CN116247416A

CN116247416A - Integrated housing electronics for a wireless data telemetry system for a drilling device

Info

Publication number: CN116247416A
Application number: CN202211095359.2A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 张志余; 姚高忠; 金宇鹏
Original assignee: HUANGSHAN GOLDEN LAND ELECTRONICS Inc
Current assignee: HUANGSHAN GOLDEN LAND ELECTRONICS Inc
Priority date: 2022-09-05
Filing date: 2022-09-05
Publication date: 2023-06-09

Abstract

A drill string tool for a drilling system, the drill string tool configured for wireless communication, the drill string tool may include a central structural member, a coil, an antenna core, and an anti-wear housing, the antenna core may surround the central structural member, the coil may be positioned around an outside of the antenna core, the antenna core and the coil form an antenna assembly, the antenna assembly may be configured to wirelessly transmit data signals from electronics associated with the drill string tool, the anti-wear housing may surround the antenna assembly and be configured to minimize any eddy currents formed therein during operation of the antenna assembly.

Description

Integrated housing electronics for a wireless data telemetry system for a drilling device

Technical Field

The invention relates to the technical field of drilling machines, in particular to an integrated shell electronic device of a wireless data telemetry system for a drilling device.

Background

In the Horizontal Directional Drilling (HDD) industry, data transmission from a drill bit to an HDD machine incorporates a walk locator with Radio Frequency (RF) telemetry to track the drill bit or to provide a direct communication link to the HDD machine using a wireline tool. With a walk locator, the above-ground locator may receive information from a subsurface transmitter associated with the drill bit. Information may then be transferred from the walking positioner to the HDD machine via the radio frequency channel. In the wired case, the transmitter information is transmitted back to the HDD machine via a wired transmission cable that extends through the pipe stream (e.g., within the connected drill pipe that constitutes the pipe stream).

Both the walkway locator and the wired transmission communication method may have its limitations. Step locator telemetry is simple and reliable if the step locator is sufficiently close to the transmitter (e.g., associated with the drill bit and/or the detector of the drill bit) to receive transmitter information. In many cases, however, the walking locator may be too far from the transmitter to receive the transmitter information. River crossings, highway crossings and/or rail crossings are examples of locations where an operator cannot pass through the transmitter. The wired tool transfer uses the wire to transfer the transmitter information to the HDD machine. But this method requires cutting the wire and then reconnecting (e.g., welding through) each added drill pipe in a given drill string. Not only can this be very time consuming, but reliability problems often occur. Any connection failure may result in retrieving part or all of the drill pipe to reconnect the conductor.

Disclosure of Invention

The present invention provides a wireless data telemetry system below and above the surface for data communication with a drill bit and/or a sonde from a drilling system. The wireless data telemetry system of the present invention relies more than just a walking locator to receive communications from the bit transmitter. Furthermore, the wireless data telemetry system of the present invention does not require cabling for transmitting data to the HDD drilling machine. The drill bit wireless transmitter and at least one data link transceiver of the wireless data telemetry system of the present invention may together wirelessly transmit one or more data signals along a portion of at least one drill string (e.g., bring the data signals within range of a walk device and/or a rig display) beyond the transmission range that the drill bit wireless transmitter alone may have. Wireless telemetry not only eliminates the cumbersome work required to connect and/or reconnect the cable for each drill pipe, but it also provides a more reliable data communication path from the drill bit to at least one walk locator or HDD machine itself.

In horizontal drilling applications, the transmitter is typically part of a separate housing from the drilling rig. Typically, there is a chamber in the drill housing that accommodates the launcher. Due to the formation of eddy currents, some, if not most, of the emitted energy of the emitter is lost in the housing. Due to the size limitations of the housing, the transmitting antenna is typically small in size, which also limits the transmission efficiency.

According to one aspect of the invention, the drill bit wireless transmitter and/or any data link transceiver may employ a structure in which a given antenna is placed outside of an internal member (e.g., steel tubing), but shielded by a non-magnetic (e.g., plastic, non-conductive composite, ceramic) housing to reduce eddy currents and thereby improve antenna efficiency (e.g., transmission range of at least 150 meters). In addition, placing the antenna in an area outside of the rest of the electronic device may facilitate the use of larger antennas (e.g., larger diameters and/or lengths), thereby helping to increase their communication range. According to one aspect of the invention, the non-magnetic housing may include, for example, two to six grooves to minimize vortex formation and/or may be in the form of a replaceable sleeve.

Drawings

The following detailed description refers to the accompanying drawings.

FIGS. 1A and 1B are schematic side views of an HDD machine in an operating environment according to an example embodiment of the present invention, except for the location of the wireless transmitter closest to the bit relative to the overlying blocking obstacle;

fig. 2 is a schematic diagram of a data link transceiver in accordance with an example embodiment of the invention;

fig. 3 is a flowchart of the operation of a wireless data telemetry system according to an example embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 4 is a schematic side view of a drill string with an in-line wireless data telemetry system according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 5 is an exploded side isometric view of a transmitter integrated with a drill housing according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 6 is a side isometric view, partially in section, of a launcher integrated with the drill housing shown in FIG. 5;

fig. 7 is a phantom partial cutaway side isometric view of a transmitter integrated with the drill housing shown in fig. 6.

Detailed Description

Aspects of the invention are described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, which form a part hereof, and which show, by way of illustration, example features. These features may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the combinations described herein; rather, these combinations are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope.

Fig. 1A and 1B show a drilling system 100 according to the present invention (e.g., an HDD (horizontal directional drilling) system according to the illustration). In one embodiment, the drilling system 100 may include a drilling rig 102 (e.g., an HDD rig according to the illustration), a drill bit 104, a drill string 106 (e.g., a plurality of interconnected (e.g., threaded) drill pipes or rods), a walk locator 108, a drilling display 110, and a wireless data telemetry system 112. The wireless data telemetry system 112 may also include a drill bit wireless transmitter 114 (e.g., a sonde) incorporated into the drill bit 104 and one or more data link transceivers 116 releasably mounted (e.g., by threads) within the drill string 106. The drill bit wireless transmitter 114 may generate and transmit one or more signals that may be collected by the drill bit 104 and correspond to, for example, pitch, yaw, roll, acceleration, ground temperature, and/or humidity measurements, depending on the sensor capabilities of the probe. In addition to one or more data link transceivers 116, the drill string 106 may also include a plurality of drill pipes or rods 118 (for purposes of the present invention, the terms drill pipe and rod may be used interchangeably). For example, the drill string 106 is releasably coupled (e.g., by threads) to the drilling machine 102. In one embodiment, each opposing end of a given data link transceiver is configured to releasably couple (e.g., by threading) to a corresponding drill pipe or drill pipe 118.

In one embodiment, the drill bit wireless transmitter 114 and the at least one data link transceiver 116 may be configured to be physically coupled (e.g., by a threaded connection) within the drill string 106 so as to be spaced apart by one or more intermediate drill pipes 118. As shown in fig. 1A, at least one drill bit wireless transmitter 114 is laterally beyond the range of a blocking obstacle B (e.g., a river, highway, or railway) and is thus within the walking range of the walking locator 108. As shown in fig. 1B, the wireless data telemetry system 112 may be used to transmit data to at least one location (e.g., the location of the walking locator 108) that is outside the range of the blocking obstacle B (e.g., a river, highway, or railway), even then, as shown in fig. 1B, the nearest drill bit wireless transmitter may still be located laterally below the blocking obstacle B. In this case, the nearest drill bit wireless transmitter 114 (e.g., relative to the walk locator 108 and/or the drilling rig 102) may be located laterally below the blocking obstacle B, but still within a transmission distance of, for example, the walk locator 108 (e.g., within 200-300 feet, depending on signal transmission strength). It should be appreciated that in addition to functioning as a physical display and/or an input/output device (e.g., a touch screen and/or toggle buttons), the drilling display 110 may also be configured to communicate and/or process data.

Each data link transceiver 116 of the wireless data telemetry system 112 may include a hollow housing 120, a Radio Frequency (RF) transceiver 122, an RF transmitter 124, and at least one power source 126 (e.g., one or more sets of batteries), as shown in fig. 1 and 2. The housing 120 may be a steel form body (e.g., similar in diameter (e.g., within 5-10%) and similar in material to the drill pipe or rod 118), or other body capable of withstanding the rigors of the drilling environment. In one embodiment, the length of the housing 120 may be approximately the same as the drill pipe or rod 118. In one embodiment, each data link transceiver 116 and each portion of drill pipe or drill pipe 118 are similar in length (e.g., within 1-3 inches of each other). In one embodiment, at least the data link transceiver 116 may be shorter than a given drill pipe or drill pipe 118 (e.g., long enough to house its components, but otherwise compact). The housing 120 of each data link transceiver 116 may be configured to couple (e.g., by threading) at either end thereof to another drill pipe or drill pipe 118 (e.g., also threaded at an end thereof) or another data link transceiver 116. In one embodiment, each data link transceiver 116 and drill pipe or drill pipe 118 may include an externally threaded end and an internally threaded end (not specifically shown).

As shown in fig. 2, the RF transceiver 122 of a given data link transceiver 116 may include a first power supply 126A, a receive antenna 128, a signal conditioning unit 130 (e.g., electronic circuitry that manipulates signals in a manner that provides for the next stage of processing), an analog-to-digital (AD) signal converter 132, and a transceiver Central Processing Unit (CPU) 134, where these elements are electrically and/or electronically (e.g., wired or wireless) coupled to one another as needed for operability (e.g., power supply and/or communication). In one embodiment, the receive antenna 128 may be configured to receive data signals (e.g., from at least one of the drill bit wireless transmitter 114 or a given RF transmitter 124), and the signal conditioning unit 130 may be configured to convert the digital signals into a form receivable by the AD signal converter 132. The AD signal converter 132 may be configured to transmit the digitally converted signal to the transceiver CPU 134.

As further shown in fig. 2, the RF transmitter 124 of the data link transceiver 116 may include a second power supply 126B, a transmit antenna 136, a power amplification circuit 138, and a transmitter CPU 140, where these elements are electrically and/or electronically (e.g., wired or wireless) coupled to one another as needed for operability. In one embodiment, the RF transmitter 124 may be configured to relay one or more signals received by the receive antenna 128 of the corresponding RF transceiver 122 of the data link transceiver 116. In one embodiment, the transmitter CPU 140 may receive data from the corresponding transceiver CPU 134 via a communicative coupling (e.g., wired or wireless) (not labeled) therebetween. The transmitter CPU 140 may output one or more data signals to the power amplification circuit 138, wherein the power amplification circuit 138 relays the one or more data signals to the transmit antenna 136 for broadcast to at least one of: another data link transceiver 116, hdd-rig 102, walking locator 108, and drilling display 110.

It should be appreciated that the functionality of the transceiver CPU 134 and the transmitter CPU 140 may be integrated (e.g., into a single CPU) and/or the functionality of the

power supplies

126A, 126B may be implemented by a single power supply unit (e.g., a set of batteries), such variations being within the scope of the present invention. In one embodiment, the transmit antenna 136 may have a subsurface RF transmission range of at least 100 meters (m). In one embodiment, the various components of a given data link transceiver 116 may be electrically and communicatively coupled as desired via wired connections, as wired connections are generally simple and reliable.

In one embodiment, one or more data link transceivers 116 may be releasably mounted within the drill string 106, with each data link transceiver 116 being maintained at a distance from the drill bit wireless transmitter 114 and/or the nearest other data link transceiver 116. In one embodiment, one or more data link transceivers 116 may be effective to raise signals along at least a portion of drill string 106 to a position that may be detected by walkway locator 108 and/or HDD rig 102. In one embodiment, a first data link transceiver 116 may be placed between and connected to a pair of drill pipes 118 at a distance behind the drill bit wireless transmitter 114. In one embodiment, the first data link transceiver 116 may be located between the drill bit wireless transmitter 114 and the drilling rig 102 and sufficiently close to the drill bit wireless transmitter 114 to clearly communicate therewith (e.g., sufficiently strong signals and/or sufficiently low noise/signal interference). In one embodiment, one or more other data link transceivers 116 may be within the interval of the first data link transceiver 116 and the drill string 106 to relay and/or enhance data signals transmitted through the wireless data telemetry system 112. In one embodiment, the drill bit wireless transmitter 114 and/or any data link transceiver 116 may be approximately 150 feet (ft) from each other and still be close enough to communicate with each other. In one embodiment, the drill bit wireless transmitters 114 and/or any data link transceivers 116 may be located up to 100-150m from each other in the subsurface and effectively communicate with each other. In one embodiment, the combined operation of the drill bit wireless transmitter 114 and the one or more data link transceivers 116 may facilitate wireless transmission of signals to locations at least 150m away (e.g., 200m, 300m, 1000 m) from the signal origin point (i.e., at the drill bit wireless transmitter 114) along the drill string 106. In one embodiment, the drill bit wireless transmitter 114 and/or any data link transceiver 116 communicate using Bluetooth or another short range wireless communication technology.

In one embodiment, a given data link transceiver 116 may have a wireless communication range of at least 100 meters (m) due, at least in part, to the efficiency of the transmit antenna 136. In one embodiment, the drill bit wireless transmitter 114 and/or any data link transceiver 116 may employ techniques similar to those disclosed in U.S. patent application Ser. No.15/509,417, the contents of which are incorporated by reference, to achieve the desired communication range. In one embodiment, the drill bit wireless transmitter 114 and/or any data link transceiver 116 may employ a structure that places a given antenna outside of a structural inner member (e.g., steel tubing), but shielded by a non-magnetic (e.g., plastic, non-conductive composite, ceramic) housing to reduce eddy currents and thereby increase antenna efficiency (e.g., transmission range of at least 150 meters). In one embodiment, the non-magnetic housing may include, for example, two to six slots to minimize vortex formation and/or may be in the form of a replaceable sleeve. It should be appreciated that as wireless communication technology (e.g., antenna technology) improves, the possible separation distance between these components may increase.

In operation, the first data link transceiver 116 of the wireless data telemetry system 112 may receive drill bit transmitter information from the drill bit wireless transmitter 114. The first data link transceiver 116 may then transmit information to any other data link transceiver 116. In turn, each successive data link transceiver 116 may receive information from the data link transceiver 116 that is located before it and relay that information to any next data link transceiver 116 that is located after it. The walking locator 108 may receive transmitted/relayed information from any sufficiently close data link transceiver 116 (e.g., the data signal is strong enough to be detected and recorded by the crossing locator 108). The walking locator 108 may then transmit the drill bit information to the remote drilling display 110 over the RF radio connection. In another embodiment, sufficient data link transceiver 116 may be provided to facilitate direct wireless communication with drilling display 110 (e.g., to effectively service in a manner similar to a wired connection without the drawbacks associated with that type of connection). Further, in operation, one or more data link transceivers 116 may be selectively turned on and off, or otherwise provide a sleep/wake mode to conserve energy from a power source (e.g., 126A, 126B). For example, the sleep mode may be selectively implemented when the walk locator 108 is within a range sufficient to communicate with the drill bit wireless transmitter 114 and/or when the drill string 106 and drill bit 104 are rotated.

The operation of the wireless data telemetry system 112 is further illustrated in fig. 3, with emphasis on signal flow through the system. In step 150, the transmitter (e.g., 114) may send a message with F1. In step 152, transceiver 1 (e.g., 116 (the first one closest to 114) may receive the message with F1 and send the message with F2, in step 154, transceiver 2 (e.g., the second one 116) may receive the message with F2 and send the message with F3.

Fig. 4 illustrates another embodiment of a wireless data telemetry system 212 incorporated into a drill string 206 in accordance with the present embodiment. It should be noted that unless explicitly stated otherwise, like-numbered components described above are contemplated to be constructed and operate in a similar manner as previously described. The wireless data telemetry system 212 may also include a drill bit wireless transmitter 214 (e.g., a sonde) incorporated into the drill bit 204 and one or more data link transceivers 216 releasably mounted within the drill string 206, as well as a magnetometer module 270. The magnetometer module 270 is placed between the drill bit wireless transmitter 214 and the first data link transceiver 216 and the magnetometer module 270 and the adjacent module are separated from each other by at least one section of non-magnetic drill pipe 218NM (e.g., one non-magnetic drill pipe, e.g., at least 10 feet) to minimize electromagnetic interference with the magnetometer module 270. Magnetometer module 270 can be configured to both serve as a data link (e.g., like 216) and to provide and transmit magnetometer data (e.g., compass data-right/left motion). In one embodiment, magnetometer module 270 can be configured similar to data link transceiver 216. There are several notable exceptions. The magnetometer module 270 may include a magnetometer unit (not shown) that is communicatively coupled within the magnetometer module 270 and that may be non-magnetically packaged (e.g., using austenitic steel or other durable non-magnetic metals or alloys) to avoid interfering with the operation of the magnetometer unit. Thus, the wireless data telemetry system 212 using the magnetometer module 270 may additionally communicate the left/right movement and/or compass bearing of the drill string 206 to an associated HDD system. In one embodiment, the detector (e.g., the drill bit wireless transmitter 114) may include a magnetometer (not shown) rather than using a separate magnetometer module 270.

Fig. 5-7 illustrate a drill bit wireless transmitter 314 according to another embodiment of the present invention. For example, the drill bit wireless transmitter 314 may be used to wirelessly communicate with the drilling machine 102, the walking locator 108, and/or the at least one data link transceiver 116. The drill bit wireless transmitter 314 may include mechanically coupled components, such as, for example, a wear housing 380, a ferrite antenna core 382, a coil 384 (e.g., a copper wire coil), an integrated transmitter unit 386, a wiring compartment 388 (e.g., including associated wiring), an electronic compartment 390 (e.g., including associated electronics), a battery compartment 392 (e.g., carrying an associated battery), a compartment cover or shield 394 and a central structural member 396 (e.g., a metal tube/cylinder), and electrically coupled to each other as needed to generate the functional drill bit wireless transmitter 314. In one embodiment, the coil 384 is electrically coupled to wiring associated with the wiring compartment 388 and to one or more electronics in the electronic compartment 390 and operates with the ferrite antenna core 382 and is thus configured to generate one or more wireless signals (e.g., radio frequency signals) as part of an antenna structure.

The arrangement of the wear protection shell 380, ferrite antenna core 382, coil 384, and central structural member 396 may facilitate wireless communication (e.g., radio frequency signals) through the ground over a range of 100 meters (e.g., radio frequency signals). In one embodiment, the signal range may be at least 150m and possibly more than 200m, even on the ground. This arrangement may increase such a range as it minimizes the formation of eddy currents that would otherwise interfere with signal transmission from the antenna. As shown in fig. 6 and 7, the central structural member 396 may be surrounded by the ferrite antenna core 382, and then the coil 384 surrounds the ferrite antenna core 382. In one embodiment, ferrite antenna core 382 and coil 384 together function as an antenna (e.g., an antenna assembly) for drill bit wireless transmitter 314. In one embodiment, the antenna assembly (382, 384) is not surrounded by or otherwise contained within a metallic structural member that may, for example, generate eddy currents during drilling or otherwise attenuate signal transmissions from the antenna assembly.

In one embodiment, the

antenna assemblies

382, 384 may be surrounded by the wear housing 380. In one embodiment, the wear housing 380 may be a self-sufficient structural member (e.g., not a coating). In one embodiment, the wear housing 380 may be made of a non-conductive material, such as plastic or a non-conductive composite material (e.g., fiberglass) or a substantially non-conductive material, to avoid or minimize eddy currents generated thereby. The wear housing 380 may also be selected for its wear resistance and durability, as the component need not be designed as the primary load bearing member (rather, the central structural member 396 may be used for this purpose). In one embodiment, the wear resistant housing 380 may incorporate a wear resistant coating (e.g., ceramic or ceramic composite) formed thereon. In one embodiment, the wear housing 380 may be in the form of an integral or multipart sleeve or sheath that can be easily replaced around the antenna of the drill bit wireless transmitter 314.

In one embodiment, the wear housing 380 may be selectively slid into place relative to the

antenna assemblies

382, 384. In one embodiment, the components of the wear housing 380 (multi-component structure) may be releasably connected (e.g., snap or slip fit) so as to be easily switched when replacement is needed. In one embodiment, the wear housing 380 may include one or more mechanical keys (e.g., to connect segments of the wear housing together; and/or to connect it to the integrated transmitter 386) to hold it in place relative to the

antenna assemblies

382, 384 and/or to limit any rotation thereof relative to these components and/or the integrated transmitter 386. In one embodiment, the wear housing 380 may be at least partially held in place using one or more threaded fasteners (not shown). In one embodiment, the wear housing 380 may be five millimeters (mm) thick, but other thicknesses (e.g., 1-5 mm) are also contemplated.

In one embodiment, the wear housing 380 may include one or more slots 398 therein. One or more slots 398 in the wear housing 380 may help minimize the formation of eddy currents in the wear housing 380. In one embodiment, the wear housing 380 may include, for example, 2-6 slots 398. The number of slots 398 may be selected based on their ability to reduce eddy current formation (e.g., tend to use more slots 398) relative to the overall strength of the wear housing 380 (e.g., tend to use fewer slots). In one embodiment, the slot 398 may extend the length of at least one of the ferrite antenna core 382 and/or the coil 384, while the wear housing 380 extends beyond and thus surrounds the

antenna assemblies

382, 384. In one embodiment, providing a sufficient number of slots 398 in the wear housing 380 to reduce the ability to generate eddy currents therein may allow for the use of metallic materials (e.g., particularly lower conductivity metals or alloys, such as stainless steel) or carbon composite materials as the wear housing 380.

In one embodiment, the central structural member 396 may be a portion of the drill wireless transmitter 314 that extends beyond the portion thereof that houses the wiring compartment 388, the electronics compartment 390, and the battery compartment 392. The central structural member 396 may carry and otherwise support the ferrite antenna core 382, the coil 384 (e.g., antenna assembly), and the wear resistant housing 380. In one embodiment, the central structural member 396 may be a center tube structure (e.g., made of steel or other structural metal) and may have no slots therein, which may otherwise reduce its strength and/or durability. In one embodiment, the central structural member 396 may be a pipe or hollow to provide a flow path therethrough (e.g., for mud and/or water).

Because the

antenna assemblies

382, 384 may be located outside of the central structural member 396, any potential adverse effects of eddy currents generated in the central structural member 396 on antenna operation (e.g., during bit rotation) may be minimized or even avoided. Further, because the

antenna assemblies

382, 384 may be housed separately from the wiring compartment 388, the electronics compartment 390, and the battery compartment 392, the antenna size (e.g., length and/or diameter) may be increased relative to previous versions. These various factors, along with the use of the wear resistant housing 380 configured to minimize the generation of any eddy currents therein, may facilitate the drill bit wireless transmitter 314 having a signal range (e.g., radio frequency signal transmission range) of at least 150m (e.g., 160 m), and possibly exceeding 200m, even through the ground.

Unlike the portion housing the

antenna assemblies

382, 384, the wiring compartment 388, the electronic compartment 390, and the battery compartment 392 may have further advantages. In one embodiment, providing a separate electronic compartment 390 may make the electronics therein more accessible (e.g., for repair and/or replacement). In one embodiment, providing a separate electronic compartment 390 may allow for the use of additional sensor modules (e.g., for measuring Global Positioning (GPS), pressure, temperature, direction (e.g., compass direction), and/or acceleration). In one embodiment, providing a separate battery compartment 392 may facilitate the use of more batteries (e.g., rechargeable batteries), thereby extending the operating time of the unit.

While the arrangement of the wear housing 380, ferrite antenna core 382, and coil 384 relative to the central structural member 396 has been discussed in detail with respect to the drill bit wireless transmitter 314, it should be appreciated that the technique may be used in conjunction with a given

data link transceiver

116, 216. That is, a given

data link transceiver

116, 216 may be provided with a slotted and/or substantially non-conductive housing/protective member, for example, to minimize any eddy current formation. Doing so may improve the transmission range (e.g., to 150m or more) of the antennas associated with these units (e.g., by reducing eddy current effects and/or allowing larger antennas to be used). Further, each of the docking line compartment 388, the electronic compartment 390, and the battery compartment 392 may be adapted for use with any or all of the given drill bit

wireless transmitters

114, 214 and/or the given

data link transceivers

116, 216 using separate compartments and/or different containment compartments than any of their antenna assemblies. Accordingly, it is within the scope of the present invention that the techniques associated with the drill bit wireless transmitter 314 may be incorporated into any drill string tool that incorporates an antenna within the wireless

data telemetry system

112, 212, where applicable.

In one embodiment, the wireless

data telemetry system

112, 212 and/or the drill bit wireless transmitter 314 of the present invention may be adapted for use in other drilling situations. In one embodiment, the wireless

data telemetry system

112, 212 and/or the drill bit wireless transmitter 314 of the present invention may be used in conjunction with deep drilling situations (e.g., oil and/or gas drilling rigs) to facilitate communication with the drill bit via wireless communication along the drill string to the surface well. In one embodiment, the wireless

data telemetry system

112, 212 and/or bit wireless transmitter 314 of the present invention may be adapted for use in deep drilling situations, for example, when changing from a vertical drilling direction to a horizontal or otherwise deviating from a vertical direction. In a deep-drilling embodiment, the wireless

data telemetry system

112, 212 and/or the bit wireless transmitter 314 may remain in a dormant or off mode until deviated from vertical, as depth is the only direction discussed during vertical drilling and may be measured by the length of the added drill string. In one embodiment, the wireless

data telemetry system

112, 212 and/or drill bit wireless transmitter 314 of the present invention may be adapted for use in the formation of holes in structural piles (e.g., to monitor the depth and/or perpendicularity of a given hole formed using a structural pile drilling machine). It should be appreciated that a given rig suitable for these other types of drilling operations may be replaced with the HDD rig 102 and be within the scope of the invention.

The wireless

data telemetry system

112, 212 may include various features. The different units of the wireless

data telemetry system

112, 212 may communicate via bluetooth or other wireless protocols, while components within a given unit may be hardwired and/or wirelessly coupled to each other. In one embodiment, the wireless

data telemetry system

112, 212 may be configured as a signal repeater unit that allows one or more signals to be repeated and/or enhanced (e.g., via one or more data link transceivers 116, 216) from an initiation point (e.g., drill

bit wireless transmitter

114, 214 and/or magnetometer module 270) along the path of the

drill string

106, 206 to a location remote from the initiation point. The location away from the initiation point may be a location where the data signal may be adequately received and recorded by, for example, a walking locator (e.g., 108) and/or a drilling display (e.g., 110). In one embodiment, the drill

bit wireless transmitter

114, 214, 314 and at least one data link transceiver 116 of the wireless

data telemetry system

112, 212 of the present invention may wirelessly transmit one or more data signals along at least a portion of the

drill string

106, 206 beyond the initial transmission range of the drill

bit wireless transmitter

114, 214, 314 together to a location outside the initial transmission range of the drill

bit wireless transmitter

114, 214, 314. In one embodiment, the

data link transceivers

116, 216 may be turned off and/or in sleep mode until a desired location (e.g., the walkway locator 108 is out of range due to an object such as a river, rail, and/or road). In one embodiment, the detector (e.g., the drill bit wireless transmitter 114, 314) may include a magnetometer (not shown) rather than using a separate magnetometer module 270. In one embodiment, the wireless

data telemetry system

112, 212 and/or the drill bit wireless transmitter 314 may be used as a kit to an existing drilling system (e.g., the HDD system 100). That is, existing drilling systems may be retrofitted to incorporate a given wireless

data telemetry system

112, 212 and/or drill bit wireless transmitter 314.

The HDD system 100 and/or the wireless

data telemetry system

112, 212 and/or the drill bit wireless transmitter 314 may be controlled by one or more computing systems having a processor configured to execute computer readable program instructions (i.e., control logic) from a non-transitory carrier medium (e.g., a storage medium of a flash drive, hard drive, solid state disk drive, SD card, optical disk, etc.). The computing system may be connected to the various components of the analysis system by a direct connection or by one or more network connections, such as a Local Area Network (LAN), a wireless local area network (WAN or WLAN), one or more hub (e.g., USB hub) connections, etc. For example, the computing system may be communicatively coupled (e.g., hardwired or wireless) to controllable elements (e.g., the HDD system 100 and/or the wireless data telemetry system 112, 212). The program instructions, when executed by the processor, may cause the computing system to control the HDD system 100 and/or the wireless

data telemetry system

112, 212. In one embodiment, the program instructions are formed as at least a portion of a software program that is executed by the processor.

The processor provides processing functionality for the computing system, and may include any number of processors, microcontrollers, or other processing systems, as well as resident or external memory for storing data and other information accessed or generated by the computing system. The processor is not limited by the materials from which it is formed or the processing mechanisms employed therein, and thus may be implemented by semiconductors and/or transistors, such as electronic Integrated Circuits (ICs), and the like.

A non-transitory carrier medium is an example of a device-readable storage medium that provides storage functionality to store various data associated with the operation of a computing system, such as software programs, code segments, or program instructions or other data instructing a processor and other elements of a computing system to perform the techniques described herein. The carrier medium may be integral to the processor, separate memory, or a combination of both. The carrier medium may include, for example, removable and non-removable storage elements such as RAM, ROM, flash memory (e.g., SD card, mini SD card, micro SD card), magnetic, optical, USB storage devices, etc. In an embodiment of the computing system, the carrier medium may comprise removable ICC (integrated circuit card) memory, e.g. provided by a SIM (subscriber identity module) card, a USIM (universal subscriber identity module) card, a UICC (universal integrated circuit card), etc.

The computing system may include one or more displays to display information to a user of the computing system. In one embodiment, the display may include a CRT (cathode ray tube) display, an LED (light emitting diode) display, an OLED (organic LED) display, an LCD (liquid crystal diode) display, a TFT (thin film transistor) LCD display, a LEP (light emitting polymer) or PLED (polymer light emitting diode) display, or the like, configured to display textual and/or graphical information, such as a graphical user interface. The display may be backlit by a backlight so that it can be viewed in a dark or other low light environment. The display may be equipped with a touch screen to receive input (e.g., data, commands, etc.) from a user. For example, a user may operate a computing system by touching a touch screen and/or by performing gestures on the touch screen. In some embodiments, the touch screen may be a capacitive touch screen, a resistive touch screen, an infrared touch screen, combinations thereof, or the like. The computing system may also include one or more input/output (I/O) devices (e.g., a keypad, buttons, a wireless input device, a thumbwheel input device, a track bar input device, etc.). The I/O devices may include one or more audio I/O devices, such as microphones, speakers, etc.

The computing system may also include communication modules that represent communication functionality to allow the computing device to send/receive data between different devices (e.g., components/peripherals) and/or over one or more networks. The communication module may represent a variety of communication components and functions including, but not limited to: a browser; a transmitter and/or a receiver; a data port; a software interface and a driver; a network interface; a data processing component; etc.

One or more networks represent a variety of different communication paths and network connections that may be used, alone or in combination, for communication between components of the drilling system. Thus, one or more networks may represent communication paths implemented using a single network or multiple networks. Further, one or more networks represent various different types of networks and intended connections, including, but not limited to: the Internet; an intranet; personal Area Networks (PANs); local Area Networks (LANs) (e.g., ethernet); a Wide Area Network (WAN); a satellite network; a cellular network; a mobile data network; wired and/or wireless connections; etc. Examples of wireless networks include, but are not limited to: a network configured for communication according to: one or more standards of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE), such as the 802.11 or 802.16 (Wi-Max) standards; wi-Fi standards promulgated by the Wi-Fi alliance; bluetooth standards promulgated by the Bluetooth technology alliance; etc. Wired communication is also contemplated, such as via a Universal Serial Bus (USB), ethernet, serial connection, or the like.

The computing system is described as including a user interface that may be stored in a memory (e.g., carrier medium) and executable by a processor. The user interface represents functionality to control the display of information and data to a user of the computing system via the display. In some implementations, the display may not be integrated into the computing system, but may be externally connected using Universal Serial Bus (USB), ethernet, serial connection, or the like. The user interface may provide functionality that allows a user to interact with one or more applications of the computing system by providing input (e.g., sample identity, desired dilution factor, standard identity, eluent identity/location, fluid addition flow rate, etc.) via a touch screen and/or I/O device. For example, the user interface may cause an Application Programming Interface (API) to be generated to disclose functionality to the display and/or control module to configure an application for display by the display or in combination with another display. In one embodiment, the API may further disclose configuring the functionality of the display and/or control module to allow a user to interact with the application by providing input via the touch screen and/or I/O device.

In some embodiments, the user interface may include a browser (e.g., for implementing the functionality of the online dilution control module). The browser enables the computing device to display and interact with content such as web pages within the world wide web, web pages provided by web servers in a private network, and the like. The browser may be configured in a variety of ways. For example, the browser may be configured as a display and/or control module accessed by a user interface. The browser may be a web browser suitable for use by a full resource device (e.g., a smart phone, personal Digital Assistant (PDA), etc.) having a significant amount of memory and processor resources.

In general, any of the functions described herein may be implemented using software, firmware, hardware (e.g., fixed logic circuitry), manual processing, or a combination of these implementations. The terms "module" and "functionality" as used herein generally represent software, firmware, hardware, or a combination thereof. For example, the communication between modules in a given drilling system may be wired, wireless, or some combination thereof. For example, in the case of a software implementation, a module may represent executable instructions that, when executed on a processor (e.g., the processor described herein), perform specified tasks. The program code can be stored in one or more device-readable storage media, examples of which are non-transitory carrier media associated with a computing system.

Although the subject matter has been described in language specific to structural features and/or methodological acts, it is to be understood that the subject matter defined in the appended claims is not necessarily limited to the specific features or acts described above. Rather, the specific features and acts described above are disclosed as example forms of implementing the claims.

Claims

1. A drill string tool for a drilling system, the drill string tool configured for wireless communication, characterized by: the drill string tool includes:

a central structural member;

an antenna core surrounding the central structural member;

a coil positioned around an outside of the antenna core, the coil and antenna core constituting an antenna assembly configured to wirelessly transmit data signals from an electronic device associated with the drill string tool; and

a wear housing mounted around the antenna assembly, the wear housing configured to minimize any eddy currents formed therein during operation of the antenna assembly, the wear housing being made of at least a non-conductive material or including at least one slot therein, the at least one slot configured to interrupt eddy current formation within the wear housing.

2. The drill string tool as recited in claim 1, wherein: the wear housing is selectively slid into place over the antenna core and coil.

3. The drill string tool as recited in claim 1, wherein: the wear resistant housing is a multi-component structure.

4. The drill string tool as recited in claim 1, wherein: the wear housing includes a wear resistant coating formed thereon.

5. The drill string tool as recited in claim 1, wherein: the wear housing includes a plurality of slots, each slot extending the length of at least one of the antenna core or the coil.

6. The drill string tool as recited in claim 1, wherein: the antenna core is composed of ferrite.

7. The drill string tool as recited in claim 1, wherein: the drill string tool is a drill bit wireless transmitter.

8. The drill string tool as recited in claim 1, wherein: the antenna core and coil include a transmit antenna configured to transmit radio frequency signals at least 150 meters through the ground.

9. The drill string tool as recited in claim 1, wherein: and at least one of a wiring compartment, an electronic compartment, or a battery compartment that is housed differently than the antenna assembly.

10. The drill string tool as recited in claim 9, wherein: an electronic compartment is also included and is configured to carry at least one of a global positioning sensor, a pressure sensor, a temperature sensor, a direction sensor, or an acceleration sensor.

11. A wireless data telemetry system for use in a drilling system, the drilling system comprising a drill bit and a drill string comprised of a plurality of drill pipes, the wireless data telemetry system comprising: the wireless data telemetry system includes:

a drill bit wireless transmitter configured to be incorporated into a drill bit of a drilling system, the drill bit wireless transmitter configured to generate one or more data signals based on operation of the drill bit, the drill bit wireless transmitter comprising:

a central structural member;

an antenna core surrounding the central structural member;

a wear housing mounted around the antenna assembly, the wear housing configured to minimize any eddy currents formed therein during operation of the antenna assembly, the wear housing being made of at least a non-conductive material or including at least one slot therein, the at least one slot configured to interrupt eddy current formation within the wear housing, and

the wireless data telemetry system also includes at least one data link transceiver wirelessly coupled to at least one of a drill bit wireless transmitter and other data link transceivers, the drill bit wireless transmitter and the at least one data link transceiver configured to be physically coupled within the drill string and spaced apart from one another by one or more intermediate drill pipes, the drill bit wireless transmitter and the at least one data link transceiver together configured to wirelessly transmit one or more data signals along at least a portion of the drill string outside a transmission range of the drill bit wireless transmitter.

12. The wireless data telemetry system of claim 11, wherein: at least one given data link transceiver is configured to communicate with at least one of a walking locator, a drilling rig, and a drilling display of the drilling system.

13. The wireless data telemetry system of claim 11, wherein: the drill bit wireless transmitter and at least one data link transceiver together are configured to facilitate wireless transmission of one or more data signals to a location along the drill string at least 150 meters away from the drill bit wireless transmitter.

14. The wireless data telemetry system of claim 11, wherein: the drill bit wireless transmitter and at least one data link transceiver are configured to communicate using a short-range wireless communication technology.

15. The wireless data telemetry system of claim 11, wherein: the antenna core and coil include a transmit antenna configured to transmit radio frequency signals at least 150 meters through the ground.

16. The wireless data telemetry system of claim 11, wherein: the drill bit wireless transmitter further includes at least one of a wiring compartment, an electronic compartment, or a battery compartment that is housed differently than the antenna assembly.

17. A drilling system, comprising:

a drill bit;

a drill string comprising a plurality of releasably interconnected drill rods, the drill string comprising a first drill rod in the drill string, the first drill rod being releasably connected to a drill bit; the method is characterized in that: the drilling system further comprises

A drill bit wireless transmitter incorporated into a drill bit of a drilling system, the drill bit wireless transmitter configured to generate one or more data signals based on operation of the drill bit; the drill bit wireless transmitter comprises:

a central structural member;

an antenna core surrounding the central structural member;

18. The drilling system of claim 17, wherein: the wireless data telemetry system further includes at least one data link transceiver wirelessly coupled to at least one of a drill bit wireless transmitter and other data link transceivers physically coupled within the drill string and spaced apart from at least one of the drill bit wireless transmitter and other given data link transceivers by one or more intermediate drill pipes, the drill bit wireless transmitter and at least one data link transceiver together configured to wirelessly transmit one or more data signals out of transmission range of the drill bit wireless transmitter along at least a portion of the drill string.

19. The drilling system of claim 17, wherein: the antenna core and coil include a transmit antenna configured to transmit radio frequency signals at least 150 meters through the ground.

20. The drilling system of claim 17, wherein: the drill bit wireless transmitter further includes at least one of a wiring compartment, an electronic compartment, or a battery compartment that is housed differently than the antenna assembly.