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Telemetry
The NSE Wireline Telemetry System is used for communication via wireline or powerline. The system consists of two main components: topside unit and one or more downhole modems.
The NSE Wireline Telemetry System operates as a transparent link between the topside user interface/applications and the electronics located in the downhole tool. Serial commands sent from a computer to the topside modem are modulated and superimposed on the power cable. This signal is demodulated and converted back to conventional serial commands (TTL or CANBus) in the downhole modem.
The modems are designed to communicate over wire- or powerlines. Even if monoconductor wireline is the main use, the versatility of the system has made it popular in other applications such as coiled tubing and subsea backup communication system.
NSE Wireline Telemetry Systems are deployed worldwide and cover all applications from power tools, such as tractor and strokers, to low power sensor and data acquisition tools. The reliability of the link allows data transfer in very noisy conditions over difficult cables and the system will optimize data rates for the given setup.
The system requires very little user interaction. In most cases the modems will autotune to the correct gain and frequency settings for a cable. During operation the system is continuously adapting to the conditions on the line in order to optimize the signal to noise ratio.
The system is addressable so several down hole modems can communicate with one topside modem and has a broad input voltage range.
Motor Controllers
NSE has through several years of dedication to high temperature electronics, developed a family of high efficient – state of the art motor controllers.
NSE controllers support hall encoders, Resolver feedback and sensorless running. The controllers are set up to run Field Oriented Control (FOC), in order to have maximum control of torque, speed and power.
NSE are continuously developing the motor controller platform. Firmware updates are made available to our customers for free, and upgrading can easily be done through the bootloader system.
NSE provides a free motor controller software that allows for easy configuration and tuning of the motor controller to the motor and application.
Parameters like motor pole pairs, resolver settings and PID regulation loops are configured in the GUI (amongst other settings). Once the desired configuration has been achieved, the controller registry settings can be stored to a configuration file.
By uploading different configuration files, the same motor controller can run completely different motors and/or applications. For the customer this implies simpler logistics as the same controller can serve many tools or applications.
Power Converters
Having a reliable power source for your downhole tool is crucial in order to achieve success. NSE has designed a series of high performance DCDC converters that covers a broad range of power levels. All NSE DCDC converters have short circuit and overvoltage protection to ensure reliable operation and the ability to handle unforseen situations. Operating in harsh environments implies that the input voltage is fluctuating, and that voltage and current transients are very likely to occur. Even under these conditions, and with rapid load transients the NSE DCDC converters provide a stable output voltage.
Processor boards
The NSE Processor boards are designed to operate in a harsh downhole or industrial environment and provides a flexible platform for control and monitoring. The boards are equipped with the most common sensor-, communication- and control interfaces required for typical downhole logging and drilling tools. By choosing an NSE processor board, you get a proven and tested hardware platform, combined with firmware support that allows for rapid development and deployment of your tool. NSE offer to develop custom firmware for the processor boards, or assist you with your own firmware development.
CCL
The NSE CCL is an active Casing Collar Locator for down hole use. The CCL feature a sophisticated measuring principle that allow for high resolution locator data at both high and low speeds. The mechanical design of the CCL also means that there can be a flow path through its centre and the design is compact and cost efficient.
The NSE CCL can be directly integrated into the customer’s tool or used as a stand-alone unit. The CCL can stream its data through the NSE telemetry system or provide data on CANbus to any third-party system with CANbus interface. Both solutions are easy to integrate into new or existing systems.
The CCL is rated for temperatures up to 177°C (350°F), has a ruggedized design which allows for use in harsh and rugged environments.
The NSE CCL can be operated as a stand-alone unit or integrated into a tool design. When operated as a stand-alone unit, the CCL will communicate using the NSE Telemetry, and it will be powered by the NSE-5004-16 – 32mm DH Telemetry QPSK with PSU.
High Power Tool #1
In this setup the downhole high voltage bus in to the tool is limited to 600Vdc. This means that the topside power supply should be set up to regulate the downhole voltage to a steady 600Vdc. In order to do so, the topside power supply must have an algorithm for cable compensation (e.g. it senses the output current and regulates the downhole voltage based on this, together with information on the cable resistance).
It is also recommended to add an over voltage clamp (NSE 5009-03) in the downhole tool to clamp voltage surges / transients.
DCDCs, processor boards and motor controller can be added downhole as required by the configuration of the tool. The CAN-bus protocol makes it easy to integrate supervision and control of the units attached, and the telemetry link provides instant feedback of data to the topside user interface.
High Power Tool #2
This setup uses an NSE High power DCDC downhole, so the topside power supply can be set at a fixed voltage (e.g. 1000Vdc) and the voltage regulation is done downhole.
The NSE 5002-09 HT DCDC 600-4.2/1200-38mm can take an unregulated 600-1200Vdc input and provide a steady 600Vdc (up to 2.5kW) output that can be run as the bus voltage through the tool. Telemetry can be integrated into the NSE 5002-09 so there is no need for a separate down hole modem. In addition, it has several protection mechanisms (such as overvoltage and over-current shutdown) that allow for safe operation of the tool.
This setup will be much less vulnerable to voltage drop variations on the cable, as the output regulation is done downhole. Another benefit is that it allows higher voltage and potentially more power through the cable. Several nodes such as motor controllers, processor boards and DCDC converters can be added to the system on the output of the NSE 5002-09 DCDC. An additional DCDC converter is required in order to convert the voltage down from 600Vdc to low voltage (typ. 24-28Vdc) in order to power the low voltage logic of processor boards and motor controllers.
Medium Power Tool
Below is a typical reference design that shows how NSE electronics can be used to power and control a medium power (20-250W) tool. Typically, this can be a small stroker or manipulation tool that uses a low voltage (18-60V) motor. Low voltage motors are more available and the prices are usually lower.
By selecting either of NSE 5002-03 /-08 or /-10, the system will have a power supply with high voltage (100-600Vdc) input and 4.2A output at either 24, 48 or 60Vdc. This makes it ideal as power source for low voltage motors.
NSE can also provide even more powerful custom DC/DC converters if required.
Battery Powered Tool
NSE provide solutions for many battery powered tool. Typical applications are logging tools, small actuator or tools for plug and abandonment. Very often these tools have requirements for low current consumption and efficient power management in order to verify that they are able to perform the tasks within the lifetime of the battery.
Other features common for these tools is the requirement to log values and/or sensor data during operation and the ability to start performing tasks based on a combination of stimulus (such as timers, accelerometer, temperature and / or pressure).
NSE can also help in making software for setting up the tool and retrieve and present logged data from an operation.
Logging Tool
Below is a typical reference design that shows how NSE electronics can be used to power and control a logging or camera tool. The unsurpassed NSE Telemetry provides a reliable and stable communication link with data rates up to over 200kbps, and a proven performance on even the longest and most difficult cables.
By adding an NSE DCDC Converter that works with a broad input voltage range, and outputs a reliable voltage with an available output power of 25-240W (depending on model), the system should have enough power to cover most available and future data acquisition systems.
Logging- and high data rate acquisition boards are typically custom designs. NSE work tightly with our customers in order to provide the best possible integration of a system. If required, NSE will offer design support and can develop sensor interface boards. We have a very good experience in design of low noise / high sampling rate data acquisition boards.
