Pressure wave-based steering and communication systems

Abstract

A bottom hole assembly (BHA) is disclosed. The BHA comprises a directional control system configured to control a position of the BHA relative to a borehole, the directional control system comprising: a device body defining an inlet and a plurality of ports; at least one device sensor configured to detect a first downhole parameter a plurality of deflection actuators coupled to the device body and each in fluid communication with a corresponding one of the ports, each of the plurality of deflection actuators configured to be selectively actuated to steer the BHA; a controller configured to receive data from the at least one device sensor; and a valve body configured to selectively permit fluid communication between the inlet and one or more of the plurality of ports to actuate the respective deflection actuators; wherein the controller is configured to actuate the valve body to adjust fluid communication to the one or more of the plurality of ports to: steer the BHA; and communicate data indicative of the detected first downhole parameter.