Sperry-sun, Inc.

Nl Sperry Sun, Inc.

H Eugene Sharp

Miles A Smither

Preston E Chaney

Octavio A Vela

Mils A Smither

In a borehole telemetry system for acoustically transmitting data over a pipe suspended in a borehole, the level of noise in the data stream is inherently high due to the environment existing in a drilling operation and to the physical characteristics of a drill string. It has been discovered that certain discrete frequency passbands exist in a drill string which permit transmission of an acoustic signal with a minimum level of attenuation. In addition, it is now known that a fine structure exists within these frequency passbands which presents gaps or voids that attenuate the signal at a much higher rate. These gaps are on the order of 20 Hz. By generating an acoustic signal at a precise frequency spectrum within these passbands and then phase shifting the signal before its transmission, the energy spectrum of the transmitted signal is spread out over a sufficient frequency range to bridge these gaps.

Borehole acoustic telemetry system with phase shifted signal

In a borehole acoustic telemetry system for acoustically transmitting data over a pipe suspended in a borehole, the level of noise in the data stream is inherently high, making the use of precise frequencies advantageous to provide useful data. A first transmitter in the system operates at a precise frequency to transmit a signal over the pipe where it is received by a receive and retransmit circuit path. Components in the receive and retransmit section filter and amplify a data component of the signal and retransmit the data signal at a precise frequency. Crystal controlled oscillator clocks are operated in the system at a same frequency in the transmitter and receiver-retransmitter to insure precise frequency control of the system.

Borehole acoustic telemetry system

A sub for use in an acoustic telemetry system provides a sound path of low impedance to facilitate the transmission of acoustic signals through a string of pipe positioned in a wellbore. The sub section of pipe includes a tubular receiving member positioned in the bore of a pipe section and spaced from the interior walls thereof. Ports and flow channels are also provided to permit the passage of well fluids through the pipe section when an acoustic instrument is positioned in the tubular receiving member. A lateral shoulder is formed in the interior wall of the receiving member and is arranged to matingly receive a flat portion on the instrument. The abutment of the flat portion of the instrument and the shoulder provides a positive sound path for transmission of longitudinal sound waves from the instrument to the receiver member. The receiver member in turn is connected to the pipe section by longitudinal portions essentially concentric with the axis of the pipe section so as to provide a direct low impedance sound path for the efficient direct transmission of longitudinal sound waves.

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Missouri City, TX, United States of America

H Eugene Sharp