Abstract:
A telemetry method transmits data by MP telemetry to a telemetry relay system which retransmits the data by EM telemetry. The method avoids the need to incorporate MP telemetry pressure transducers into rig equipment and permits telemetry from regions unfavourable for EM telemetry because of depth and/or characteristics surrounding formations.
Abstract:
A jig and method useful for coupling and/or uncoupling drill string sections. In some embodiments, the jig comprises a body having an outer surface for engaging a torqueing tool and a cavity extending from a first end to a second end of the body and an engagement means at the first end of the body. The engagement means may be dimensioned to non-rotationally engage an outer surface of a first end of a drill string section and the cavity may be sized to fit about a drill string section.
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.
Abstract:
An assembly for use in subsurface drilling includes a downhole probe having an EM telemetry signal generator and electrical contacts for carrying telemetry signals from the EM telemetry signal generator to first and second parts of a gap sub in a drill string. An outside surface of the probe and an inside surface of the gap sub are covered with layers of electrically-insulating material. Electrical conduction paths internal to the gap sub are removed, thereby increasing efficiency of EM telemetry.
Abstract:
A flow bypass sleeve for a fluid pressure pulse generator of a downhole telemetry tool. The fluid pressure pulse generator comprising a stator having one or more flow channels or orifices through which drilling fluid flows and a rotor which rotates relative to the stator to move in and out of fluid communication with the flow channels or orifices to create fluid pressure pulses in the drilling fluid flowing through the fluid pressure pulse generator. The flow bypass sleeve is configured to attach to a drill collar which housing the telemetry tool and comprises a body with a bore therethrough which receives the fluid pressure pulse generator. The body includes at least one longitudinally extending bypass channel comprising a groove longitudinally extending along an internal surface of the body or an aperture longitudinally extending through the body. The bypass channel extends across at least a portion of both the stator and the rotor when the fluid pressure pulse generator is received in the flow bypass sleeve such that the drilling fluid flows along the bypass channel as well as flowing through the flow channels or orifices. The bypass channel diverts drilling fluid around the fluid pressure pulse generator and may be dimensioned to control the amount of drilling fluid being diverted.
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 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:
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 pressure measurement apparatus for a downhole measurement-while-drilling tool comprises a feed through connector and a pressure transducer. The feed through connector comprises a body with a first end and an opposite second end, at least one electrical interconnection extending axially through the body and out of the first and second ends, and a pressure transducer receptacle in the first end and a communications bore extending from the receptacle to the second end. The pressure transducer is seated in the receptacle such that a pressure at the first end can be measured, and comprises at least one electrical contact that extends from the pressure transducer through the communication bore and out of the second end. The pressure transducer can take pressure measurements used to predict wear of a primary seal in a motor subassembly of the tool, detect a pressure-related battery failure event, and control operation of a dual pulse height fluid pressure pulse generator.
Abstract:
An assembly for use in subsurface drilling includes a downhole probe supported in a drill string section by centralising features that are integral with the drill string section. A bore wall of the drill string section is fluted to provide inward contact points that support the downhole probe. The downhole probe may be supported for substantially its entire length. A vibration damping and/or electrically insulating material may optionally be provided between the downhole probe and the drill string section.