Downhole Transducer Assembly

• US 20170241242A1
• Filed: 05/09/2017
• Published: 08/24/2017
• Est. Priority Date: 05/21/2015
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Novatek IP, LLC
• Original Assignee: Novatek IP, LLC
• Inventors: Marshall, Jonathan, Dahlgren, Scott
• Granted Patent: US 10,472,934 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• CPC Class Codes: E21B 41/0085 Adaptations of electric power generating means for use in boreholes
• CPC Class Codes: F01C 1/34 having the movement defined in group F01C1/08 or F01C1/22 and relative reciprocation between the co-operating members
• CPC Class Codes: F01D 15/10 Adaptations for driving, or combinations with, electric generators
• CPC Class Codes: F01D 5/06 Rotors for more than one axial stage, e.g. of drum or multiple disc type; Details thereof, e.g. shafts, shaft connections F01D5/022, F01D5/023 take precedence
• CPC Class Codes: F03B 1/02 Buckets; Bucket-carrying rotors
• CPC Class Codes: F05B 2220/20 within closed fluid conduits, e.g. pipes
• CPC Class Codes: F05D 2220/20 within closed fluid conduits, e.g. pipes

Abstract

A downhole drill pipe may comprise a transducer disposed therein, capable of converting energy from flowing fluid into electrical energy. A portion of a fluid flowing through the drill pipe may be diverted to the transducer. After passing the transducer, the diverted portion of the fluid may be discharged to an exterior of the drill pipe. To generate electrical energy while not obstructing the main fluid flow from passing through the drill pipe, the transducer may be disposed within a lateral sidewall of the drill pipe with an outlet for discharging fluid exposed on an exterior of the lateral sidewall.

Claims

1. A downhole transducer assembly, comprising:

a drill pipe capable of passing a fluid flow there through;

a course capable of diverting a portion of the fluid flow to a transducer capable of converting energy from the diverted portion into electrical energy; and

an outlet capable of discharging the diverted portion of the fluid flow to an exterior of the drill pipe.

2. The downhole transducer assembly of claim 1, wherein the transducer comprises a positive displacement motor attached to a generator.

3. The downhole transducer assembly of claim 2, wherein the positive displacement motor comprises a progressive cavity motor.

4. The downhole transducer assembly of claim 3, wherein the progressive cavity motor comprises a rotor and a stator, and the rotor comprises diamond on an exterior thereof.

5. The downhole transducer assembly of claim 4, wherein the rotor is formed entirely of polycrystalline diamond.

6. The downhole transducer assembly of claim 3, wherein the progressive cavity motor comprises a rotor and a stator, and the stator comprises a nonelastic interior surface.

7. The downhole transducer assembly of claim 2, wherein the positive displacement motor comprises a rotary vane motor.

8. The downhole transducer assembly of claim 1, wherein the transducer comprises a Pelton wheel attached to a generator.

9. The downhole transducer assembly of claim 1, wherein the transducer comprises a turbine attached to a generator.

10. The downhole transducer assembly of claim 9, wherein the transducer comprises a series of turbines attached to a generator.

11. The downhole transducer assembly of claim 9, wherein the course generates a helical motion in the diverted portion of fluid flow.

12. The downhole transducer assembly of claim 9, wherein the turbine is adjustable relative to the diverted portion of fluid flow.

13. The downhole transducer assembly of claim 12, wherein blades of the turbine are angled in a direction of adjustability of the turbine relative to the diverted portion of fluid flow.

14. The downhole transducer assembly of claim 12, wherein the turbine is adjustable from the exterior of the drill pipe.

15. The downhole transducer assembly of claim 9, wherein the turbine is interchangeable.

16. The downhole transducer assembly of claim 1, wherein the outlet is exposed on an exterior of a lateral sidewall of the drill pipe.

17. The downhole transducer assembly of claim 1, wherein the transducer is disposed within a lateral sidewall of the drill pipe.

18. The downhole transducer assembly of claim 1, wherein the transducer does not obstruct the fluid flow passing through the drill pipe.

19. The downhole transducer assembly of claim 1, wherein the diverted portion of the fluid flow comprises 1-10 gallons/minute (0.003785-0.03785 m³/min).

20. The downhole transducer assembly of claim 1, wherein the diverted portion of the fluid flow experiences a pressure drop of 500-1000 pounds/square inch (3,447-6,895 kPa) over the transducer.