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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.
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.
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.
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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