Data Transfer Method and Apparatus

Abstract

The invention relates to a method and apparatus for transferring data from below surface in a well to the surface, adapted for a well fluid extraction system and including a rotating drive rod extending along the length of the well, a power source located below surface, sensed data receiving means located at the surface for receiving sensed data from a well sensor located below the surface, torque pulse inducing means for inducing a series of torque pulses in the drive rod, pulse encoding means for coding the torque pulses using the sensed data preserving the data integrity, and including, located at surface, a torque sensor for sensing the torque pulses, and a decoder for decoding the sensed data to provide an output at surface, wherein the torque pulse inducing means is located in a protective housing and is supported in a position adjacent to the drive rod.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A data transfer method for transferring data from below the surface in a
 well to the surface, adapted for a well fluid extraction system including a rotatable drive rod extending in the well, the method comprising the following steps:   a) locating a torque inducing means in a torque inducer protective housing adjacent to but not contacting the drive rod,   b) providing power from a power source to the torque inducing means,   c) receiving sensed data from a sensor located down the well,   d) inducing a series of torque pulses in the drive rod,   e) coding the torque pulses using the sensed data preserving the data integrity,   f) supporting a torque sensor in a torque sensor protective housing adjacent to but not contacting the drive rod   g) sensing the torque pulses at the surface,   h) decoding the sensed data from the torque pulses,   i) providing an output of the sensed data at surface.   
     
     
         2 . A data transfer method according to  claim 1 , wherein the power source harvests energy from rotational movement of the drive rod. 
     
     
         3 . A data transfer method according to  claim 1 , including the step of continuously supporting the torque inducer protective housing and/or the torque sensor protective housing in a spaced non-contacting position adjacent to the drive rod wherein the drive rod is rotating. 
     
     
         4 . A data transfer method according to  claim 2 , wherein the harvested energy is stored in an energy storage device and the energy storage device provides the power source. 
     
     
         5 . A data transfer method according to  claim 3 , wherein the torque pulses are provided by an electrically controlled electromagnetic brake acting on the drive rod  3 . 
     
     
         6 . A data transfer method according to  claim 1 , wherein the torque pulses induced by the torque inducer are between 0.01-10 Newton meters (Nm). 
     
     
         7 . An apparatus for transferring data from below surface in a well to the surface, adapted for a well fluid extraction system and including a rotating drive rod extending along the length of the well, a power source located below surface, sensed data receiving means located at the surface for receiving sensed data from a well sensor located below the surface, torque pulse inducing means for inducing a series of torque pulses in the drive rod, pulse encoding means for coding the torque pulses using the sensed data preserving the data integrity, and including, located at surface, a torque sensor for sensing the torque pulses, and a decoder for decoding the sensed data from the torque pulses to provide an output of the sensed data at surface, wherein the torque pulse inducing means is located in a protective housing and is supported in a position that is adjacent to the drive rod but is not in contact with the rotating drive rod. 
     
     
         8 . A data transfer apparatus according to  claim 7 , wherein the power source is provided by harvesting energy from the rotational movement of the drive rod. 
     
     
         9 . A data transfer apparatus according to  claim 7  including an energy storage device located in the well for providing the energy to the torque pulse inducing means. 
     
     
         10 . A data transfer apparatus according to  claim 7 , wherein the power source, torque inducer, well sensor, or a well sensor data port and encoding means are contained in a data acquisition housing that is sealed with respect to the production tubing by means of first and second rotating seals  50 ,  51 . 
     
     
         11 . A data transfer apparatus according to  claim 7 , wherein the rotating drive rod  3  is releasably connectable a lower rotating rod  3   b  at its remote end so that the rotational torque in the rotating drive rod is transmitted into the lower rotating rod and vis versa. 
     
     
         12 . A data transfer apparatus according to  claim 11 , wherein the releasable connection means are provided to connect the rotating drive rod  3  to the lower rotating rod  3   a  in the form of a splined length connection means. 
     
     
         13 . A data transfer apparatus according to  claim 7 , wherein in the torque sensor uses the Villari effect by detecting changes in the mechanical stress in the drive rod  3 . 
     
     
         14 . A data transfer apparatus according to  claim 7 , wherein in the sensed data receiving means at surface is located in a protective housing supported by at least one elongate axially orientated support attached to a well casing. 
     
     
         15 . A data transfer apparatus according to  claim 14 , wherein in the protective housing is supported on a mounting assembly which includes a housing support plate to which the protective housing is attached, the housing support plate being attached to the at least one elongate axially orientated support. 
     
     
         16 . A data transfer apparatus according to  claim 7 , wherein the drive rod  3  includes a polished portion around which the protective housing is located without being in contact. 
     
     
         17 . A data transfer apparatus according to  claim 14 , wherein the first and second diametrically opposed housing portions are connected together by a connector plate to form a unitary protective housing. 
     
     
         18 . A data transfer apparatus according to  claim 15 , wherein the housing support plate is U-shaped and comprises first and second wing arms. 
     
     
         19 . A data transfer apparatus according to  claim 18 , wherein two axial supports are provided, attached to each first and second wing arm of the housing support plate.