A Fluidic Approach to the Design of a Mud Pulser for Bore-Hole Telemetry While Drilling.
Abstract
Mud-pulse telemetry is a method for communicating diagnostic information from the bottom of a well to the surface while the well is being drilled. Because mud-pulse telemetry offers potential for improving the safety of hazardous offshore drilling operations, the U.S. Geological Survey has sponsored a research program at the Harry Diamond Laboratories (HDL) to investigate the feasibility of applying fluidic flow control techniques to the design of a reliable high-speed pulser valve. During these investigations, three subscale fluidic mud-pulsing circuits were tested over a wide range of drilling-fluid weights and viscosities to simulate well-bore conditions. The tests demonstrated that the unusual rheological properties of drilling mud cause only slight changes in circuit performance. Further tests of circuit dynamic response indicate that a similar full-scale pulser will have a frequency response of 15 to 20 Hz. Analytical investigations have shown that both signal amplitude and frequency response of these test circuits may be improved through design modifications. HDL is now engaged in an ongoing effort to optimize the geometry of the subscale pulser circuit.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Aug 01, 1979
- Accession Number
- ADA075206
Entities
People
- Allen B. Holmes
- Stacy E. Gehaman
Organizations
- Harry Diamond Laboratories