This report describes development of a system that provides high-speed, real-time downhole data while drilling. Background of the project, its benefits, major technical challenges, test planning, and test results are covered by relatively brief descriptions in the body of the report, with some topics presented in more detail in the attached appendices.
The Salt Valve and Instrumentation Test was done to provide data on equipment performance in high temperature environments similar to that expected in the next large scale application of that technology. The experiment tested three different valves: (1) a valve with the standard valve body and standard high temperature self-packing material; (2) a valve with the standard valve body and stainless steel O-rings; and (3) a magnetic valve that uses a high temperature coil and no packing material. The first valve, which was used at Solar Two, performed sufficiently throughout the test with only a small leak from the split-body, not the packing material, on the 6th day of testing on the long-term test. The second valve, with the stainless steel O-rings, developed a small leak on the last run of the third test at the bonnet (packing material), at which point it was noted to watch if it got worse and the test continued. By the 6th day of the long-term test, the leak was significant (up to 3 cups per day) and the test was terminated. The magnetic valve failed when exposed to a relatively low temperature of 500 F. According to the manufacturer, it was expected to survive up to temperatures of 600 F. Two different pressure transducers were tested and compared, Taylor and Dynisco. The Taylor pressure transducer was used and proven successful at Solar Two. However, they are no longer made. Therefore the experiment tested a new pressure transducer from Dynisco and compared the results to that of the Taylor. The Dynisco pressure transducer performed inaccurately from the beginning. The pressure transducer was affected by an increase in temperature when the pressure remained the same. Dynisco agreed to recalibrate the pressure transducer and/or send us a new one if the piece was faulty. However, in the process of removing the piece from the system, due to the high temperatures used, the piece had gulled with the stainless-steel piping and broke. Flared fittings versus Swagelock fittings were tested in the experiment as well. Both fittings showed no signs of any leakage when exposed to the high temperatures and corrosive environment. The existing test set-up for the Nagle Long Shafted Pump was used in this experiment and additional test hours were obtained on the pump bearings. However, only 132 hours (5 1/2 days) of the 5000 hours (208 days) were performed due to a salt leak, which required removal of insulation. The experiment had to be terminated prior to removal of the insulation.
SNL is developing intense sources for flash x-ray radiography. The goals of the experiments presented here were to assess power flow issues and to help benchmark the LSP particle-in-cell code used to design the experiment. Comparisons between LSP simulations and experimental data are presented.
A new laser trigger system (LTS) has been installed on Z that benefits the experimenter with reduced temporal jitter on the x-ray output, the confidence to use command triggers for time sensitive diagnostics and the ability to shape the current pulse at the load. This paper presents work on the pulse shapping aspects othe the new LTS.
The use of laser diodes in devices to ignite pyrotechnics provides unique new capabilities including the elimination of electrostatic discharge (ESD) pulses entering the device. The Faraday cage formed by the construction of these devices removes the concern of inadvertent ignition of the energetic material. However, the laser diode itself can be damaged by ESD pulses, therefore, to enhance reliability, some protection of the laser diode is necessary. The development of the MC4612 Optical Actuator has included a circuit to protect the laser diode from ESD pulses including the ''Fisher'' severe human body ESD model. The MC4612 uses a laser diode and is designed to replace existing hot-wire actuators. Optical energy from a laser diode, instead of electrical energy, is used to ignite the pyrotechnic. The protection circuit is described along with a discussion of how the circuit design addresses and circumvents the historic 1Amp/1Watt requirement that has been applicable to hot-wire devices.