Dead Short Switch and Method of Use
AssigneeGunnar LLLP
InventorsClinton Moss, Frederik Chad Moss, Arthur La Porta
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A downhole dead short switch provides dual-mode current routing for drilling and ranging systems. The device includes a conductive upper housing, an electrically insulated lower section, and a non-conductive piston carrying brush contactors. A microcontroller-driven actuator repositions the piston between a dead-short state (for AC or DC current injection to formation) and a communication state (for low-power telemetry to a sensor). The assembly may be filled with dielectric oil, and incorporates sensors and logic for feedback and fail-safe auto-recovery. The system enables automatic switching between stimulation and communication and can also perform downhole DC power recharge or solenoid actuation.
Claims14
A downhole switch comprising:
- a body having a conductive portion and an insulative portion wherein the conductive portion is capable of being electrically connected to a drill pipe;
- a non-conductive piston disposed within the body and movable between at least two positions;
- at least one contactor disposed to selectively connect an insulated conductor to either (a) the conductive portion of the body or (b) a tool power line, and
- whereby the switch selectively establishes a dead short to ground for current injection or a conductive path for communication with a downhole component.
A method for controlling current injection and communication in a downhole system, comprising the steps of:
- (a) providing a wired drill pipe having an insulated conductor;
- (b) positioning a switch above a sensor tool, the switch having a conductive portion and an insulative portion wherein the conductive portion is capable of being electrically connected to the wired drill pipe;
- (c) actuating a piston in the switch to a first position to short the insulated conductor to a conductive drill pipe body for injecting current into a formation;
- and
- (d) actuating the piston to a second position to couple the insulated conductor to a tool input line.
A downhole electrical system comprising:
- a wired pipe;
- an insulated conductor;
- a switch that is capable of alternately connecting the insulated conductor to ground for formation stimulation or to a sensor for communication.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.