Data Transfer In A Two-Pipe Directional Drilling System

Abstract

A downhole tool for a dual member drill string for detecting information and sending a signal containing that information up a wireline. The tool comprises a beacon supported on a housing for collection of orientation information. The wireline is located within a drill stem in the housing. The beacon communicates a signal to the wireline using a slip ring or a receiver for receiving a wireless signal from the beacon. The downhole tool may have a steering feature such as a deflection shoe for changing the path of the downhole tool.

1 . A downhole tool for a dual member drill string comprising an inner member and an outer member, the downhole tool comprising:
 a housing coupled to the outer member;   an inner drive shaft coupled to the inner member;   a beacon supported by the housing to detect orientation information and transfer a signal;   a wireline disposed within the inner member to carry the signal; and   a data relay connection to receive the signal from the beacon and transmit it to the wireline.   
     
     
         2 . The downhole tool of  claim 1  wherein the data relay connection comprises a receiver coupled to the inner member. 
     
     
         3 . The downhole tool of  claim 1  wherein the data relay connection comprises a slip ring, the slip ring comprising:
 a first portion coupled to the drill stem in electrical communication with the wireline; and 
 a second portion coupled to the housing and in electrical communication with the beacon; 
 wherein the first portion is in electrical communication with the second portion. 
 
     
     
         4 . The downhole tool of  claim 1  wherein the data relay connection comprises an inductive data connection between the inner and outer members. 
     
     
         5 . The downhole tool of  claim 1  wherein the downhole tool comprises a steering feature. 
     
     
         6 . The downhole tool of  claim 5  wherein the steering feature is located between the data relay connection and the beacon. 
     
     
         7 . The downhole tool of  claim 5  wherein the steering feature consists of a bend in the downhole tool. 
     
     
         8 . The downhole tool of  claim 5  wherein the steering feature is located at an opposite side of the outer member from the beacon. 
     
     
         9 . The downhole tool of  claim 1  wherein the data relay connection is located between the beacon and the drill string. 
     
     
         10 . The downhole tool of  claim 1  wherein the housing comprises a castellation for transmission of torque from the outer member. 
     
     
         11 . The downhole tool of  claim 1  wherein the beacon is located on the housing. 
     
     
         12 . The downhole tool of  claim 11  wherein the data relay connection comprises a receiver coupled to the inner member. 
     
     
         13 . The downhole tool of  claim 11  wherein the data relay connection comprises a slip ring, the slip ring comprising:
 a first portion coupled to the drill stem in electrical communication with the wireline; and 
 a second portion coupled to the housing and in electrical communication with the beacon; 
 wherein the first portion is in electrical communication with the second portion. 
 
     
     
         14 . The downhole tool of  claim 1  further comprising a gyroscope sensor. 
     
     
         15 . The downhole tool of  claim 1  further comprising a receiver housing coupled to the drill stem and extending beyond the housing, wherein the data relay connection is secured to the receiver housing. 
     
     
         16 . The downhole tool of  claim 16  wherein the beacon is secured to the receiver housing. 
     
     
         17 . The downhole tool of  claim 16  wherein the data relay connection comprises:
 a coil adapted to receive the signal from the beacon; and 
 an electronics board adapted to configure the signal for transmission through the wireline. 
 
     
     
         18 . A method for communication of data along a drill string, the drill string comprising an inner member and an outer member, the method comprising:
 detecting information at a beacon wherein the beacon is rotationally coupled to the outer member;   transmitting a signal containing the information from the beacon to a receiver supported on a downhole tool, wherein the receiver is rotationally coupled to the inner member; and   transmitting the information from the receiver to a wireline for transmission of information along a drill string to an operator.   
     
     
         19 . The method of  claim 18  wherein the signal is transmitted from the beacon to the receiver wirelessly. 
     
     
         20 . The method of  claim 18  wherein the signal is transmitted from the beacon to the receiver through a slip ring, wherein the slip ring comprises a first portion rotationally coupled to the inner member and a second portion rotationally coupled to the outer member. 
     
     
         21 . The method of  claim 18  wherein the signal is transmitted from the beacon to the receiver through an inductive coupling, wherein the inductive coupling comprises a first portion rotationally coupled to the inner member and a second portion rotationally coupled to the outer member. 
     
     
         22 . The method of  claim 18  wherein the information from the beacon may be read either through an above ground receiving unit, or through a wireline within the drill string.