Apparatus and method for transmitting downhole conditions to the surface
AssigneeNavigator MWD, Inc.
InventorJack R. Claycomb
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A measuring while drilling tool is disclosed. The preferred embodiment incorporates an outer tubular member adapted to be connected in a drill string above the drill bit. The apparatus utilizes a mud pulser sub extending through the hollow tubular member and anchored in the drill string. The apparatus includes a sensor module and a battery module operatively connected to form a single tool. The apparatus utilizes mud flow pressure in the drill string to move a mud pulser sub through constriction rings for creating a sequence of mud pulses detectable by surface located receiving means.
Claims6
A measuring while drilling mud-pulse telemetry system for use while drilling a borehold in the earth, the system comprising:
- (a) an elongate, hollow tubular member adapted to be connected in a drill string;
- (b) constriction means in said tubular member for creating a sequence of pressure pulses in drilling fluid circulated through the drill string;
- (c) a mud pulser sub mounted within said hollow tubular member and extending into a length a drill pipe in the drill string for producing pressure pulses in the drilling fluid, said mud pulser sub including a rod member having a plurality of spaced peaks and valleys formed along a lower portion of said rod member;
- (d) a closed hydraulic fluid system for modulating downward movement of said rod member of said mud pulser sub;
- (e) sensor means responsive to a variable of interest in the borehole for forming a signal indicative of a value of the variable of interest;
- (f) switch means operatively connected to said sensor means, said switch means being engageable with said lower portion of said mud pulser sub and being actuable upon downward movement of said rod member of said mud pulser sub;
- and
- (g) battery means operatively connected to said sensor means for operation thereof.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.