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:
Data is communicated from sensors at a downhole location near a drill bit to surface equipment. Communication to the surface equipment may be direct or may pass through a series of nodes. The nodes in some cases are intelligently reconfigured to achieve desired data rates, achieve power management goals, and/or compensate for failed nodes.
Abstract:
A method for selecting a drilling fluid pressure pulse transmission frequency in a downhole telemetry tool comprises: emitting a frequency sweep wave in a drilling fluid that comprises pressure pulses over a range of frequencies and over a period of time; measuring a pressure of the drilling fluid at the telemetry tool while the frequency sweep wave is being emitted; determining a signal strength at each frequency in the range of frequencies from the measured pressure of the drilling fluid; and selecting at least one frequency in the range of frequencies that meets a selected signal strength threshold as a telemetry signal transmission frequency for the telemetry tool. The method can further comprise encoding the at least one selected frequency in a header message and transmitting the header message to surface using pressure pulse telemetry, and then encoding telemetry data into a pressure pulse telemetry signal and transmitting the pressure pulse telemetry signal to surface at the at least one selected frequency.
Abstract:
Data is communicated from sensors at a downhole location near a drill bit to surface equipment. Communication to the surface equipment may be direct or may pass through a series of nodes. The nodes in some cases are intelligently reconfigured to achieve desired data rates, achieve power management goals, and/or compensate for failed nodes.