United States Patent (19) 11 Patent Number: 4,788,544

Howard (45) Date of Patent: Nov. 29, 1988

(54) WELL BORE DATA TRANSMISSION of View”, Journal of Petroleum Technology, Oct. 1983,
SYSTEM pp. 1792-1796.
J. C. Archer: "Electric Logging Experiments Develop
(75) Inventor: Mig A. Howard, Houston, Tex. Attachments for Use on Rotary Rigs', The Oil Weekly,
73) Assignee: Hughes Tool Company - USA, Jul. 15, 1935.
Houston, Tex. Arps, J. J. and Arps, J. L.: "The Subsurface Telemetry
21 Appl. No.: 1,286 Problem-A Practical Solution', Journal of Petroleum
Technology, May 1964, pp. 487-493.
22 Filed: Jan. 8, 1987 Wilton Gravley: "Review of Downhole Measuremen
51) Int. Cl. ............................................... GO1V1/00 t-While-Drilling Systems', Society of Petroleum Engi
52 U.S. Cl. ......... a 4 a e. 340/853; 340/854;
neers Paper Number 10036, Aug. 1983, pp. 1440-1441.
340/870.31; 324/323 P. Seaton; A. Roberts; and L. Schoonover: "New
58) Field of Search ............... 340/853, 854, 855, 856, MWD-Gamma System Finds Many Field Applica
340/861, 826, 870.31, 870.11, 870.15; 367/83; tions', Oil & Gas Journal, Feb. 21, 1983, pp. 80-84.
324/345, 346,323, 251, 208; 73/151 B.J. Patton et al: "Development and Successful Testing
of a Continuous-Wave, Logging-While-Drilling Tel
56 References Cited emetry System', Journal of Petroleum Technology,
U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS Oct. 1977.
2,370,818 3/1945 Silverman ........................... 324/356
W. Honeybourne: "Future Measurement-While-Drill
2,379,800 7/1945 Hare......... ... 175/356
ing Technology Will Focus on Two Levels', Oil & Gas
2,414,719 l/1947 Cloud .................................... 178/44 Journal, Mar. 4, 1985, pp. 71-75.
3,090,031 5/1963 Lord ...................................... 340/18 W. Honeybourne: “Formation MWD Benefits Evalua
3,186,222 6/1965 Martin ................................... 73/151 tion and Efficiency', Oil & Gas Journal, Feb. 25, 1985,
3,194,886 7/1965 Mason ................................... 375/88 pp. 83-92.
3,209,323 9/1965 Grossman, Jr. . ... 340/856 E. Hearn: "How Operators Can Improve Performance
3,332,009 7/1967 Seale ................................... 324/208 of Measurement-While-Drilling Systems', Oil & Gas
3,387,606 6/1968 Crafts et al. . 128/202.27 Journal, Oct. 29, 1984, pp. 80-84.
3,495,209 2/1970 Engle .................................. 340/850 (List continued on next page.)
3,905,010 9/1975 Fitzpatrick ... ... 340/855
3,925,694 12/1975 Richter et al. 310/68 D Primary Examiner-Brian S. Steinberger
4,071,714 1/1978 Satoh ..................................... 179/82 Attorney, Agent, or Firm-Robert A. Felsman; Melvin
4,215,426 7/1980 Klatt ................ . 367/83 A. Hunn
4,220,381 9/1980 Van der Graaf .... ... 439/194
4,390,975 6/1983 Shawhan ............................... 367/72 57 ABSTRACT
4,403,218 9/1983 Beal et al. ........ 340/870,31 X An improved method and apparatus of transmitting
4,468,665 8/1984 Thawley et al. .................... 340/856 data signals within a well bore having a string of tubular
4,538,248 8/1985 Lenhardt .......... 324/323 X members suspended within it, employing an electro
4,605,268 8/1986 Meador ................................. 339/16 magnetic field producing means to transmit the signal to
OTHER PUBLICATIONS a magnetic field sensor, which is capable of detecting
T. Bates & C. Martin: "Multisensor Measurements constant and time-varying fields, the signal then being
While-Drilling Tool Improves Drilling Economics,” conditioned so as to regenerate the data signals before
Oil & Gas Journal, Mar. 19, 1984, pp. 119-137. transmission across the subsequent threaded junction by
D. Grosso et al.: “Report on MWD Experimental another electromagnetic field producing means and
Downhole Sensors', Journal of Petroleum Technol magnetic sensor pair.
ogy, May 1983, pp. 899-907.
A. Kamp: "Downhole Telemetry from the User's Point 10 Claims, 4 Drawing Sheets

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 4,788,544
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OTHER PUBLICATIONS emetry System Passes First Test', The Oil & Gas Jour
L. H. Robinson et al: "Exxon Completes Wireline Drill nal, Jun. 13, 1977, pp. 63-66.
ling Data Telemetry System', Oil & Gas Journal, Apr. E. B. Denison: "High Data Rate Drilling Telemetry
14, 1980, pp. 137-148. System”, Journal of Petroleum Technology, Feb., 1979,
E. B. Denison: "Downhole Measurements Through pp. 155-163.
Modified Drill Pipe", Journal of Pressure Vessel Tech W. I. McDonald & C. E. Ward: "A Review of Down
nology, May 1977, pp. 374-379. hole Measurements While Drilling', Sandia National
E. B. Denison: "Shell's High-Data-Rate Drilling Tel Laboratories, Paper No. 75-7088, Nov. 1975.
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U.S. Patent Nov. 29, 1988 Sheet 4 of 4 4,788,544
 4,788,544 2
1.
The transmission of subsurface data from subsurface
WELL BORE DATA TRANSMISSION SYSTEM sensors to surface monitoring equipment, while drilling
operations continue, has been the object of much inven
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION tive effort over the past forty years. One of the earliest
descriptions of such a system is found in the July 15,
1 Field of the Invention
This invention relates to the transmission of data 1935 issue of The Oil Weekly in an article entitled
within a well bore, and is especially useful in obtaining "Electric Logging Experiments Develop Attachments
downhole data or measurements while drilling. for Use on Rotary Rigs' by J. C. Karcher. In this arti
2. Description of the Prior Art cle, Karcher described a system for transmitting geo
In rotary drilling, the rock bit is threaded onto the 10 logic formation resistance data to the surface, while
drilling.
lower end of a drill string or pipe. The pipe is lowered A variety of data transmission systems have been
and rotated, causing the bit to disintegrate geological proposed or attempted, but the industry leaders in oil
formations. The bit cuts a bore hole that is larger than and gas technology continue searching for new and
the drill pipe, so an annulus is created. Section after 15 improved systems for data transmission. Such attempts
section of drill pipe is added to the drill string as new and proposals include the transmission of signals
depths are reached. through cables in the drill string, or through cables
During drilling, a fluid, often called "mud", is suspended in the bore hole of the drill string; the trans
pumped downward through the drill pipe, through the mission of signals by electromagnetic waves through
drill bit, and up to the surface through the annulus 20 the earth; the transmission of signals by acoustic or
carrying cuttings from the borehole bottom to the sur seismic waves through the drill pipe, the earth, or the
face. mudstream; the transmission of signals by relay stations
It is advantageous to detect borehole conditions in the drill pipe, especially using transformer couplings
while drilling. However, much of the desired data must at the pipe connections; the transmission of signals by
be detected near the bottom of the borehole and is not 25 way of releasing chemical or radioactive tracers in the
easily retrieved. An ideal method of data retrieval mudstream; the storing of signals in a downhole re
would not slow down or otherwise hinder ordinary corder, with periodic or continuous retrieval; and the
drilling operations, or require excessive personnel or transmission of data signals over pressure pulses in the
the special involvement of the drilling crew. In addi mudstream. See generally Arps, J. J. and Arps, J. L.:
tion, data retrieved instantaneously, in "real time", is of 30 "The Subsurface Telemetry Problem-A Practical So
greater utility than data retrieved after time delay. lution', Journal of Petroleum Technology, May 1964,
A system for taking measurements while drilling is p. 487-93.
useful in directional drilling. Directional drilling is the Many of these proposed approaches face a multitude
process of using the drill bit to drill a bore hole in a of practical problems that foreclose any commercial
specific direction to achieve some drilling objective. 35 development. In an article published in August of 1983.
Measurements concerning the drift angle, the azimuth, “Review of Downhole Measurement-While-Drilling
and tool face orientation all aid in directional drilling. A Systems', Society of Petroleum Engineers Paper num
measurement while drilling system would replace single ber 10036, Wilton Gravley reviewed the current state of
shot surveys and wireline steering tools, saving time and measurement while drilling technology. In his view,
cutting drilling costs. 40 only two approaches are presently commercially viable:
Measurement while drilling systems also yield valu telemetry through the drilling fluid by the generation of
able information about the condition of the drill bit, pressure-wave signals and telemetry through electrical
helping determine when to replace a worn bit, thus conductors, or "hardwires'.
avoiding the pulling of "green' bits. Torque on bit Pressure-wave data signals can be sent through the
measurements are useful in this regard. See T. Bates and 45 drilling fluid in two ways: a continuous wave method,
C. Martin: "Multisensor Measurements-While-Drilling or a pulse system.
Tool Improves Drilling Economics', Oil & Gas Jour In a continuous wave telemetry, a continuous pres
nal, Mar. 19, 1984, p. 119-37, and D. Grosso et al.: sure wave of fixed frequency is generated by rotating a
"Report on MWD Experimental Downhole Sensors', valve in the mud stream. Data from downhole sensors is
Journal of Petroleum Technology, May 1983, p. 50 encoded on the pressure wave in digital form at the
899-907. slow rate of 1.5 to 3 binary bits per second. The mud
Formation evaluation is yet another object of a mea pulse signal loses half its amplitude for every 1,500 to
surement while drilling system. Gamma ray logs, for 3,000 feet of depth, depending upon a variety of factors.
mation resistivity logs, and formation pressure measure At the surface, these pulses are detected and decoded.
ments are helpful in determining the necessity of liners, 55 See generally the W. Gravley article, supra, p. 1440.
reducing the risk of blowouts, allowing the safe use of Data transmission using pulse telemetry operates
lower mud weights for more rapid drilling, reducing the several times slower than the continuous wave system.
risks of lost circulation, and reducing the risks of differ In this approach, pressure pulses are generated in the
ential sticking. See Bates and Martin article, supra. drilling fluid by either restricting the flow with a
Existing measurement while drilling systems are said 60 plunger or by passing small amounts of fluid from the
to improve drilling efficiency, saving in excess of ten inside of the drill string, through an orifice in the drill
percent of the rig time; improve directional control, string, to the annulus. Pulse telemetry requires about a
saving in excess of ten percent of the rig time; allow minute to transmit one information word. See generally
logging while drilling, saving in excess of five percent the W. Gravley article, supra, p. 1440-41.
of the rig time; and enhance safety, producing indirect 65 Despite the problems associated with drilling fluid
benefits. See A. Kamp: "Downhole Telemetry From telemetry, it has enjoyed some commercial success and
The User's Point of View', Journal of Petroleum Tech promises to improve drilling economics. It has been
nology, October 1983, p. 1792-96. used to transmit formation data, such as porosity, for
 4,788,544
3 4.
mation radioactivity, formation pressure, as well as Shell Development Company has pursued a teleme
drilling data such as weight on bit, mud temperature, try system that employs modified drill pipe, having
and torque on bit. electrical contact rings in the mating faces of each tool
Teleco Oilfield Services, Inc., developed the first joint. A wire runs through the pipe bore, electrically
commercially available mudpulse telemetry system, 5 connecting both ends of each pipe. When the pipe string
primarily to provide directional information, but now is "made up' of individual joints of pipe at the surface,
offers gamma logging as well. See Gravley article, su the contact rings are automatically mated.
pra; and "New MWD-Gamma System Finds Many While this system will transmit data at rates three
Field Applications', by P. Seaton, A. Roberts, and L. orders of magnitude greater than the mud pulse sys
Schoonover, Oil & Gas Journal, Feb. 21, 1983, p. 80-84. O tems, it is not without its own peculiar problems. If
A mudpulse transmission system designed by Mobil standard metallic-based tool joint compound, or "pipe
R. & D. Corporation is described in "Development and dope', is used, the circuit will be shorted to ground. A
Successful Testing of a Continuous-Wave, Logging special electrically non-conductive tool joint compound
While-Drilling Telemetry System”, Journal of Petro is required to prevent this. Also, since the transmission
leum Technology, October 1977, by Patton, B. J. et al. 15 of the signal across each pipe junction depends upon
This transmission system has been integrated into a good physical contact between the contact rings, each
complete measurement while drilling system by The mating surface must be cleaned with a high pressure
Analyst/Schlumberger. water stream before the special "dope" is applied and
Exploration Logging, Inc., has a mudpulse measure 20 the joint is made-up.
ment while drilling service that is in commercial use The Shell system is well described in Denison, E. B.:
that aids in directional drilling, improves drilling effi "Downhole
Pipe',
Measurements Through Modified Drill
Journal Of Pressure Vessel Technology, May
ciency, and enhances safety. Honeybourne, W.: "Future
Measurement-While-Drilling Technology Will Focus 1977, p. 374-79; Denison, E. B.: "Shell's High-Data
On Two Levels', Oil & Gas Journal Mar. 4, 1985, p. Rate Drilling Telemetry System Passes First Test', The
71-75. In addition, the Exlog system can be used to 25 Oil & Gas Journal, June 13, 1977, p. 63-66; and Deni
measure gamma ray emissions and formation resistivity tem”,E.Journal
son, B.: "High Data Rate Drilling Telemetry Sys
while drilling occurs. Honeybourne, W.: "Formation 1979, p. 155-63.of Petroleum Technology, February
MWD Benefits Evaluation and Efficiency', Oil & Gas A search of the prior patent art reveals a history of
Journal, Feb. 25, 1985, p. 83-92. 30 attempts at substituting a transformer or capacitor cou
The chief problems with drilling fluid telemetry in pling in each pipe connection in lieu of the hardwire
clude: (1) a slow data transmission rate; (2) high signal connection.
attenuation; (3) difficulty in detecting signals over mud sion System,U.S. Pat. No. 2,379,800, Signal Transmis
by D.G.C. Hare, discloses the use of a
pump noise; (4) the inconvenience of interfacing and transformer coupling at each pipe junction, and was
harmonizing the data telemetry system with the choice 35 issued in 1945. The principal difficulty with the use of
of mud pump, and drill bit; (5) telemetry system inter transformers is their high power requirements. U.S. Pat.
ference with rig hydraulics; and (6) maintenance re No. 3,090,031, Signal Transmission System, by A. H.
quirements. See generally, Hearn, E.: "How Operators Lord, is addressed to these high power
Can Improve Performance of Measurement-While teaches the placement of an amplifier and alosses, and
battery in
Drilling Systems”, Oil & Gas Journal Oct. 29, 1984, p. 40 each joint of pipe.
80-84.
The use of electrical conductors in the transmission of
The high power losses at the transformer junction
remained a problem, as the life of the battery became a
subsurface data also presents an array of unique prob critical consideration. In U.S. Pat. No. 4,215,426, Tel
lems. Foremost, is the difficulty of making a reliable emetry and Power Transmission For Enclosed Fluid
electrical connection at each pipe junction. 45 Systems, by F. Klatt, an acoustic energy conversion
Exxon Production Research Company developed a unit is employed to convert acoustic energy into electri
hardwire system that avoids the problems associated cal power for powering the transformer junction. This
with making physical electrical connections at threaded approach, however, is not a direct solution to the high
pipe junctions. The Exxon telemetry system employs a power losses at the pipe junction, but rather is an avoid
continuous electrical cable that is suspended in the pipe 50 ance of the larger problem.
bore hole. Transformers operate upon Faraday's law of induc
Such an approach presents still different problems. tion. Briefly, Faraday's law states that a time varying
The chief difficulty with having a continuous conduc magnetic field produces an electromotive force which
tor within a string of pipe is that the entire conductor may establish a current in a suitable closed circuit.
must be raised as each new joint of pipe is either added 55 Mathematically, Faraday's law is: emf= -ddb/dt Volts;
or removed from the drill string, or the conductor itself where emf is the electromotive force in volts, and
must be segmented like the joints of pipe in the string. did/dt is the time rate of change of the magnetic flux.
The Exxon approach is to use a longer, less fre The negative sign is an indication that the emf is in such
quently segmented conductor that is stored down hole a direction as to produce a current whose flux, if added
in a spool that will yield more cable, or take up more to the original flux, would reduce the magnitude of the
slack, as the situation requires. emf. This principal is known as Lenz's Law.
However, the Exxon solution requires that the dril An iron core transformer has two sets of windings
ling crew perform several operations to ensure that this wrapped about an iron core. The windings are electri
system functions properly, and it requires some addi cally isolated, but magnetically coupled. Current flow
tional time in making trips. This system is adequately 65 ing through one set of windings produces a magnetic
described in L. H. Robinson et al.: “Exxon Completes flux that flows through the iron core and induces an emf
Wireline Drilling Data Telemetry System', Oil & Gas in the second windings resulting in the flow of current
Journal, Apr. 14, 1980, p. 137-48. in the second windings.
 4,788,544 6
5
The iron core itself can be analyzed as a magnetic BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
circuit, in a manner similar to do electrical circuit analy
sis. Some important differences exist however, includ FIG. 1 is a fragmentary longitudinal section of two
ing the often nonlinear nature of ferromagnetic materi tubular members connected by a threaded pin and box,
als. exposing the various components that cooperate within
Briefly, magnetic materials have a reluctance to the the tubular members to transmit data signals across the
flow of magnetic flux which is analogous to the resis threaded junction.
tance materials have to the flow of electric currents. FIG. 2 is a fragmentary longitudinal section of a
Reluctance is a function of the length of a material, L, portion of a tubular member, revealing conducting
its cross section, S, and its permeability U. Mathemati 10 means within a protective conduit.
cally, Reluctance=L/(UAS), ignoring the nonlinear FIG. 3 is a fragmentary longitudinal section of a
nature of ferromagnetic materials. portion of the pin of a tubular member, demonstrating
Any air gaps that exist in the transformer's iron core the preferred method used to place the Hall Effect
present a great impediment to the flow of magnetic flux. 5 sensor within the pin.
This is so because iron has a permeability that exceeds FIG. 4 is a view of a drilling rig with a drill string
that of air by a factor of roughly four thousand. Conse composed of tubular members adapted for the transmis
quently, a great deal of energy is expended in relatively sion of data signals from downhole sensors to surface
small air gaps in a transformer's iron core. See gener monitoring equipment.
ally, HAYT: Engineering Electro-Magnetics, McGraw 20 FIG. 5 is a circuit diagram of the signal conditioning
Hill, 1974. Third Edition, p. 305-312. means, which is carried within each tubular member.
The transformer couplings revealed in the above DESCRIPTION OF PREFERREDEMBODIMENT
mentioned patents operate as iron core transformers The preferred data transmission system uses drill pipe
with two air gaps. The air gaps exist because the pipe with tubular connectors or tool joints that enable the
sections must be severable. 25 efficient transmission of data from the bottom of a well
Attempts continue to further refine the transformer bore to the surface. The configuration of the connectors
coupling, so that it might become practical. In U.S. Pat. will be described initially, followed by a description of
No. 4,605,268, Transformer Cable Connector, by R. the overall system.
Meador, the idea of using a transformer coupling is In FIG. 1, a longitudinal section of the threaded con
further refined. Here the inventor proposes the use of 30 nection between two tubular members 11, 13 is shown.
closely aligned small toroidal coils to transmit data Pin 15 of tubular member 11 is connected to box 17 of
across a pipe junction. tubular member 13 by threads 18 and is adapted for
To date none of the past efforts have yet achieved a receiving data signals, while box 17 is adapted for trans
commercially successful hardwire data transmission mitting data signals.
system for use in a well bore. 35 Hall Effect sensor 19 resides in the nose of pin 15, as
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION is shown in FIG. 3. A cavity 20 is machined into the pin
15, and a threaded sensor holder 22 is screwed into the
In the preferred embodiment, an electromagnetic cavity 20. Thereafter, the protruding portion of the
field generating means, such as a coil and ferrite core, is sensor holder 22 is removed by machining.
employed to transmit electrical data signals across a Returning now to FIG. 1, the box 17 of tubular mem
threaded junction utilizing a magnetic field. The mag ber 13 is counterbored to receive an outer sleeve 21 into
netic field is sensed by the adjacent connected tubular which an inner sleeve 23 is inserted. Inner sleeve 23 is
member through a Hall Effect sensor. The Hall Effect constructed of a nonmagnetic, electrically resistive sub
sensor produces an electrical signal which corresponds stance, such as "Monel'. The outer sleeve 21 and the
to magnetic field strength. This electrical signal is trans 45 inner sleeve 23 are scaled at 27,27' and secured in the
mitted via an electrical conductor that preferably runs box 17 by snap ring 29 and constitute a signal transmis
along the inside of the tubular member to a signal condi sion assembly 25. Outer sleeve 21 and inner sleeve 23
tioning circuit for producing a uniform pulse corre are in a hollow cylindrical shape so that the flow of
sponding to the electrical signal. This uniform pulse is drilling fluids through the bore 31,31' of tubular mem
sent to an electromagnetic field generating means for 50 bers 11, 13 is not impeded.
transmission across the subsequent threaded junction. Protected within the inner sleeve 23, from the harsh
In this manner, all the tubular members cooperate to drilling environment, is an electromagnet 32, in this
transmit the data signals in an efficient manner. instance, a coil 33 wrapped about a ferrite core 35 (ob
The invention may be summarized as a method which scured from view by coil 33), and signal conditioning
includes the steps of sensing a borehole condition, gen 55 circuit 39. The coil 33 and core 35 arrangement is held
erating an initial signal corresponding to the borehole in place by retaining ring 36.
condition, providing this signal to a desired tubular Power is provided to Hall Effect sensor 19, by a
member, generating at each subsequent threaded con lithium battery 41, which resides in battery compart
nection a magnetic field corresponding to the initial ment 43, and is secured by cap 45 sealed at 46, and snap
signal, sensing the magnetic field at each subsequent ring 47. Power flows to Hall Effect sensor 19 over
threaded connection with a sensor capable of detecting conductors 49, 50 contained in a drilled hole 51. The
constant and time-varying magnetic fields, generating signal conditioning circuit 39 within tubular member 13
an electrical signal in each subsequent tubular member is powered by a battery similar to 41 contained at the
corresponding to the sensed magnetic field, condition pin end (not depicted) of tubular member 13.
ing the generated electrical signal in each subsequent 65 Two signal wires 53, 54 reside in cavity 51, and con
tubular member to regenerate the initial signal, and duct signal from the Hall Effect sensor 19. Wires 53, 54
monitoring the initial signal corresponding to the bore pass through the cavity 51, around the battery 41, and
hole condition where desired. into a protective metal conduit 57 for transmission to a
 4,788,544
7 8
signal conditioning circuit and coil and core arrange plifier 123 is powered through a terminal L which is
ment in the upper end (not shown) of tubular member connected to power conductor 56. Power conductor 56
11 identical to that found in the box of tubular member is connected to the positive terminal of battery 41.
13. Operational amplifier 123 operates as a differential
Two power conductors 55, 56 connect the battery 41 amplifier. At this stage, the voltage pulse is amplified
and the signal conditioning circuit at the opposite end about threefold. Resistance values for gain resistors 133
(not shown) of tubular member 11. Battery 41 is and 135 are chosen to set this gain. The resistance values
grounded to tubular member 11, which becomes the for resistors 137 and 139 are selected to complement the
return conductor for power conductors 55, 56. Thus, a gain resistors 133 and 135.
total of four wires are contained in conduit 57. 10 Operational amplifier 123 is connected to operational
Conduit 57 is silver brazed to tubular member 11 to amplifier 125 through a capacitor 141 and resistor 143.
protect the wiring from the hostile drilling environ The amplified voltage is passed through capacitor 141,
ment. In addition, conduit 57 serves as an electrical which blocks any dc component, and obstructs the
shield for signal wires 53 and 54. passage of low frequency components of the signal.
A similar conduit 57" in tubular member 13 contains 15 Resistor 143 is connected to the inverting input of oper
signal wires 53, 54 and conductors 55", 56' that lead to ational amplifier 125.
the circuit board and signal conditioning circuit 39 from A capacitor 145 is connected between the inverting
a battery (not shown) and Hall Effect sensor (not input and the output of operational amplifier 125. The
shown) in the opposite end of tubular memeber 13. noninverting input or node C of operational amplifier
Turning now to FIG. 2, a mid-region of conduit 57 is 20 125 is connected to a resistor 147. Resistor 147 is con
shown to demonstrate that it adheres to the wall of the nected to the terminal L, which leads through conduc
bore 31 through the tubular member 11, and will not tor 56 to battery 41. A resistor 149 is connected to the
interfere with the passage of drilling fluid or obstruct noninverting input of operational amplifier 125 and to
wireline tools. In addition, conduit 57 shields signal ground. A resistor 151 is connected in parallel with
wires 53, 54 and conductors 55, 56 from the harsh dril 25 capacitor 145.
ling environment. The tubular member 11 consists gen At operational amplifier 125, the signal is further
erally of a tool joint 59 welded at 61 to one end of a drill amplified by about twenty fold. Resistor values for
pipe 63. resistors 143, 151 are selected to set this gain. Capacitor
FIG. 5 is an electrical circuit drawing depicting the 145 is provided to reduce the gain of high frequency
preferred signal processing means 111 between Hall 30 components of the signal that are above the desired
Effect sensor 19 and electromagnetic field generating operating frequencies. Resistors 147 and 149 are se
means 114, which in this case is coil 33 and core 35. The lected to bias node C at about one-half the battery 41
signal conditioning means 111 can be subdivided by voltage.
function into two portions, a signal amplifying means Operational amplifier 125 is connected to operational
119 and a pulse generating means 121. Within the signal 35 amplifier 127 through a capacitor 153 and a resistor 155.
amplifying means 119, the major components are opera Resistor 155 leads to the inverting input of operational
tional amplifiers 123, 125, and 127. Within the pulse amplifier 127. A resistor 157 is connected between the
generating means 121, the major components are com inverting input and the output of operational amplifier
parator 129 and multivibrator 131. Various resistors and 127. The noninverting input or node D of operational
capacitors are selected to cooperate with these major amplifier 127 is connected through a resistor 159 to the
components to achieve the desired conditioning at each terminal L. Terminal L leads to battery 41 through
Stage. conductor 56. A resistor 161 is connected between the
As shown in FIG. 5, magnetic field 32 exerts a force noninverting input of operational amplifier 127 and
on Hall Effect sensor 19, and creates a voltage pulse ground.
across terminals A and B of Hall Effect sensor 19. Hall 45 The signal from operational amplifier 125 passes
Effect sensor 19 has the characteristics of a Hall Effect through capacitor 153 which eliminates the dc compo
semiconductor element, which is capable of detecting nent and further inhibits the passage of the lower fre
constant and time-varying magnetic fields. It is distin quency components of the signal. Operational amplifier
guishable from sensors such as transformer coils that 127 inverts the signal and provides an amplification of
detect only changes in magnetic flux. Yet another dif 50 approximately thirty fold, which is set by the selection
ference is that a coil sensor requires no power to detect of resistors 155 and 157. The resistors 159 and 161 are
time varying fields, while a Hall Effect sensor has selected to provide a dc level at node D.
power requirements. Operational amplifier 127 is connected to comparator
Hall Effect sensor 19 has a positive input connected 129 through a capacitor 163 to eliminate the dc compo
to power conductor 49 and a negative input connected 55 nent. The capacitor 163 is connected to the inverting
to power conductor 50. The power conductors 49, 50 input of comparator 129. Comparator 129 is part of the
lead to battery 41. pulse generating means 121 and is an operational ampli
Operational amplifier 123 is connected to the output fier operated as a comparator. A resistor 165 is con
terminals A, B of Hall Effect sensor 19 through resistors nected to the inverting input of comparator 129 and to
135, 137. Resistor 135 is connected between the invert terminal L. Terminal L leads through conductor 56 to
ing input of operational amplifier 123 and terminal A battery 41. A resistor 167 is connected between the
through signal conductor 53. Resistor 137 is connected inverting input of comparator 129 and ground. The
between the nominverting input of operational amplifier noninverting input of comparator 129 is connected to
123 and terminal B through signal conductor 54. A terminal L through resistor 169. The noninverting input
resistor 133 is connected between the inverting input 65 is also connected to ground through series resistors
and the output of operational amplifier 123. A resistor 171,173.
139 is connected between the noninverting input of Comparator 129 compares the voltage at the invert
operational amplifier 123 and ground. Operational am ing input node E to the voltage at the noninverting
V
 4,788,544 10
9
input node F. Resistors 165 and 167 bias node E of tors, containing the mechanical and electronic appara
comparator 129 to one-half of the battery 41 voltage. tus of FIGS. 1 and 5.
Resistors 169, 171, and 173 cooperate together to hold The upper end of tubular member and sensor package
node Fat a voltage value above one-half the battery 41 217 is preferably adapted with the same components as
voltage. tubular member 13, including a coil 33 to generate a
When no signal is provided from the output of opera magnetic field. The lower end of connector 227 has a
tional amplifier 127, the voltage at node E is less than Hall Effect sensor, like sensor 19 in the lower end of
the voltage at node F, and the output of comparator 129 tubular member 11 in FIG. 1.
is in its ordinary high state (i.e., at supply voltage). The Each tubular member 219 in the drill string 211 has
difference in voltage between nodes E and nodes F 10 one end adapted for receiving data signals and the other
should be sufficient to prevent noise voltage levels from end adapted for transmitting data signals.
activating the comparator 129. However, when a signal The tubular members cooperate to transmit data sig
arrives at node E, the total voltage at node E will ex nals up the borehole 215. In this illustration, data is
ceed the voltage at node F. When this happens, the being sensed from the drill bit 213, and from the forma
output of comparator 129 goes low and remains low for 15 tion 227, and is being transmitted up the drill string 211
as long as a signal is present at node E. to the drilling rig 229, where it is transmitted by suitable
Comparator 129 is connected to multivibrator 131 means such as radio waves 231 to surface monitoring
through capacitor 175. Capacitor 175 is connected to and recording equipment 233. Any suitable commer
pin 2 of multivibrator 131. Multivibrator 131 is prefera cially available radio transmission system may be em
bly an L555 monostable multivibrator. 20 ployed. One type of system that may be used is a PMD
A resistor 177 is connected between pin 2 of multivi "Wireless Link', receiver model R102 and transmitter
brator 131 and ground. A resistor 179 is connected model T201A.
between pin 4 and pin 2. A capacitor 181 is connected In operation of the electrical circuitry shown in FIG.
between ground and pins 6,7. Capacitor 181 is also 5, dc power from battery 41 is supplied to the Hall
connected through a resistor 183 to pin 8. Power is 25 Effect sensor 19, operational amplifiers 123, 125, 127,
supplied through power conductor 55 to pins 4,8. Con comparator 129, and multivibrator 131. Referring also
ductor 55 leads to the battery 41 as does conductor 56, to FIG. 4, data signals from sensor package 217 cause an
but is a separate wire from conductor 56. The choice of electromagnetic field 32 to be generated at each
resistors 177 and 179 serve to bias input pin2 or node G threaded connection of the drill string 211.
at a voltage value above one-third of the battery 41. 30 In each tubular member, the electromagnetic field 32
A capacitor 185 is connected to ground and to con causes an output voltage pulse on terminals A, B of Hall
ductor 55. Capacitor 185 is an energy storage capacitor Effect sensor 19. The voltage pulse is amplified by the
and helps to provide power to multivibrator 131 when operational amplifiers 123, 125 and 127. The output of
an output pulse is generated. A capacitor 187 is con comparator 129 will go low on receipt of the pulse,
nected between pin 5 and ground. Pin 1 is grounded. 35 providing a sharp negative trigger pulse. The multivi
Pins 6, 7 are connected to each other. Pins 4, 8 are also brator 131 will provide a 100 millisecond pulse on re
connected to each other. The output pin 3 is connected ceipt of the trigger pulse from comparator 129. The
to a diode 189 and to coil 33 through a conductor 193. output of multivibrator 131 passes through coil 33 to
A diode 191 is connected between ground and the cath generate an electromagnetic field 32 for transmission to
ode of diode 189.
The capacitor 175 and resistors 177, 179 provide an the next tubular member.
RC time constant so that the square pulses at the output This invention has many advantages over existing
of comparator 129 are transformed into spiked trigger hardwire telemetry systems. A continuous stream of
pulses. The trigger pulses from comparator 129 are fed data signal pulses, containing information from a large
into the input pin 2 of multivibrator 131. Thus, multivi 45 array of downhole sensors can be transmitted to the
brator 131 is sensitive to the “low” outputs of compara surface in real time. Such transmission does not require
tor 129. Capacitor 181 and resistor 183 are selected to physical contact at the pipe joints, nor does it involve
set the pulse width of the output pulse at output pin 3 or the suspension of any cable downhole. Ordinary drilling
node H. In this embodiment, a pulse width of 100 micro operations are not impeded significantly; no special pipe
seconds is provided. 50 dope is required, and special involvement of the drilling
The multivibrator 131 is sensitive to “low” pulses crew is minimized.
Moreover, the high power losses associated with a
from the output of comparator 129, but provides a high
pulse, close to the value of the battery 41 voltage, as an transformer coupling at each threaded junction are
output. Diodes 189 and 191 are provided to inhibit any avoided. Each tubular member has a battery for power
ringing, or oscillation encountered when the pulses are 55 ing the Hall Effect sensor, and the signal conditioning
sent through conductor 193 to the coil 33. More specifi means; but such battery can operate in excess of a thou
cally, diode 191 absorbs the energy generated by the sand hours due to the overall low power requirements
collapse of the magnetic field. At coil 33, a magnetic of this invention.
field 32' is generated for transmission of the data signal The present invention employs efficient electromag
across the subsequent junction between tubular mem 60 netic phenomena to transmit data signals across the
bers. junction of threaded tubular members. The preferred
As illustrated in FIG. 4, the previously described embodiment employs the Hall Effect, which was dis
apparatus is adapted for data transmission in a well bore. covered in 1879 by Dr. Edwin Hall. Briefly, the Hall
A drill string 211 supports a drill bit 213 within a well Effect is observed when a current carrying conductor is
bore 215 and includes a tubular member 217 having a 65 placed in a magnetic field. The component of the mag
sensor package (not shown) to detect downhole condi netic field that is perpendicular to the current exerts a
tions. The tubular members 11, 13 shown in FIG. 1 just Lorentz force on the current. This force disturbs the
below the surface 218 are typical for each set of connec current distribution, resulting in a potential difference
 11
4,788,544
12
across the current path. This potential difference is processed electrical signals produced by the signal
referred to as the Hall voltage. conditioning means;
The basic equation describing the interaction of the a power supply means for providing electrical power
magnetic field and the current, resulting in the Hall to the Hall Effect sensor and the signal condition
voltage is: ing means; and
VH=(RH/t) * I* B *SINX, where: an electrical conducting means communicating be
It is the current flowing through the Hall sensor; tween the Hall Effect sensor, the signal condition
BSIN X is the component of the magnetic field that ing means, the electromagnetic field generating
1S
means, and the power supply means.
perpendicular to the current path; 10 3. An improved data transmission system for use in a
RH is the Hall coefficient; and well bore, comprising:
t is the thickness of the conductor sheet a tubular member with threaded ends adapted for
If the current is held constant, and the other constants connection in a drill string having a pin end
are disregarded, the Hall voltage will be directly pro adapted for receiving data signals and a box end
portional to the magnetic field strength. 15 adapted for transmitting data signals;
The foremost advantages of using the Hall Effect to a Hall Effect sensor mounted in the pin of the tubular
transmit data across a pipe junction are the ability to member for sensing a magnetic field strength and
transmit data signals across a threaded junction without for producing electrical signals corresponding
making a physical contact, the low power requirements thereto;
for such transmission, and the resulting increase in bat 20 a signal conditioning means carried within the tubular
tery life. member for producing pulses corresponding to the
This invention has several distinct advantages over signals produced by the Hall Effect sensor;
the mudpulse transmission systems that are commer an electromagnet mounted in the box of the tubular
cially available, and which represent the state of the art. member for generating a magnetic field in response
Foremost is the fact that this invention can transmit data 25
at two to three orders of magnitude faster than the to the output of the signal conditioning means;
mudpulse systems. This speed is accomplished without an electrical conducting means for communicating
any interference with ordinary drilling operations. between the Hall Effect sensor, the signal condi
Moreover, the signal suffers no overall attenuation since tioning means, and the electromagnet; and
it is regenerated in each tubular member. 30 a power supply means for providing electrical power
I claim: to the Hall Effect sensor, and the signal condition
1. An improved data transmission system for use in a ing means.
well bore, comprising: 4. In a drill string having a plurality of sections con
a tubular member with threaded ends adapted for nected together, each section having a box on the upper
connection in a drill string having one end adapted 35 end of each section and a pin on the lower end of each
for transmitting data signals and the other end section, an improved data transmission system, compris
adapted for receiving data signals; ling:
an electromagnetic field generating means carried by a Hall Effect sensor mounted in the pin of each sec
the transmitting end of the tubular member; tion for sensing a magnetic field and for producing
a Hall Effect sensor means carried by the receiving an electrical signal corresponding thereto;
end of the tubular member for receiving data sig a signal conditioning means located in each section
nals; for producing electrical pulses in response to the
a signal conditioning means located in the tubular electrical signals produced by the Hall Effect sen
member and electrically connected to the Hall sor;
Effect sensor means and the electromagnetic field 45 an electromagnet mounted in the box of each section
generating means for shaping the data signals re for generating a magnetic field in response to the
ceived by the Hall Effect sensor means, prior to pulses provided by the signal conditioning means;
transmission by the electromagnetic field generat a battery for providing electrical power to the Hall
ing means; and Effect sensor, and the signal conditioning means;
a power supply means, located in the tubular mem 50 and
ber, for providing electrical power to the Hall an electrical conducting means communicating be
Effect sensor means, and the signal conditioning tween the Hall Effect sensor, the signal condition
means. ing means, the electromagnet and the power sup
2. In a drill string having a plurality of sections con ply.
nected together, having one end adapted for receiving 55 5. In a drill string having a plurality of tubular mem
data signals and the other end adapted for transmitting bers connected together, each having a pin and a box,
data signals, an improved means for transmitting electri an improved means for data transmission, comprising:
cal signals through the string, comprising: a Hall Effect sensor mounted in the pin of each tubu
a Hall Effect sensor mounted in the receiving end of lar member, responsive to magnetic flux density of
each section for sensing an electromagnetic field 60 a magnetic field, for generating a Hall voltage
and for producing electrical signals corresponding corresponding thereto;
thereto; a signal amplifying means for amplifying and filtering
a signal conditioning means located in each section the Hall voltage generated by the Hall Effect sen
for shaping the electrical signals produced by the sor, electrically connected to the Hall Effect sensor
Hall Effect sensor; 65 and located in each tubular member;
an electromagnetic field generating means mounted . a pulse generating means for producing a pulse of
in the transmitting end of each section for generat uniform amplitude and duration in response to the
ing an electromagnetic field corresponding to the amplified and filtered Hall voltage, electrically
 4,788,544 14
13
connected to the signal amplifying means and lo 8. A method of transmitting, preselected location, a
cated in each tubular member; data signal in a well bore having a plurality of threaded
a coil wrapped about a ferromagnetic core located in tubular members connected and suspended within it,
the box of each tubular member and electrically the method comprising the steps of:
connected to the pulse generating means for pro 5 generating a magnetic field at a threaded connection
ducing an electromagnetic field in response to the corresponding to the data signal to be transmitted;
pulse; and w sensing the magnetic field across the threaded con
a battery, located in each tubular member, for provid nection with a sensor capable of detecting both
ing electrical power to the Hall Effect sensor, the constant and time-varying magnetic fields;
signal conditioning means, and the pulse generating 10 generating an electrical signal corresponding to the
ea S.
sensed magnetic field;
6. An improved data transmission system for use in a
reproducing the data signal from the generated elec
well bore, comprising: trical signal;
repeating the above steps at each threaded connec
a tubular member with threaded ends adapted for 15 tion until the data signal arrives at said preselected
connection in a drill string having a pin end location; and
adapted for receiving data signals and a box end monitoring the data signal at said preselected loca
adapted for transmitting data signals; tion.
a Hall Effect sensor mounted in the pin of each tubu 9. A method of data transmission in a well bore hav
lar member, responsive to magnetic flux density of 20 ing tubular members with threaded connectors, the
a magnetic field, for generating a Hall voltage method comprising the steps of:
corresponding thereto; sensing a well bore condition;
a signal conditioning means composed of a signal generating an initial signal corresponding to the
amplifying means for amplifying the Hall voltage sensed borehole condition;
generated by the Hall Effect sensor and a pulse 25 generating at each threaded connection a magnetic
generating means for producing a pulse of uniform field corresponding to the initial signal;
amplitude and duration in response to the amplified sensing the magnetic field at each threaded connec
Hall voltage, electrically connected to the Hall tion with a sensor capable of detecting both con
Effect sensor and located in each tubular member; stant and changing magnetic field strengths;
a ferrite core located in the box of each tubular mem 30 generating in each tubular member an electrical sig
ber; nal corresponding to the sensed magnetic field;
a coil wrapped about the ferrite core and electrically reproducing the initial signal from the generated elec
connected to the signal conditioning means, for trical signal in each tubular member; and
producing an electromagnetic field in response to monitoring the borehole condition at the earth's sur
the pulse produced by the pulse generating means; 35 face.
and 10. A method of logging while drilling utilizing a
a battery for providing electrical power to the Hall plurality of connected threaded tubular members sus
Effect sensor, and the signal conditioning means. pended in a well bore, the method comprising the steps
7. A method of data transmission in a well bore hav 40 of:sensing a formation condition;
ing a string of tubular members with threaded connec generating an initial signal corresponding to the
tors suspended within it, the method comprising the sensed formation condition;
steps of: providing the initial signal to a desired tubular mem
sensing a well bore condition; ber;
generating an initial signal corresponding to the 45 generating at each subsequent threaded connection a
sensed borehole condition; magnetic field corresponding to the initial signal;
providing the initial signal to a selected tubular mem sensing the magnetic field at each subsequent
ber; threaded connection with a sensor capable of de
generating at each subsequent threaded connection a tecting both constant and time-varying magnetic
magnetic field corresponding to the initial signal; 50 fields;
sensing the magnetic field at each subsequent generating an electrical signal in each subsequent
threaded connection with a sensor capable of de tubular member that corresponds to the sensed
tecting both constant and time-varying magnetic magnetic field;
fields; reproducing the initial signal from the generated elec
generating an electrical signal in each subsequent 55 trical signal in each subsequent tubular member;
tubular member that corresponds to the sensed monitoring the formation condition; and
magnetic field; and recording the formation
k .
condition.
x X xk
monitoring the borehole condition.

65
 UNITED STATES PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE
CERTIFICATE OF CORRECTION
PATENT NO. : 4,788,544
DATED November 29, 1988
NVENTOR(S) : Mig A. Howard
It is certified that error appears in the above-identified patent and that said Letters Patent is hereby
corrected as shown below:

At Column 2, lines 35-36:

delete "..." between "August of 1983" and "Review of
Downhole", and insert there for " ,"
At Column 5, line 2:
delete "do", and insert therefor "DC"
At Column 5 line 10 :
delete "L/ (UAS)" and insert there for "L/ (US)"
At Column 6, line 45:
delete "scaled", and insert there for "sealed."
At Column 14, line 1, in Claim 8:
insert "to a " between "transmitting," and
"preselected location,"

Signed and Sealed this

Fourth Day of July, 1989
Attest:

DONALD J. QUIGG

Attesting Officer Commissioner of Patents and Trademarks