Wellsite Communication System and Method
AssigneeIntelliServ, Inc.
InventorsTheodore E. Zaleski, JR., Lopek Drzewiecki
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
An apparatus for communication with a downhole tool linked to a plurality of wired drill pipes includes a base. In addition, the apparatus includes an extension assembly having a first end pivotally coupled to the base and a second end. Further, the apparatus includes a head assembly pivotally coupled to the second end of the extension assembly. Still further, the apparatus includes an interface connector moveably coupled to the head assembly and configured to connect to an uphole end of the tool string and form an interface link between a surface unit and the downhole tool.
Claims28
An apparatus for communication with a downhole tool, the downhole tool being linked to a plurality of wired drill pipes forming a tool string extending from the surface to the downhole tool, the apparatus comprising:
- a base;
- an extension assembly having a first end pivotally coupled to the base and a second end;
- a head assembly pivotally coupled to the second end of the extension assembly;
- an interface connector moveably coupled to the head assembly and configured to connect to an uphole end of the tool string and form an interface link between a surface unit and the downhole tool.
A communication system for communicating with a downhole tool, the downhole tool being linked to a plurality of wired drill pipes forming a tool string extending from the surface to the downhole tool, the communication system comprising:
- a surface unit configured to receive a signal from the downhole tool;
- and
- a communication interface electrically coupled to the surface unit and configured to receive the signal from the downhole tool and direct the signal to the surface unit;
- wherein the communication interface comprises:
- a base;
- an extension assembly having a first end pivotally coupled to the base and a second end;
- a head assembly pivotally coupled to the second end of the extension assembly;
- an interface connector moveably coupled to the head assembly and configured to connect to an uphole end of the tool string and form an interface link between the surface unit and the downhole tool.
A method for communicating with a downhole tool, the downhole tool being linked to a plurality of wire drill pipes forming a tool string extending from the surface to the downhole tool, the method comprising:
- (a) providing an interface connector on a communication interface;
- (b) extending the communication interface horizontally to position the interface connector substantially over an uphole end of the tool string;
- (c) lowering the interface connector with the communication interface until the interface connector engages the uphole end of the tool string;
- and
- (d) connecting the interface connector to the tool string to form a communication link between the interface connector and the tool string.
The method of 20, wherein (d) comprises rotating the interface connector with a pneumatic motor.
The method of 26, wherein (c) further comprises slidingly engaging a follower mounted to the head bracket with a guide rail mounted to the gooseneck.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.