Li-ion batteries expand horizon for tool design

摘要

Smaller and lighter rechargeable batteries have the potential to revolutionize measurement-while-drilling (MWD) tool design and simplify rig operations. MWD tools incorporate a variety of electronic sensors to detect such things as the tilt and position of the well bore, rotational speed, torque and weight on bit, vibration, temperature and type of formation. Since there can be no direct cable link from surface to the drill bit, the electronics have to be powered by onboard battery systems. The data collected is relayed to the surface either by mud pulse telemetry - the most common technique - or electromagnetic telemetry.