PROGRAMMING METHOD FOR CONTROLLING A DOWNHOLE STEERING TOOL

摘要

A method for communicating with a downhole tool located in a subterrane an borehole is disclosed. Exemplary embodiments of the method include encoding data and/or commands in a sequence of varying drill string rotation rates and drilling fluid flow rates. The varying rotation rates and flow rates are measured downhole and processed to decode the data and/or the commands. In one exemplary embodimen t, commands in the form of relative changes to current steering tool offset and tool face settings are encoded and transmitted downhole. Such commands may then be executed, for example, to change the steering tool settings and thus the direction of drilling. Exemplary embodiments of this invention advantageously provide for quick and accurate communication with a downhole tool.