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The E-Spectrum Spectra-Elink© telemetry system is the most
important technological innovation in low-frequency electromagnetic (EM)
telemetry equipment to be brought to market within the last 15
years. Designed specifically for
the energy exploration market, Spectra-Elink©
was developed by
E-Spectrum, in cooperation with the Department of Energy (DoE) National Energy Technology Laboratory (NETL), as
part of the DoE “Deep Trek”
initiative to foster new technologies to facilitate exploration for deep natural gas
resources.
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The Spectra-Elink© system represents a
completely new and revolutionary approach to facilitating subterranean
wireless telemetry. Developed from
the ground-up, using novel new technologies normally associated with
interplanetary deep space navigation and missile guidance systems, the Spectra-Elink©
provides a wireless communication link between sensors
deployed deep in oil and gas wells and data acquisition equipment located
on the earth’s surface. As a result, Spectra-Elink© is ideally suited for facilitating
measurement-while-drilling, well-logging, drill-stem-testing, and other
real-time downhole operations associated with oil and gas exploration. The Spectra-Elink©
system is especially suited for real-time telemetry support
for under-balanced drilling operations, where mud-pulse telemetry is not a
viable option. |
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A key element of
the Spectra-Elink©
system is a data-fusion receiver, developed by adapting advanced
technologies not typically associated with low-frequency communications
to work in harsh drilling environments.
The adoption of data fusion technology to a subterranean telemetry
receiver enhances the receiver’s ability to extract very weak
signals from large amounts of ambient environmental noise by allowing the
receiver to more effectively discriminate signal from noise. Unlike conventional EM receivers, the Spectra-Elink© data fusion receiver
utilizes multiple input channels to fuse various input-receive
sources into a single, decodable message packet.
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Every element of
the Spectra-Elink©
design, from power efficiency to reliability, has been optimized to
extend operational depth and improve noise immunity. The system
includes a rugged downhole tool assembly consisting of a gap-sub
antenna-package (designed to mate to a 6.5” drill collar), an electronics
assembly, and a battery package. The
Spectra-Elink© surface
package includes a power amplifier to provide two-way communication with
the downhole tool assembly. |
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GasTIPs Winter
2006 Elink Article |
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