Integrated modulator and turbine-generator for a measurement while drilling tool
US5517464A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | May 4, 1994 |
| Grant date | May 14, 1996 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 4, 2014 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC E)Fixed Constructions
- CPC primaryE21B47/20
- WIPO fieldCivil engineering
- WIPO sectorOther fields
Abstract
An integrated modulator and turbine-generator includes a turbine impeller which is directly coupled by a drive shaft to a modulator rotor downstream from the impeller. The modulator rotor is further coupled by a drive shaft and a gear train to a three phase alternator downstream of the modulator rotor. The modulator stator blades are arranged downstream of and adjacent to the modulator rotor and the alternator is provided with a Hall effect tachometer. The turbine impeller directly drives the modulator rotor and the alternator generates power. The speed of rotation of the modulator rotor is adjusted by reference to the speed of rotation of the alternator as indicated by the tachometer and to a reference frequency. A control circuit including an electromagnetic braking circuit coupled to the tachometer and the stator windings of the alternator stabilizes the alternator speed and thus the rotor speed and modulates the rotor to obtain the desired frequency of the mudborne pressure wave by selectively shorting the stator windings of the alternator. During periods when braking is not applied, the alternator generates power for control and sensor electronics.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.