Abstract: A first characteristic of a first discharge of electrodes of a pulse power drilling assembly in a borehole of a subterranean formation is determined. The first characteristic is based on a measurement of the first discharge. A second characteristic of a second discharge of the electrodes is determined. The second discharge occurs after the first discharge, and the second characteristic is based on a measurement of the second discharge. A difference between the first characteristic and the second characteristic is determined. A boundary layer of the subterranean formation is determined based on the difference.

Abstract: Methods and system for controlling downhole pulse power operation are disclosed. A method may include detecting a pulse signal discharged between pulse power drilling (PPD) electrodes and determining an arc characteristic of the pulse signal. The method may further include adjusting pulse power applied to the PPD electrodes based, at least in part, on the determined arc characteristic of the pulse signal.

Abstract: A method of communication along a shared voltage line is disclosed. In pulse power drilling, a generator charges applies voltage to a shared voltage line, which capacitively charges electrodes for formation drilling. While the generator controls the charging rate, charge voltage, and post-delay time between the charging cycles, a pulse power controller determines the pre-delay time by firing electrodes to discharge the stored voltage. Communication from the pulse power controller to the generator is encoded in the pre-delay time, where pre-delay times longer than a minimum pre-delay time correspond to time bins with pre-determined communications between the pulse power controller and the generator. The generator can also communicate to the pulse power controller via manipulation of the post-delay time.

Abstract: A first characteristic of a first discharge of electrodes of a pulse power drilling assembly in a borehole of a subterranean formation is determined. The first characteristic is based on a measurement of the first discharge. A second characteristic of a second discharge of the electrodes is determined. The second discharge occurs after the first discharge, and the second characteristic is based on a measurement of the second discharge. A difference between the first characteristic and the second characteristic is determined. A boundary layer of the subterranean formation is determined based on the difference.

Abstract: Methods and system for controlling downhole pulse power operation are disclosed. A method may include detecting a pulse signal discharged between pulse power drilling (PPD) electrodes and determining an arc characteristic of the pulse signal. The method may further include adjusting pulse power applied to the PPD electrodes based, at least in part, on the determined arc characteristic of the pulse signal.

Abstract: A method of communication along a shared voltage line is disclosed. In pulse power drilling, a generator charges applies voltage to a shared voltage line, which capacitively charges electrodes for formation drilling. While the generator controls the charging rate, charge voltage, and post-delay time between the charging cycles, a pulse power controller determines the pre-delay time by firing electrodes to discharge the stored voltage. Communication from the pulse power controller to the generator is encoded in the pre-delay time, where pre-delay times longer than a minimum pre-delay time correspond to time bins with pre-determined communications between the pulse power controller and the generator. The generator can also communicate to the pulse power controller via manipulation of the post-delay time.