2 .
  • the transducers 5 may be magnetostrictive transducers transmitting acoustic signals in the form of longitudinal sonic waves along the housing 23 of the second tool 2 .
  • the communication devices 13 , 33 comprise antennas for sending and receiving radio waves having wavelengths of 1-2 cm.
  • the antennas are arranged so that they project only partly from the outer faces of the first 1 and third 3 tools and extend parallel to the longitudinal extension of the tools.
  • the radio waves propagate in the well fluid along the tool string without being substantially destroyed when hitting the wall of the tools 1 , 2 , 3 or the wall of the production casing 10 .
  • the antennas are arranged in the housings of the first 1 and third 3 tools and are isolated from the other parts of the tools to improve the quality of the communication between the first 1 and third 3 tools.
  • the antennas may also be projecting parts of the tools and be projected as required and maintained inside the tools when the tool string is submerged into the casing 10 .
  • FIG. 3 shows a communication device 13 of the first tool 1 (indicated by dotted lines) comprising an antenna 40 for communicating with another antenna 40 of the third tool 3 by sending and receiving radio waves.
  • the antenna 40 of the second tool 3 has the same design as shown in FIG. 3 .
  • the antenna 40 comprises one or more ferrite rods 41 .
  • the antenna is a loop antenna wound around one or more ferrite rods, which increases the inductance without increasing the size of the antenna substantially. This is especially useful for downhole tools where the space is limited.
  • the ferrite rods extend parallel to the tool axis 43 and have a distance to the centre of the tool. The rods are spaced apart along the circumference of the tool housing and are thus enclosed by the tool housing.
  • the antenna may be arranged in the tool housing.
  • the ferrite rods are thus arranged in a circular loop connected with a processor 44 .
  • the processor 44 which is also referred to as a CPU, may use orthogonal frequency-division multiplexing (OFDM) modulation for transmitting encoding digital data on multiple carrier frequencies between the antennas.
  • OFDM orthogonal frequency-division multiplexing
  • the antennas are arranged to face the third party tool 2 .
  • the antenna comprises several rods, of which one half are used as antennas 41 a and the other half are used as back-up antennas 41 b .
  • an adaptive feedback sensor antenna is arranged in the centre.
  • the antenna is able to send and receive at different frequencies—one frequency for each rod.
  • the antennas transmit radio waves having a wavelength which is lower than 200 m, preferably lower than 1 m, more preferably lower than 10 cm, and even more preferably lower than 2.5 cm. Furthermore, the waves may be transmitted at a frequency of 520-1610 kHz.
  • Communication over 20 to 40 metres results in data rates between 150 kbps and 680 kbps using linear bandwidth of 1 MHz. If the third party tool being the second tool is smaller, resulting in communication over a shorter distance, the data rates are increased.
  • the antennas may be loop antennas, such as small loop antennas, loop stick antennas, or ferrite rod antennas.
  • the antenna may be a multi-zone focussed antenna.
  • fluid or well fluid any kind of fluid that may be present in oil or gas wells downhole, such as natural gas, oil, oil mud, crude oil, water, etc.
  • gas is meant any kind of gas composition present in a well, completion, or open hole
  • oil is meant any kind of oil composition, such as crude oil, an oil-containing fluid, etc.
  • Gas, oil, and water fluids may thus all comprise other elements or substances than gas, oil, and/or water, respectively.
  • a casing any kind of pipe, tubing, tubular, liner, string etc. used downhole in relation to oil or natural gas production.
  • a downhole tractor can be used to push the tools all the way into position in the well.
  • a downhole tractor is any kind of driving tool capable of pushing or pulling tools in a well downhole, such as a Well Tractor®.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Geology (AREA)
  • Mining & Mineral Resources (AREA)
  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Remote Sensing (AREA)
  • Geophysics (AREA)
  • Fluid Mechanics (AREA)
  • Environmental & Geological Engineering (AREA)
  • General Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Geochemistry & Mineralogy (AREA)
  • Electromagnetism (AREA)
  • Acoustics & Sound (AREA)
  • Earth Drilling (AREA)
  • Arrangements For Transmission Of Measured Signals (AREA)
  • Support Of Aerials (AREA)
  • Transceivers (AREA)
  • Details Of Aerials (AREA)
US13/991,492 2010-12-10 2011-12-09 Wireless communication between tools Abandoned US20130257629A1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (3)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP10194466A EP2463478A1 (en) 2010-12-10 2010-12-10 Wireless communication between tools
EP10194466.8 2010-12-10
PCT/EP2011/072300 WO2012076682A1 (en) 2010-12-10 2011-12-09 Wireless communication between tools

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
US20130257629A1 true US20130257629A1 (en) 2013-10-03

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Family Applications (1)

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US13/991,492 Abandoned US20130257629A1 (en) 2010-12-10 2011-12-09 Wireless communication between tools

Country Status (9)

Country Link
US (1) US20130257629A1 (pt)
EP (2) EP2463478A1 (pt)
CN (1) CN103237956A (pt)
AU (1) AU2011340491A1 (pt)
BR (1) BR112013013797A2 (pt)
CA (1) CA2820830A1 (pt)
MX (1) MX2013006334A (pt)
RU (1) RU2013130350A (pt)
WO (1) WO2012076682A1 (pt)

Cited By (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2016144348A1 (en) * 2015-03-11 2016-09-15 Halliburton Energy Services, Inc. Antenna for downhole communication using surface waves
US20160356150A1 (en) * 2015-06-02 2016-12-08 Tubel, LLC System for acquisition of wellbore parameters and short distance data transfer
US9670773B2 (en) 2014-08-03 2017-06-06 Schlumberger Technology Corporation Acoustic communications network with frequency diversification
US10145238B2 (en) 2015-04-22 2018-12-04 Halliburton Energy Services, Inc. Automatic adjustment of magnetostrictive transducer preload for acoustic telemetry in a wellbore
US10364670B1 (en) * 2018-05-09 2019-07-30 Institute Of Geology And Geophysics, Chinese Academy Of Sciences Azimuthally acoustic imaging logging while drilling (LWD) apparatus
US11293281B2 (en) * 2016-12-19 2022-04-05 Schlumberger Technology Corporation Combined wireline and wireless apparatus and related methods

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* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
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WO2014133504A1 (en) * 2013-02-27 2014-09-04 Halliburton Energy Services, Inc. Apparatus and methods for monitoring the retrieval of a well tool
EP2843188A1 (en) 2013-09-03 2015-03-04 Welltec A/S A downhole communication module
NO342779B1 (en) * 2016-02-03 2018-08-06 Ind Controls As Apparatus and method for transferring information acoustically

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US5235285A (en) * 1991-10-31 1993-08-10 Schlumberger Technology Corporation Well logging apparatus having toroidal induction antenna for measuring, while drilling, resistivity of earth formations
US5691712A (en) * 1995-07-25 1997-11-25 Schlumberger Technology Corporation Multiple wellbore tool apparatus including a plurality of microprocessor implemented wellbore tools for operating a corresponding plurality of included wellbore tools and acoustic transducers in response to stimulus signals and acoustic signals
GB2322953B (en) * 1995-10-20 2001-01-03 Baker Hughes Inc Communication in a wellbore utilizing acoustic signals
US6057784A (en) * 1997-09-02 2000-05-02 Schlumberger Technology Corporatioin Apparatus and system for making at-bit measurements while drilling
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US6998999B2 (en) * 2003-04-08 2006-02-14 Halliburton Energy Services, Inc. Hybrid piezoelectric and magnetostrictive actuator
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Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US9670773B2 (en) 2014-08-03 2017-06-06 Schlumberger Technology Corporation Acoustic communications network with frequency diversification
AU2015385797B2 (en) * 2015-03-11 2018-12-06 Halliburton Energy Services, Inc. Antenna for downhole communication using surface waves
US9638027B2 (en) 2015-03-11 2017-05-02 Halliburton Energy Services, Inc. Antenna for downhole communication using surface waves
GB2552597A (en) * 2015-03-11 2018-01-31 Halliburton Energy Services Inc Antenna for downhole communication using surface waves
WO2016144348A1 (en) * 2015-03-11 2016-09-15 Halliburton Energy Services, Inc. Antenna for downhole communication using surface waves
GB2552597B (en) * 2015-03-11 2020-11-18 Halliburton Energy Services Inc Antenna for downhole communication using surface waves
US10145238B2 (en) 2015-04-22 2018-12-04 Halliburton Energy Services, Inc. Automatic adjustment of magnetostrictive transducer preload for acoustic telemetry in a wellbore
US20160356150A1 (en) * 2015-06-02 2016-12-08 Tubel, LLC System for acquisition of wellbore parameters and short distance data transfer
US10408004B2 (en) * 2015-06-02 2019-09-10 Tubel Energy LLC System for acquisition of wellbore parameters and short distance data transfer
US20190284888A1 (en) * 2015-06-02 2019-09-19 Tubel Energy LLC System for acquisition of wellbore parameters and short distance data transfer
US10731429B2 (en) * 2015-06-02 2020-08-04 Tubel Llc System for acquisition of wellbore parameters and short distance data transfer
US11293281B2 (en) * 2016-12-19 2022-04-05 Schlumberger Technology Corporation Combined wireline and wireless apparatus and related methods
US10364670B1 (en) * 2018-05-09 2019-07-30 Institute Of Geology And Geophysics, Chinese Academy Of Sciences Azimuthally acoustic imaging logging while drilling (LWD) apparatus

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
CA2820830A1 (en) 2012-06-14
EP2649273A1 (en) 2013-10-16
AU2011340491A1 (en) 2013-05-02
BR112013013797A2 (pt) 2016-09-13
WO2012076682A1 (en) 2012-06-14
MX2013006334A (es) 2013-06-28
EP2463478A1 (en) 2012-06-13
CN103237956A (zh) 2013-08-07
RU2013130350A (ru) 2015-01-20

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Date Code Title Description
AS Assignment

Owner name: WELLTEC A/S, DENMARK

Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:HALLUNDBAEK, JORGEN;REEL/FRAME:030541/0146

Effective date: 20130417

STCB Information on status: application discontinuation

Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION