Data communication in the microwave range using conductive elements in construction machinery

Abstract

A coupling element is provided that can be connected to a column of one or more pipes, such as a drill rod of one or more pipes or a drill pipe. The coupling element is configured to excite an electromagnetic wave in the column in response to a data signal fed to the coupling element. The coupling element includes: a feed portion at a first end of the coupling element, the feed portion being used to receive the data signal; a first conductive portion extending from the feed portion toward a second end of the coupling element, the second end being used to connect to the column for forming a conductive connection between the first conductive portion and the column; and a second conductive portion extending from the feed portion toward the second end of the coupling element. The first conductive portion and the second conductive portion are arranged to define a waveguide. The waveguide extends in a direction from the first end toward the second end.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This patent application relates to the field of communication engineering. It relates to the use of conductive elements or tubes of construction equipment as waveguides for data communication. Embodiments relate to data communication in the microwave range through tubes or drill pipes, for example in tunnel construction and mining applications, especially with inaccessible drilling tools. Background Art

[0002] For construction equipment, it is desirable to transmit data between various components of the construction machinery. For example, in tunnel construction and mining applications, it is desirable to exchange sensor data or control data between a drill bit underground and a drive at the surface. For example, it may be desirable to monitor the force or rotation applied to a rotating drill bit attached to the drill bit, such as in a raise drilling application, or the force or rotation applied to the cutting wheel of the drill bit while drilling a borehole. Data transmission is required to allow timely response to certain events associated with the drill bit, such as to change wear parts or avoid expensive virtual drilling. This in turn requires that data can be transmitted over a certain distance at a certain data rate. However, for the above applications, the currently available data rates are too low, the currently available operating distances are too short, or both.

[0003] Mud pulse telemetry is one of the systems currently used to transmit data between the drill bit underground and the drive at the surface. However, mud pulse telemetry is only available if the drilling mud or mud circuit system is attached and operational. In addition, in mud pulse telemetry, the drilling mud or pressure changes in the mud are used to transmit information. This results in a data rate of a few bits per second, which is usually too low.

[0004] Other known systems used in construction and mining applications are electromagnetic telemetry, such as that used by the company Halliburton / Sperry Drilling. In this system, the drill string is used as a transmitting antenna for communication in the frequency range between 2 Hz and 10 Hz. The receiving antenna is installed in the ground at a distance of about 100 m from the drill string. Low data rates and high complexity are disadvantages of currently used electromagnetic telemetry systems. Summary of the invention

[0005] It is an object of the present invention to at least partially overcome one or more disadvantages attributed to prior art systems.

[0006] This object is solved by a coupling element, a method and a system for data communication in a construction equipment via a string of one or more pipes or a drilling device, and a drilling device according to the invention.

[0007] A coupling element is provided that can be connected to a column of one or more pipes, such as a drill column of one or more pipes or drill pipes. The coupling element is configured to excite electromagnetic waves in the column in response to a data signal fed to the coupling element. The coupling element includes: a feed portion at a first end of the coupling element, the feed portion being used to receive the data signal; a first conductive portion extending from the feed portion toward a second end of the coupling element, the second end being used to connect to the column for forming a conductive connection between the first conductive portion and the column; and a second conductive portion extending from the feed portion toward the second end of the coupling element. The first conductive portion and the second conductive portion are arranged to define a waveguide that extends in a direction from the first end toward the second end.

[0008] According to an embodiment, the second conductive portion may include a portion formed to protrude into the column when the coupling element is connected to the column.

[0009] According to an embodiment, the portion to be protruded into the column may have a constant diameter.

[0010] According to an embodiment, the first conductive portion and the second conductive portion may be rotationally symmetric.

[0011] According to an embodiment, the coupling element may be connectable to the column so as to be rotatable.

[0012] According to an embodiment, the electromagnetic wave may have rotationally symmetric field lines.

[0013] According to an embodiment, the first conductive portion may have a flange connectable to a flange of the post.

[0014] According to an embodiment, a coupling element as described above may be used in a drill string of one or more drill pipes.

[0015] A method for data communication in construction equipment through a string of one or more pipes, such as a drill string of one or more pipes or drill pipes, is provided. The method comprises the following steps:

[0016] - exciting an electromagnetic wave carrying a data signal at a first end of the pillar, the pillar acting as a waveguide, and

[0017] - coupling said electromagnetic wave from a second end of said pillar to obtain said data signal.

[0018] According to an embodiment, an electromagnetic wave may be excited using a coupling element as described above, and / or a data signal may be coupled from the second end of the pillar using a coupling element as described above.

[0019] According to an embodiment, the pillar acting as a waveguide may have a bandpass property or a bandstop property so as to pass frequencies within a specific range and reject or attenuate frequencies outside the specific range, the specific range may define a plurality of channels, the plurality of channels may have the same or different bandwidths. The method may also include the steps of selecting a channel for transmitting the data signal from the plurality of channels, and transmitting the data signal using the selected channel.

[0020] According to an embodiment, selecting a channel may include the following steps: selecting an initial channel that allows data communication from a list including available channels for the column; testing one or more channels from the remaining available channels from the list to determine the corresponding communication quality that can be achieved by the corresponding channels; and selecting a channel that provides the best communication quality, for example, a channel with the lowest attenuation when compared with the initial channel and the remaining available channels.

[0021] According to an embodiment, selecting a channel may include the following steps: testing the channels in the column to determine the corresponding communication quality that can be achieved by the corresponding available channels; and selecting a channel from the channels that provides the best communication quality, for example, a channel with the lowest attenuation when compared to other channels.

[0022] According to an embodiment, during operation of the construction equipment including the column,

[0023] Periodically, and / or

[0024] at specific intervals, and / or

[0025] In response to an event, such as when data transmission over the channel is no longer possible

[0026] to repeat the testing and the selecting.

[0027] According to an embodiment, the method may further include selecting a predetermined channel in response to determining that no channel provides sufficient communication quality.

[0028] A system for data communication in construction equipment through a column of one or more pipes, such as a drill column of one or more pipes or drill pipes, is provided. The system comprises a first coupling element configured to excite a first electromagnetic wave carrying a data signal at a first end of the column, the column acting as a waveguide, and a second coupling element configured to couple the first electromagnetic wave from a second end of the column to obtain the data signal.

[0029] According to an embodiment, the first coupling element and / or the second coupling element may include a coupling element as described above.

[0030] A drilling device for drilling a hole along a drilling path from a starting point to a destination point is provided. The drilling device comprises a drill bit, a driver for rotating the drill bit, at least one pipe string, preferably a string of drill pipes, connected to the drill bit, and a propulsion unit for propulsing the drill bit along the drilling path. The pipe string is connected to a first coupling element and a second coupling element, the first coupling element being configured to excite a first electromagnetic wave carrying a data signal at a first end of the string, the pipe string acting as a waveguide, and the second coupling element being configured to couple the first electromagnetic wave from the second end of the string to obtain the data signal.

[0031] According to an embodiment, the first coupling element and / or the second coupling element may include a coupling element as described above.

[0032] According to an embodiment, the method for data communication as described above can be used in a drilling method for drilling a hole along a drilling path from a starting point to a destination point by rotating a drill bit with a driver, advancing the drill bit along the drilling path with a propulsion unit, providing a pipe string, preferably a string of drill pipes, and connecting the drill bit to the starting point. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0033] Embodiments of the present invention will be discussed below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0034] Figure 1(a)-Figure 1(d) A drilling system according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0035] Figure 2 A system for data communication in construction equipment according to the present invention is shown.

[0036] Figure 3(a)-Figure 3(f) Six field line patterns in a cross section of a pillar according to an embodiment of the invention are shown.

[0037] Figure 4 A flow chart illustrating a method for operating a system for data communication in construction equipment according to the present invention is shown.

[0038] Figure 5 The transfer function of a drill string made of 250 segments in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0039] Figure 6(a)-Figure 6(c) Additional steps are illustrated that may optionally be performed in conjunction with the method for operating a system for data communications in construction equipment according to the present invention.

[0040] Figures 7(a)-7(d) show an embodiment of a system for data communication according to the present invention, Figure 7(a) illustrates a portion of the system located at a starting point, Figure 7(b) illustrates a portion of the system located underground, Figure 7(c) shows an enlarged view of a portion of the system of Figure 7(a), and Figure 7(d) shows an enlarged view of a portion of the system of Figure 7(b).

[0041] Figure 8(a)-Figure 8(b) An embodiment of a coupling element for use in FIG. 7( b ) according to the present invention is illustrated, FIG. 8( a ) is an isometric view, and FIG. 8( b ) is a cross-sectional view.

[0042] Figure 9(a)-Figure 9(b) An embodiment of a coupling element for use in FIG. 7( a ) according to the present invention is illustrated, FIG. 9( a ) is an isometric view, and FIG. 9( b ) is a cross-sectional view. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0043] FIG. 1(a), FIG. 1(b), FIG. 1(c), and FIG. 1(d) show three different drilling systems 100 as examples of construction equipment. The drilling system includes elements located at the "surface" 101, such as, but not limited to, a drift, a crosscut, a gangway, or a headng, and elements located in the underground 102. A drilling machine 105 is located at the surface 101. The drilling machine 105 includes a drive 110. The drive 110 drives a drill string 120 so as to rotate the drill string 120. The drill string 120 is made of a plurality of individual tubes that are adjoined together to form a column 120. A drill bit 130 is attached to the drill string 120 at the end of the drill string 120 located in the underground 102. With the help of the drill bit 130, boreholes 160, 161 are driven into the underground 102. The drilling system and also the corresponding method can be applied at any angle between horizontal and vertical.

[0044] FIG. 1( a) and FIG. 1( b) illustrate two steps of a drilling system 100 known as raise boring. A drilling machine 105 is located at a starting point / surface 101. A segment of a drill string 120 is connected to a driver 110 of the drilling machine 105 via a coupling element 150 to form the drill string 120. A pilot hole drill bit 130 is connected to the drill string 120 via a coupling element 140. The drill bit 130 is advanced by the driver 110 of the drilling machine 105 by moving the drill string 120 into a borehole 161. In addition, the pilot drill bit is rotated by the driver 110 and / or by a drilling motor (not shown). The pilot borehole 161 is driven in a direction 175 downwardly toward a destination point, such as, but not limited to, other horizontal lanes, connecting lanes, passages, or pilot holes. Once the destination point is reached, the pilot hole drill bit is removed and a drill bit 130 such as a raise boring drill bit is attached. The drill bit 130 is advanced by the driver 110 of the drilling machine 105 by moving the drill string 120 out of the borehole 161. In addition, the raise boring drill bit 130 is rotated by the driver 110 via the drill string and / or by a drilling motor (not shown). The raise boring 160 is driven in a direction 170 upward toward the starting point until it is reached. Horizontal or angled raise boring is also possible with the drilling system 100.

[0045] The same can be applied to the drilling system 100 of Figure 1 (c). Here, upper hole reaming is shown, which is also called upper reaming, box hole drilling or blind hole drilling. The drilling machine 105 is located at the starting point / surface 101. The segments of the drill string 120 are connected to the driver 110 of the drilling machine 105 via coupling elements 150 to form the drill string 120. The drill bit 130 is connected to the drill string 120 via coupling elements 140. Here, the borehole 160 is driven in the direction 170 upward toward the destination point of the underground 102. This destination point can be anywhere in the rock just above the ground / forming the underground 102, or it can also be (but not limited to) other horizontal tunnels, connecting tunnels, passages or pilot holes or any other cavity. Once the destination point is reached, the drill bit 130 is pulled out of the borehole 160 by removing the segments of the drill string 120. Horizontal or angled box hole drilling is also possible drilling system 100.

[0046] FIG. 1( d) shows another embodiment of a drilling system 100. Here, a drilling system similar to the system of FIG. 1( c) is shown, for example, for reef mining. In reef mining, a borehole is drilled in a vein, reef, or seam to selectively remove raw material that is barely diluted with other materials. After the borehole is completed, the borehole is filled with, for example, a backfill containing cement. Then, after hardening, other holes are drilled next to the backfill. For this drilling system, a drilling machine 105 is located at a starting point / surface 101. Segments of a drill string 120 are connected to a driver 110 of the drilling machine 105 via coupling elements 150 to form a drill string 120. A drill bit 130 is connected to the drill string 120 via a coupling element 140. Here, the borehole 160 is driven in an angled direction 170 upward toward a destination point underground 102. This destination point can be anywhere within the rock just above the surface / forming the subsurface 102, or can also be (without limitation) another horizontal tunnel, connecting tunnel, passage or pilot hole or any other cavity. Once the destination point is reached, the drill bit 130 is pulled out of the borehole 160 by removing a section of the drill string 120. Horizontal or vertical reef mining drilling is also possible with the drilling system 100.

[0047] For the drilling system 100, it is desirable to transmit data, such as sensor data associated with the drill bit 130, from the drill bit 130 to the driver. Further, it is desirable to transmit data, such as control data, from the driver 110 to the drill bit 130. According to the present invention, the hollow interior of the drill string 120 is used as a waveguide to transmit electromagnetic waves between the drill bit 130 and the driver 110. In order to transmit data from the drill bit 130 to the driver 110, a coupling element 140 is used to excite electromagnetic waves in the string 120 based on a signal carrying the sensor data of the drill bit 130. The coupling element 140 may also be referred to as a mode coupler.

[0048] The electromagnetic waves travel from the drill bit 130 toward the drilling drive 110 through the interior of the drill string 120. Alternatively, a string of pipes may also be used. A coupling element 150 is used at the surface 101 to couple the electromagnetic waves from the drill string 120 to obtain a signal. The sensor data carried by the obtained signal can be used at the surface 101 by the drive 110 or control equipment associated with the drive 110.

[0049] Similarly, the driver 110 or a control device associated with the driver 110 can establish a control signal for the drill bit 130. At the surface 101, the coupling element 150 is used to excite an electromagnetic wave corresponding to the signal in the column 120. The electromagnetic wave travels through the interior of the drill string 120 toward the drill bit 130. It is coupled from the drill string 120 by the coupler 140 to obtain a signal at the drill bit 130. Alternatively, a string of pipes can also be used. As a result, a two-way communication is established between the drill bit 130 in the underground 102 and the driver 110 at the surface 101. The change of direction of communication can be performed alternately or simultaneously.

[0050] For data transmission as described above and to be described hereinafter, it is preferred that the interior of the hollow drill string 120 is empty, in particular not filled with a conductive liquid.

[0051] Figure 2 A system 200 for data communication in construction equipment according to the present invention is shown, for example, the drilling system 100 described above. The system includes a column 220 of one or more tubes 220a, 220b, 220c, for example, tubes of a drill string or tubes of a pipe string. The individual tubes are joined together to form the column 220. Each of the individual tubes 220a, 220b, 220c has a wall 220y made of a conductive material and a hollow interior 220x. As a result, the column 220 can act as a waveguide for electromagnetic waves.

[0052] In an embodiment, one end of the post 220 may be connected to a Figure 1(a)-Figure 1(d) The drive 210 is similar to the drive described above, and the opposite end of the column 220 can be connected to the same as the above reference Figure 1(a)-Figure 1(d) The drill bit 230 is similar to the drill bit described in the above reference. However, the pipe is not necessarily a drill pipe. Moreover, an additional pipe string as described herein for data transmission only may be used. Further, there is provided a drill bit 230 as described in the above reference. Figure 1(a)-Figure 1(d) The first coupling element 250 is similar to the coupling element described above. The first coupling element 250 can be an element of the driver 210, or it can be attached to the driver 210. The first coupling element 250 receives the signal carrying the data and excites the electromagnetic wave 260 in the interior 220x of the pillar 220. The electromagnetic wave 260 propagates through the interior of the pillar 220. In addition, a method similar to the above reference is provided. Figure 1(a)-Figure 1(d)The first coupling element 250 is connected to the second coupling element 240, which is the same as the coupling element described above. In an embodiment, the second coupling element 240 can be a part of the drill bit 230, or it can be attached to the drill bit 230. The electromagnetic wave 260 reaches the second coupling element 240 and is coupled from the pillar 220 through the second coupling element 240 to obtain a signal carrying data. As a result, the pillar 220 acts as a waveguide for the electromagnetic wave 260, and it allows data communication from the first coupling element 250 to the second coupling element 240. The reverse communication is also possible.

[0053] In an embodiment, the post 220 may have a circular cross-section. Figure 3(a)-Figure 3(f) Six field line patterns are shown in cross-section of a post 220 according to embodiments of the present invention, where the post 220 has a circular cross-section. Figure 3(a)-Figure 3(f) Each of the figures in FIG. 2 shows a wall 220y of a tube 220a, 220b, 220c and a hollow interior 220x of the tube 220a, 220b, 220c. The tubes 220a, 220b, 220c act as waveguides for electromagnetic waves 260 present in the interior of the tubes. Figure 3(a)-Figure 3(f) The modes TE and 11 ,TM 01 TE 21 ,TM 11、 TE 01 and TE 31 201 and 202. Six different field line patterns are shown. The field lines of the magnetic field are depicted with dashed lines, while the field lines of the electric field are depicted with solid lines. In applications where the angle between the driver 210 and the drill bit 230 is variable, an embodiment of a system for data communication having a pipe column 220 with a circular cross-section is advantageous. For example, during the drilling process, the column 220 is driven by the driver 210, which causes the column 220 and the drill bit 230 to rotate, and thus the angle between the driver 210 and the drill bit 230 changes.

[0054] Figure 4 A diagram showing the operation of the present invention as described above with reference to Figure 1(a)-Figure 1(d) and Figure 2 A flow chart of a method of describing a system 200 for data communication in construction equipment.

[0055] Figure 4 The flowchart of FIG. 4 shows step 410 in which an electromagnetic wave 260 corresponding to a signal carrying data is excited at the first end of the pillar 220. The pillar 220 thus acts as a waveguide for the electromagnetic wave 260. Further, Figure 4 A step 420 is shown in which an electromagnetic wave 260 is coupled from the pillar 220 to obtain a signal carrying data.

[0056] In an embodiment, the column 220 may be, for example, a 11-wire column as provided, for example, by MICON GmbH & Co. KG. 1 The drill string is made of 1 / 4 inch tubes. Each tube has a length of about 1.7 m. The tubes are screwed together to form the drill string. In the screwed sections, the inner diameter of the tubes expands. Due to these interference expansions, the drill string has a bandpass property or a bandstop property, so as to pass frequencies within a specific range and suppress or attenuate frequencies outside these ranges. Figure 5 The transfer function of such a drill string made of 250 segments is shown. Figure 5 In the above example, parameter s 21 is plotted as a function of frequency. Figure 5 The bandpass property, that is, the property of passing frequencies within a certain range, can be identified in Figure 5 The available frequency range in the microwave range and the available frequency bands in the megahertz range can be identified in the data. Therefore, for a given drill string, it is usually possible to identify the frequency bands in which transmission is possible by means of calculations (e.g., numerical calculations or simulations). Based on such identified information, an appropriate channel or channels for data communication can be adaptively selected.

[0057] Figure 6(a)-Figure 6(c) The diagram shows that the above Figure 4 In step 610 shown in FIG6(a), a channel is selected for transmitting a signal and the selected channel is used to transmit the signal. The channel is selected from a plurality of available channels. The available channels are in turn determined based on the available frequency bands. The available frequency bands are determined based on the transfer function and are associated with frequencies at which the transfer function is above a predetermined value, such as above -5 dB, so that reliable data communication can be established. The multiple channels may have the same or different bandwidths.

[0058] The channel may be selected from the plurality of channels to meet a predetermined data communication standard, such as a predetermined data rate. The method step 610 of selecting a channel for transmitting a signal may include additional steps described below in conjunction with FIG. 6(b) and FIG. 6(c).

[0059] In method step 620 illustrated in FIG. 6( b ), an initial channel is selected for data communication. The initial channel is selected from a list of channels that are available for communication for a given column. In method step 630 , the remaining available channels for a given column are tested to determine their respective communication qualities, such as achievable data rates, channel attenuation, etc. In method step 640 , based on the test results of the remaining channels, a channel that provides the best communication quality is selected for data communication, for example, a channel with the lowest attenuation or with the highest data rate compared to the initial channel and the remaining available channels.

[0060] 6(c) illustrates optional steps that may be included in method step 610. In method step 650, the column is tested to determine the corresponding communication quality achievable by the available channels. In method step 660, the channel with the best communication quality is selected for the transmission signal, for example, the channel with the lowest attenuation or the channel with the highest data rate.

[0061] The method steps illustrated in Figures 6(b) and 6(c) may be repeated during operation of the construction equipment including the pole. The repetition may be periodic, or may occur at specific intervals. Alternatively or additionally, the repetition may be in response to an event, for example, where data transmission via a previously selected channel is no longer possible. In response to determining that no channel provides sufficient communication quality, a predetermined channel is selected for transmitting the signal.

[0062] The method for operating a system 200 for data communication according to the present invention can use any narrowband modulation scheme, for example, a frequency shift keying (FSK) modulation scheme. Alternatively, a modulation scheme based on a chirp sequence, such as a LoRa modulation scheme, can be used. In addition, time division duplexing can be used to allow two-way data communication. Alternatively, frequency division duplexing can be used. As a result, data communications for distances of several hundred meters (up to 2000 meters) or more can be established. The achievable data rate can be in the range of hundreds of kilobits per second, and is therefore higher than the data rates achievable to date.

[0063] FIG7(a)-FIG7(d) show an embodiment of a system 200 for data communication according to the present invention. It shows a specific construction equipment, namely a drilling system known as a raise boring equipment. FIG7(a) illustrates a portion of the system at the surface, FIG7(b) illustrates a portion of the system underground, FIG7(c) shows an enlarged view of a portion of the system at the surface, and FIG7(d) shows an enlarged view of a portion of the system at the surface.

[0064] As shown in Fig. 7(a), the drilling system includes a driving portion 710 and an attachment portion 715, both of which are located at the surface. The drilling system also includes a column 120 made of a plurality of tubes. The individual tubes of the drill string 120 are fixed in the attachment portion 715. The driving portion 710 rotates the attachment portion 715, and thereby also rotates the column 120. The drill string 120 rotates around its axis 722. The thrust portion (not shown) exhibits a force on the attachment portion 715 along the axis 722 in the direction indicated by the arrow 724. Thus, a hole (here a pilot hole) is drilled underground via the tube through the pilot drilling head.

[0065] As long as a certain pipe is brought deep enough underground, the driving part 710 and the attachment part 715 are moved in the direction opposite to the direction indicated by the arrow 724, thereby allowing the pipe handling part (not shown) to attach other pipes to the drill string 120. Other pipes are also attached to the attachment part 715. The attachment part 715 is rotated again by the driving part 710. Force is again exerted on the attachment part 715, so that the drilling operation proceeds. The above process is repeated, and a hole is drilled thereby. The drilled hole corresponds to the diameter of the drill string 120 / pilot hole drill bit 130.

[0066] As soon as the drill bit reaches the tunnel or another accessible cavity with the column 120, the drill bit 730 (see FIG. 7( b)) is attached to the end of the drill column 120 located underground. The drill bit 730 is brought into the tunnel and attached to the drill column 120. FIG. 7( b) shows the drill column 120 with the attached drill bit 730. The drill column 120 with the drill bit 730 attached thereto is rotated by the drive portion 710. A force is applied to the attachment portion 715 in a direction opposite to the direction indicated by the arrow 724. Thus, a hole having a diameter corresponding to the diameter of the drill bit 730 is drilled underground. The hole is drilled in a direction opposite to the direction indicated by the arrow 724. As drilling proceeds, individual pipes are separated from the drill column 120 by the pipe handling portion.

[0067] As shown in FIG. 7( b), one or more sensors 732 may be attached to the drill bit 730 or may be integrated in the drill bit 730. The one or more sensors 732 collect data related to the operation of the drill bit 730 and provide the data to a processing unit 734 connected to the sensor 732. The processing unit 734 is in turn connected to a coupling element 736 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The processing unit 734 processes the sensor data and provides a signal to the coupling element 736. The signal carries the sensor data. The coupling element 736 excites electromagnetic waves in the interior 726 of the drill string 120. The electromagnetic waves correspond to the signals provided to the coupling element 736 and thereby transmit the data through the interior of the string 720. At the end of the drill string 720 located at the surface, a coupling element 717 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention couples the electromagnetic waves from the drill string 720 to obtain a signal.

[0068] The signal obtained by the coupler 717 is provided to the processing unit 712 by the coupler 717 using a wired connection or wirelessly. The processing unit 712 processes the signal in order to obtain sensor data. The coupling element 717 can be attached to the attachment portion 715 so that it is fixed relative to the drive portion 710 or so that it rotates relative to the drive portion 710. In the case where the coupling element 717 rotates relative to the drive portion 710, a rotational coupling can be provided to transmit signals between the drive portion 710 and the coupling element 717. The rotational coupler can also be used to provide power, for example, to power electronic components such as amplifiers or filters that can be attached to or integrated with the coupling element 717. Such electronic components can be used to condition the signal obtained by the coupling element 717 from the interior 726 of the drill string 720 before providing the obtained signal to the processing unit 712.

[0069] Figure 7(c) shows an enlarged view of a portion of the attachment portion 715 including the coupling element 717 and a portion of the drill string 120. The portion of the attachment portion 715 and the drill string 120 shown in Figure 7(c) is indicated by using a circle 719 in Figure 7(a).

[0070] The coupling element 717 shown in FIG. 7( c) includes a first conductive portion 717a and a second conductive portion 717b. FIG. 7( c) also shows an adapter 713. The adapter 713 is mechanically coupled to the first conductive portion 717a by using a stud 713a. The adapter 713 is also in electrical contact with the first conductive portion 717a. The adapter 713 includes an attachment portion 713b. The attachment portion 713b is a tube having a diameter corresponding to the diameter of the tube of the drill string 120 attached to the attachment portion 715 of the drilling system. With the help of the adapter 713, an electrically conductive connection between the first conductive portion 717a and the tube is ensured. The electrically conductive connection may include any low resistance connection.

[0071] Figure 7(d) shows an enlarged view of a portion of the attachment portion including a coupling element 736 and a portion of the drill string 120. The attachment portion and the portion of the drill string 120 shown in Figure 7(d) are indicated by using a circle 739 in Figure 7(b).

[0072] The coupling element 736 shown in FIG. 7( d) includes a first conductive portion 736a and a second conductive portion 736b. FIG. 7( d) also shows an adapter 738. The adapter 738 is mechanically coupled to the first conductive portion 73a by using a stud 738a. The adapter 738 is also in electrical contact with the first conductive portion 736a. With the help of the adapter 738, a conductive connection between the first conductive portion 736a and the tube is ensured. The conductive connection may include any low resistance connection.

[0073] Figure 8(a)-Figure 8(b)An embodiment of the coupling element 717 described above with reference to Figures 7(a)-7(d) is illustrated. Figure 8(a) is an isometric view, and Figure 8(b) is a cross-sectional view. It should be noted that those elements of the coupling element 717 that have been described above are associated with the same reference symbols and will not be described again.

[0074] The coupling element 717 is rotationally symmetric about axis A and will connect to a tubular or cylindrical tube. When the coupling element 717 is mounted to the tube directly or using an adapter 713, axis A coincides with the axis 722 of the tube. FIG8( b) is a cross-sectional view in a direction perpendicular to axis A.

[0075] The coupling element 717 includes a B The cylindrical main body section 802 has a diameter d F The cylindrical flange section 804 has a diameter d F Greater than diameter d B . The diameter of the flange section d F The diameter of the pipe corresponding to the flange to which the coupling element 717 can be installed and the flange segment 804 including the coupling element 717 can be connected. In the depicted embodiment, the main body segment 802 and the flange segment 804 are shown as an integral part. However, the present invention is not limited to such an embodiment. The main body segment 802 and the flange segment 804 can be separate elements connected to each other, for example, by clamping, by welding, by studs, etc.

[0076] The coupling element 717 includes a tapered opening O extending from a first end to a second end. The opening O has a first diameter d1 at the first end that is smaller than a second diameter d2 at the second end. The body segment 802 and the flange segment 804 may be formed of a conductive material to provide a first conductive portion 717a. According to other embodiments, the body segment 802 and the flange segment 804 may be formed of an insulating material with a conductive layer on the surface of the tapered opening O and the portion of the flange portion 804 facing the tube.

[0077] The flange section 804 includes a flange having a diameter greater than the diameter d2 and a diameter greater than the diameter d F A plurality of holes 810 of small diameter are dispersed circumferentially. In addition, the flange segment 804 further comprises a protrusion 812 located at the surface of the flange segment 804 facing the tube. The protrusion 812 is located at a diameter corresponding to the diameter at which the inner side of the hole 810 is located.

[0078] The coupling element 717 includes a tapered insert I mounted at a first end. The insert I has a diameter d3 smaller than the diameter d1 at the first end, and has a diameter d4 smaller than the diameter d2 at the second end. The insert I can be formed of a conductive material to provide a second conductive portion 717b. According to other embodiments, the insert I can be formed of an insulating material with a conductive layer on its surface. The insert I is mounted to the body segment 802 by using, for example, a stud 814. The insert I is supported on the flange segment 804 by using a support portion 816 (e.g., a plate, a disk, etc.) made of a non-conductive material (e.g., plastic, polytetrafluoroethylene, etc.). The support portion 816 is mounted to the insert I and the flange segment 804 by using a stud 818.

[0079] The diameters d1, d2, d3 and d4 are selected so as to provide a waveguide between the first conductive portion 717a and the second conductive portion 717b. The waveguide may have a predetermined wave impedance. For example, the wave impedance may be equal to 50 ohms.

[0080] Insert I is electrically and mechanically coupled to portion 820. When coupling element 717 is mounted to the tube, portion 820 is formed to protrude into the tube or into adapter 713. Portion 820 is mechanically coupled to insert I by using thread 822. Portion 820 can excite mode TM in the tube 01 .

[0081] in addition, Figure 8(a)-Figure 8(b) A separator 824 and a printed circuit board 826 are shown. The separator 824 is mounted to the main body portion 802, and the printed circuit board 826 is mounted to the separator 824. The printed circuit board 826 is electrically coupled to the feed portion of the coupling element to provide a signal to the coupling element 717.

[0082] Figure 9(a)-Figure 9(b) An embodiment of the coupling element 736 described above with reference to Figures 7(a)-7(d) is illustrated. Figure 9(a) is an isometric view, and Figure 9(b) is a cross-sectional view. It should be noted that those elements of the coupling element 736 that have been described above are associated with the same reference symbols and will not be described again.

[0083] The coupling element 736 is rotationally symmetric about axis A and will connect to a tubular or cylindrical tube. When the coupling element 736 is mounted to the tube directly or using an adapter 738, axis A coincides with the axis 722 of the tube. FIG9( b) is a cross-sectional view in a direction perpendicular to axis A.

[0084] The coupling element 736 includes a B The cylindrical main body section 802 has a diameter d F The cylindrical flange section 804 has a diameter d F Greater than diameter d B. The diameter of the flange section d F The diameter of the pipe corresponds to the flange to which the coupling element 736 can be mounted and includes the flange section 804 that can be connected to the coupling element 736. In the depicted embodiment, the body section 802 and the flange section 804 are shown as an integral part. However, the present invention is not limited to such an embodiment. The body section 802 and the flange section 804 can be separate elements connected to each other, for example, by clamping, by welding, by studs, etc.

[0085] The coupling element 736 includes a tapered opening O extending from a first end to a second end. The opening O has a first diameter d1 at the first end that is smaller than a second diameter d2 at the second end. The body section 802 and the flange section 804 may be formed of a conductive material to provide a first conductive portion 736a. According to other embodiments, the body section 802 and the flange section 804 may be formed of an insulating material with a conductive layer on the surface of the tapered opening O and the portion of the flange section 804 facing the tube.

[0086] The flange section 804 includes a flange having a diameter greater than the diameter d2 and a diameter greater than the diameter d F A plurality of holes 810 of small diameter are dispersed circumferentially. In addition, the flange segment 804 further comprises a protrusion 812 located at the surface of the flange segment 804 facing the tube. The protrusion 812 is located at a diameter corresponding to the diameter at which the inner side of the hole 810 is located.

[0087] The coupling element 736 includes a tapered insert I mounted at a first end. The insert I has a diameter d3 smaller than the diameter d1 at the first end, and has a diameter d4 smaller than the diameter d2 at the second end. The insert I can be formed of a conductive material to provide a second conductive portion 736b. According to other embodiments, the insert I can be formed of an insulating material with a conductive layer on its surface. The insert I is mounted to the body segment 802 by using, for example, a stud 814. The insert I is supported on the flange segment 804 by using a support portion 816 (e.g., a plate, a disk, etc.) made of a non-conductive material (e.g., plastic, polytetrafluoroethylene, etc.). The support portion 816 is mounted to the insert I and the flange segment 804 by using a stud 818.

[0088] The diameters d1, d2, d3, and d4 are selected so as to provide a waveguide between the first conductive portion 736a and the second conductive portion 736b. The waveguide may have a predetermined wave impedance. For example, the wave impedance may be equal to 50 ohms.

[0089] Insert I is electrically and mechanically coupled to portion 820. When coupling element 736 is mounted to the tube, portion 820 is formed to protrude into the tube or into adapter 738. Portion 820 is mechanically coupled to insert I by using thread 822. Portion 820 can excite mode TM in the tube 01 .

[0090] in addition, Figure 9(a)-Figure 9(b) A separator 824 and a printed circuit board 826 are shown. The separator 824 is mounted to the main body portion 802 and the printed circuit board 826 is mounted to the separator 824. The printed circuit board 826 is electrically coupled to the feed portion of the coupling element to provide a signal to the coupling element 736.

[0091] It is to be understood that the method for data communication, the system for data communication and the coupling element according to the invention can be used in any construction equipment having any column capable of acting as a waveguide for electromagnetic waves, for example, in any column having conductive walls and optionally having a circular cross-section. In other words, references to drilling equipment and drill columns in this patent application are intended for illustrative purposes only.

[0092] Although some aspects of the described concepts have been described in the context of an apparatus, it is clear that these aspects also represent a description of a corresponding method, wherein a block or device corresponds to a method step or a feature of a method step. Similarly, aspects described in the context of a method step also represent a description of a corresponding block or item or feature of a corresponding apparatus.

[0093] The above embodiments are merely illustrative of the principles of the present invention. It is to be understood that modifications and variations of the arrangements and details described herein will be clear to other persons skilled in the art. Therefore, it is intended to be limited only by the scope of the pending patent claims, rather than by the specific details presented in the description and explanation of the embodiments herein.

Claims

1. A drilling device for drilling a hole along a drilling path from a starting point to a destination point, the drilling device comprising a drill bit, a driver for rotating the drill bit, at least one pipe string having a hollow interior during operation and connected to the drill bit, and a propulsion unit for propelling the drill bit along the drilling path, wherein: The at least one tube column is connected to a first coupling element and a second coupling element, the first coupling element being configured to excite a first electromagnetic wave carrying data from a data signal at a first end of the at least one tube column, the at least one tube column acting as a waveguide, the second coupling element being configured to couple the first electromagnetic wave from a second end of the at least one tube column to obtain the data signal, Wherein the first coupling element is configured to excite the first electromagnetic wave carrying the data from the data signal in the at least one pipe column in response to the data signal directly electrically connected to the first coupling element, the first coupling element comprising: a feed portion at a first end of the first coupling element, the feed portion being configured to receive the data signal, a first conductive portion extending from the feed portion toward a second end of the first coupling element, the second end of the first coupling element being adapted to be connected to the at least one stem for forming an electrically conductive connection between the first conductive portion and the at least one stem, and a second conductive portion extending from the feed portion toward a second end of the first coupling element, Wherein, the first conductive part, the second conductive part and the hollow interior of the at least one tube column are configured to act as the waveguide, and the first conductive part, the second conductive part and the hollow interior of the at least one tube column all expand in a direction from the first end of the first coupling element toward the second end of the first coupling element and enter the hollow interior of the at least one tube column.

2. The drilling equipment according to claim 1, wherein: The second conductive portion includes a portion formed to protrude into the at least one stem when the first coupling element is connected to the at least one stem.

3. The drilling equipment according to claim 2, wherein: The portion of the second conductive portion to be protruded into the at least one stem has a constant diameter.

4. The drilling equipment according to claim 1, wherein: The first conductive portion is rotationally symmetric to the second conductive portion.

5. The drilling equipment according to claim 1, wherein: The first coupling element and the second coupling element can be connected to the at least one pipe column so as to be rotatable.

6. The drilling equipment according to claim 1, wherein: The first electromagnetic wave has rotationally symmetric field lines.

7. The drilling equipment according to claim 1, wherein: The first conductive portion has a flange connectable to a flange of the at least one stub.

8. The drilling apparatus of claim 1, wherein the at least one tubular string is a string of drill pipe.

9. A method for data communication in a construction equipment through a string of one or more pipes or a drilling device, the drilling device being used to drill a hole along a drilling path from a starting point to a destination point and comprising a drill bit, a drive for rotating the drill bit, at least one string of pipes connected to the drill bit, and a propulsion unit for propelling the drill bit along the drilling path, the at least one string having a hollow interior during operation and connected to the drill bit, the propulsion unit for propelling the drill bit along the drilling path, the at least one string being connected to a first coupling element and a second coupling element, the method comprising: The first coupling element excites a first electromagnetic wave carrying a data signal at a first end of the at least one stub, the at least one stub acting as a waveguide, and The second coupling element couples the first electromagnetic wave from the second end of the at least one pipe column to obtain the data signal, The first coupling element comprises: a feed portion at a first end of the first coupling element, the feed portion being configured to receive the data signal, a first conductive portion extending from the feed portion toward a second end of the first coupling element, the second end of the first coupling element being adapted to be connected to the at least one stem for forming an electrically conductive connection between the first conductive portion and the at least one stem, and a second conductive portion extending from the feed portion toward a second end of the first coupling element, The first conductive portion, the second conductive portion, and the hollow interior of the at least one tube column are configured to act as the waveguide, and the first conductive portion, the second conductive portion, and the hollow interior of the at least one tube column all extend in a direction from the first end of the first coupling element toward the second end of the first coupling element and enter the hollow interior of the at least one tube column.

10. The method according to claim 9, wherein: The at least one column acting as a waveguide has a bandpass property or a bandstop property so as to pass frequencies within a specific range and reject or attenuate frequencies outside the specific range, the specific range defining a plurality of channels, the plurality of channels having the same or different bandwidths, the method further comprising: selecting a channel for transmitting the data signal from the plurality of channels, and The data signal is transmitted using the selected channel.

11. The method according to claim 10, wherein: Select channels include: selecting an initial channel allowing data communication from a list including available channels for the at least one string, testing one or more channels from the remaining available channels of the list to determine a corresponding quality of communication achievable by the corresponding channel, and Select the channel that provides the best communication quality.

12. The method according to claim 10, wherein: Select channels include: testing the channels in the at least one string to determine the respective communication qualities achievable by the respective available channels, and A channel that provides the best communication quality is selected from the channels.

13. The method according to claim 11 or 12, wherein: During operation of the construction equipment including the column, Periodically, and / or at specific intervals, and / or In response to data transmission over the channel being no longer possible to repeat the testing and the selecting.

14. The method according to claim 13, further comprising: In response to determining that no channel provides sufficient communication quality, a predetermined channel is selected.

15. The method according to claim 11, wherein: The channel providing the best communication quality is the channel having the lowest attenuation when compared to the initial channel and the remaining available channels.

16. The method according to claim 12, wherein: The channel that provides the best communication quality is the channel that has the lowest attenuation when compared to the other channels.

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