Abstract:
One or more seals may be provided in a gap sub to prevent the ingress of drilling fluid into an insulating gap between a male member of the gap sub and a female member of the gap sub. A first seal may comprise an internal gap sub seal provided near the tip of the male member of the gap sub. A second seal may comprise an external gap sub seal provided near the tip of the female member of the gap sub. The first and second seals may comprise non-conductive materials. The first and second seals may each comprise one or more O-rings. The first and second seals may comprise one or more lips, protrusions or flanges to engage the male and/or female members of the gap sub for maintaining contact with the male and/or female members during deformation of the gap sub.
Abstract:
A downhole system provides a data interface to a first downhole tool such as a steerable rotary tool. The data interface uses a close proximity data connections such as a connection between inductive loops or coils or a direct wired or optical connection. The interface provides data to a second downhole tool in a drill string section adjacent to the first downhole tool. In some embodiments data is passed to a third downhole tool that includes a telemetry transmitter. The third downhole tool may comprise a MWD (measurement while drilling) tool.
Abstract:
A downhole apparatus for measuring drilling fluid characteristics. The downhole apparatus may comprise one or more sensors located within a housing. The sensors may include one or more of an imaging device, a resistivity/conductivity sensor, a temperature sensor, a pressure sensor, a flowmeter and a fluid density sensor. The downhole apparatus may also include a controller for receiving measurements and/or determining optimal electromagnetic telemetry transmission settings. The downhole apparatus may also comprise a transmitter for transmitting the measurements and/or the optimal electromagnetic transmission settings. The downhole apparatus may be operated to determine optimal transmission settings for an electromagnetic telemetry system. Optimal transmission settings may include settings relating to one or more of frequency, amplitude, voltage, current, and power.
Abstract:
A gap sub assembly for electromagnetic telemetry used in downhole drilling is disclosed. The gap sub comprises a female part comprising a female mating section and a male part comprising a male mating section. The male mating section is matingly received within the female mating section and electrically isolated therefrom. One or more electrically insulating bodies secure the male part axially and torsionally relative to the female part. The electrically insulating bodies also electrically isolate the male part from the female part. The electrically insulating bodies can be installed through apertures in the female part or at least some of the electrically insulating bodies can be installed before the male mating section is inserted into the female mating section. The electrically insulating bodies can be held in place on the male mating section using a retention apparatus such as a ring, a scarf, pods or an adhesive.
Abstract:
Adjustment of the angle of a bent sub or other steering feature in a drill string relative to a reference angle of a downhole sensor is facilitated by a rotatable coupling between the bent sub and the sensor. The rotatable coupling may be rotated to align the high side with a reference indicium and locked at the set angle. Rows of ceramic balls retained in circumferential channels may be provided to permit rotation while carrying tensile and compressional forces. Calibration of the sensor is facilitated and opportunities for certain measurement errors are eliminated. An embodiment provides a mechanism for locking the rotatable coupling at a desired angle. The embodiment comprises a ring with teeth that engage a downhole portion of the coupling and depressions that engage an uphole portion of the coupling.
Abstract:
A downhole probe is adapted to be supported in drill string sections having different internal diameters with the use of a set of interchangeable centralizers. Each centralizer is dimensioned to snugly receive the downhole probe and to bear against the bore wall of a drill-string section. Interchangeable axial supports such as spiders may also be provided in a set. The downhole probe may comprise a slick body. As drilling progresses the downhole probe may be adapted to be received in drill string sections of varying diameters.
Abstract:
A measurement-while-drilling system is integrated into a mud motor. The measurement-while-drilling system includes sensors which may include inclination and tool face sensors, for example, located near to the drill bit. Data from the near bit sensors is transmitted by way of telemetry, for example, EM telemetry. The mud motor may include a rotating electrical coupling which provides good electrical productivity between an uphole coupling of the mud motor and the rotating mandrel. The EM telemetry transmitter may include an electrically-insulating gap integrated with the mandrel of the mud motor.
Abstract:
A drill string section receives an electronics package. A flow channel extends through an aperture in the electronics package. The flow channel carries a flow of drilling fluid through the drill string section. The flow channel is sealed to a body of the drill string section. The electronics package need not be pressure-rated.
Abstract:
A gap sub has electrically-conductive parts held together by electrical insulators which engage in channels formed in the parts. The electrical insulators hold the parts in a spaced-apart electrically-insulated relationship. In some embodiments, the electrical insulators are removable to allow separation of the parts. An insulating oil or other fluid may fill the gap.
Abstract:
An assembly for use in subsurface drilling includes a downhole downhole probe supported by a centralizer. The centralizer comprises a tubular member that extends around the downhole probe. A wall of the centralizer is fluted to provide inward contact points that support the downhole probe and outward contact points that bear against a bore wall of a section of drill string. The downhole probe may be supported for substantially its entire length.