Distributed Downhole Drilling Network
First Claim
1. A downhole network comprising:
- a bottom-hole node interfacing to a bottom-hole assembly located proximate a bottom end of a drill string;
a top-hole node connected proximate a top end of the drill string;
an intermediate node located along the drill string between the bottom-hole node and the top-hole node, the intermediate node configured to receive and transmit data packets transmitted between the bottom-hole node and the top-hole node; and
a communications link, integrated in the drill string, operably connecting the bottom-hole node to the intermediate node, and the intermediate node to the top-hole node wherein timing of at least two of the nodes is synchronized.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A high-speed downhole network providing real-time data from downhole components of a drilling strings includes a bottom-hole node interfacing to a bottom-hole assembly located proximate the bottom end of a drill string. A top-hole node is connected proximate the top end of the drill string. One or several intermediate nodes are located along the drill string between the bottom-hole node and the top-hole node. The intermediate nodes are configured to receive and transmit data packets transmitted between the bottom-hole node and the top-hole node. A communications link, integrated into the drill string, is used to operably connect the bottom-hole node, the intermediate nodes, and the top-hole node. In selected embodiments, a personal or other computer may be connected to the top-hole node, to analyze data received from the intermediate and bottom-hole nodes.
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Citations
20 Claims
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1. A downhole network comprising:
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a bottom-hole node interfacing to a bottom-hole assembly located proximate a bottom end of a drill string;
a top-hole node connected proximate a top end of the drill string;
an intermediate node located along the drill string between the bottom-hole node and the top-hole node, the intermediate node configured to receive and transmit data packets transmitted between the bottom-hole node and the top-hole node; and
a communications link, integrated in the drill string, operably connecting the bottom-hole node to the intermediate node, and the intermediate node to the top-hole node wherein timing of at least two of the nodes is synchronized. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11)
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12. A method for transmitting information along a drill string, the method comprising:
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transmitting, from a bottom-hole node, a first data packet along a communications link integrated into the drill sting;
receiving, by an intermediate node located at an intermediate location along the drill string, and operably connected to the communications link, the first data packet;
amplifying, by the intermediate node, the first data packet; and
forwarding, by the intermediate node, the first data packet to a top-hole node operably connected to the communications link. - View Dependent Claims (15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20)
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- 13. The method of claim 13, further comprising receiving, by a personal computer, the first data packet from the top-hole node, for analysis.
Specification