ITS technology has been developed over many years of research and development and is based on the special requirements for Sub-Surface data transmission. Here the physics are different from conventional terrestrial radio wave propagation, and therefore different techniques must be applied to provide wireless links from deep wells to the surface.
The application of conventional wireless radio methods has not proven to be particularly successful over the years and there have been many prominent companies who have attempted to develop and perfect thru-earth data communication links and up well communications for MWD and control applications, many have boldly submitted patents to cover their concepts and methods.
ITS took a completely different approach to solving the problem, firstly it was necessary to understand what the requirements were and then studying the science that would be needed to propagate through the various geology, well linings and wire-lines used in well construction and tool deployment, that was the difficult part since there are numerous variations but all must have a common solution.
There are a number of issues linked to RF propagation through the earth since some geology types are more conductive than other types and vary over seasonal weather changes from wet to dry, such changes alter the propagation paths and ability. ITS has developed a dual technology based system that can adapt to the conditions of the geological changes and enable multiple propagation channels thru-earth to surface.
ITS uses a special method of injecting signals into the earth such that data can be transmitted over great distance at relatively high data rates by using multiple adaptive communications channels using a new type of modulation technique with Greycode BEC and encompasing extended IQ correction algorithm for multi-path effects resulting from Geo-scattering that occurs in some shale's, grits and sands. Based on our INGENIQA modulation and coding method which has been designed specifically to operate effectively in sub-Surface and very noisy environments, it is computationally lean and hence well suited to micro-controller based systems where less computational power and speed (MIPS) is possible particularly at extended temperatures above +150°C.
Data & BER
Data is sent at rates between 1kbs and 20kbs thru-earth depending upon the number of bit symbols (N) used, in simple terms the larger the value of N is the higher the data rates up to 100kbs at the upper limits. Where the system is used with wire-line, lined wells and on tool-string/drilling tools bandwidths may be easily extended to enable higher data throughput.
BER is actively managed and adaptive channel management is also used to maximise the bandwidth in dynamic environmental conditions thus coping with difficult communications channels where more conventional modulation and codes would suffer large losses.
Operating below the noise floor
The INGENIQA system can operate below the noise floor making data links possible in virtually impossible conditions, the INGENIQA system can operate together with our MDA (magnetic dipole array) antenna where transmission utillises atomic level propagation, this technology is a closely guarded secret and is proprietary information at this time. This method is capable of transmission over wire-lines, metallic, plastic and concrete pipes and tanks.
Noise floor (NF) in itself is an assumed term usually based on SNR and loosely referred to as a negative value of -100dBm (sometimes -120dBm depending upon the spectrum order), ITS refer to NF transmission when any intended signal can be detected and data decoded when our signal is below the level (whatever that level may be at that instant in time), we achieve this by using the inverse numerical value given by the combined carrier vectors in the orthogonal channels used, it simply works and works better than the more commonly OFDM systems and can operate in both above and below NF levels.
Whilst further tests are scheduled to start in 2013 we are certain that our system will work in Sub-Sea environments with relatively high data rates and communications links up to 1km fully RF wireless with Bi-directional capability. Such uses may include ROV controls and telemetry links, BOP and seabed installation monitoring and controls and ship to seabed links being just a few of the potential applications.
to summarise the Technology ITS has developed over the recent years much testing has been completed to date. The principles and technology is still in its development phase and is constantly being improved as new applications for this technology becomes more in demand.
ITS has an open view in applications that may benefit from this system, as far as we are aware there is no other technology currently available or under such active development as the INGENIQA and MDA systems which may have many applications including utilities infrastructure pipeline monitoring (plastic and metallic water and gas pipelines), sub-sea communications and seabed equipment monitoring.
Future News page
Please come back to visit this page at least once a month as throughout 2013 we will be posting test results and we will start a news page to post up our developments for your interest.