Well drilling pipe column communication optical fiber penetrating system and operation method
By designing a fiber-optic communication splicing system for drilling, a full fiber-optic communication link from the well to the surface is realized using fiber optic cable compartments and photoelectric slip rings. This solves the problem of fiber optic cable deployment and extension under drilling conditions, and enables high-speed and stable transmission of large amounts of data between the well and the surface, supporting the data transmission needs of intelligent drilling.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202411166301.1
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Applications(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2024-08-23
- Publication Date
- 2026-03-03
AI Technical Summary
Existing technologies have failed to effectively implement the deployment of fiber optic cables from near-bit instrument communication nodes to the surface during drilling operations, and the continuous extension of fiber optic cables along with the drill string during tripping operations. This results in unstable well-to-surface signal transmission and low transmission rates, which cannot meet the needs of intelligent drilling big data decision analysis.
A fiber optic communication splicing system for drilling was designed, including a fiber optic cable compartment, a cable damper, and a photoelectric slip ring. The fiber optic cable is released and retrieved in the drill string through the fiber optic cable compartment. The fiber optic cable compartment is anchored to the inner wall of the drill string using an anchoring mechanism. Combined with the photoelectric slip ring, the transformation from dynamic rotation to static transmission is realized, forming a full fiber optic communication link from downhole to the surface.
It enables bidirectional high-speed transmission of large amounts of data between the well and the ground during drilling operations, providing a reliable and stable communication channel. It meets the requirements for efficient splicing and continuous extension of fiber optic cables during tripping and running-in drilling operations, and supports the data transmission needs of intelligent drilling.
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Figure CN121593790A_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This invention relates to the field of well-to-surface communication technology in petroleum engineering drilling, and in particular to a fiber optic splicing system and operating method for communication within drilling tools. Background Technology
[0002] Intelligent drilling represents the future trend of petroleum engineering technology. The downhole-to-surface information transmission system is a crucial component of intelligent drilling, forming the foundation for high-speed data transmission across the formation, wellbore, and surface, and enabling intelligent decision analysis and control. Currently, the well-to-surface signal transmission rate during drilling is low. Conventional continuous wave drilling fluid pulse transmission technology achieves a transmission rate of 10 bits / s at a depth of 5000 meters, with domestic rates around 1 bit / s. Electromagnetic and acoustic communication methods are limited by factors such as well depth, well temperature, downhole high-frequency vibration noise, and low formation resistivity, failing to establish a high-speed and reliable data acquisition and transmission link between the formation, wellbore, and surface, thus unable to meet the needs of big data decision analysis in intelligent drilling. Fiber optic communication, due to its excellent transmission stability, temperature resistance, and high-capacity, high-speed transmission characteristics, is the perfect choice for data transmission while drilling in petroleum. Under drilling conditions, establishing the connection between the near-bit measurement instrument communication node and the surface fiber optic cable, and ensuring the continuous extension of the fiber optic cable along with the drill string during the tripping process (also known as the drill string lifting process), is one of the technical challenges of fiber optic communication while drilling.
[0003] CN 115839236 A discloses a logging method that uses fiber optic sensors to analyze the fiber optic sensing characteristics of an oil formation to determine items that can be measured using fiber optic sensors, and then stores the data to acquire downhole information on the surface. This disclosure only relates to the use of fiber optic sensors for measurement and does not involve the use of fiber optics for well-to-surface signal transmission.
[0004] CN207080219U discloses a fiber optic communication device for drilling, which outlines the structure and method of the fiber optic communication device and communication link during drilling measurement. This disclosure uses wireless methods for information transmission both on the surface and downhole, failing to meet the requirement of a full fiber optic link communication between the well and the surface. Furthermore, wireless transmission methods or signals are susceptible to various interferences during drilling, making stable signal transmission impossible. Additionally, the repeated conversion between wireless and fiber optic signals results in a complex circuit structure and correspondingly high power consumption.
[0005] US Patent 2016168982A1 discloses a system and method for using fiber optic communication in high-temperature drilling environments. The technical solution in this disclosure relates to fiber optic communication between sensors in the drill bit and logging electronics located in the drill string. This solution only involves fiber optic communication on a portion of the drill string and does not use fiber optics for well-to-ground signal transmission, nor does it involve the continuous extension of cables along with the drill string during tripping operations.
[0006] In summary, existing technologies have failed to adequately address the requirements for fiber optic communication transmission between the well and the ground during intelligent drilling measurement while drilling, as well as the continuous extension of fiber optic cables along with the drilling tools during tripping operations. Summary of the Invention
[0007] The embodiments in this application conceive of a communication fiber optic deployment system suitable for drilling conditions, which can solve at least one of the defects in the prior art.
[0008] The first method of this disclosure provides a drilling fiber optic communication splicing system, including:
[0009] The fiber optic cable magazine includes at least a fiber optic cable storage section and an anchoring mechanism. The storage section stores a certain length of fiber optic cable and is configured to release and retrieve the fiber optic cable within the drill string. The length of the stored fiber optic cable is determined based on the drilling depth. The anchoring mechanism is configured to anchor the fiber optic cable magazine to the inner wall of the drill string during drilling, allowing the magazine to rotate with the drill string. The fiber optic cable magazine is connected downwards to downhole measuring instruments via fiber optic cables.
[0010] A cable damper is used to release tension on the optical fiber between the fiber optic cable housing and the downhole measuring instrument, wherein the cable damper is mechanically fixed to the downhole measuring instrument and rotates with the drilling tool along with the downhole measuring instrument.
[0011] In a further embodiment, the fiber-optic communication patching system for drilling also includes:
[0012] An optoelectronic slip ring is used to realize the transformation of the internal optical fiber channel from dynamic rotation to static transmission. The optoelectronic slip ring includes at least a stator and a rotor. The rotor is configured to be connected to the optical fiber link and rotate together with the drill bit during drilling. The stator is configured to receive optical signals from the rotor and statically output the optical signals for analysis and processing.
[0013] In a further embodiment, the drilling fiber optic communication splicing system further includes a wellhead connector located between the photoelectric slip ring and the fiber optic cable compartment and optically connected and mechanically connected to them. The wellhead connector includes a first connecting portion and a second connecting portion, and the internal fiber optic link of the wellhead connector can be switched on or off by connecting and disconnecting the first connecting portion and the second connecting portion.
[0014] In a further embodiment, the fiber optic communication connection system while drilling further includes a connecting rod located between the photoelectric slip ring and the wellhead connector. The connecting rod is optically connected to the photoelectric slip ring and the wellhead connector, respectively, and the length of the connecting rod is configured to allow the wellhead connector to reach the vicinity of the wellhead location.
[0015] In a further embodiment, the upper part of the stator is connected to an optoelectronic composite cable, which is used to drive the optoelectronic slip ring to move up and down.
[0016] In a further embodiment, a sealing component is provided on the stator of the photoelectric slip ring. The sealing component is used to cooperate with the inner cavity of the support section of the top drive to achieve a seal. When the photoelectric composite cable drives the photoelectric slip ring to move upward to the top, the sealing component cooperates with the inner cavity of the support section to achieve a seal.
[0017] In a further embodiment, when the fiber optic cable compartment can be connected to the optoelectronic composite cable via the wellhead connector, connecting rod, and optoelectronic slip ring, and when the optoelectronic composite cable drives the optoelectronic slip ring, thereby driving the fiber optic cable compartment to move up and down, the fiber optic cable storage unit releases and retrieves the fiber optic cable in the drill string.
[0018] In a further embodiment, the wellhead connector is a wet wellhead connector, the mechanical connection is a threaded connection, and the connection and disconnection between the first connection part and the second connection part are achieved by plugging and unplugging.
[0019] In a further embodiment, the fiber optic cable compartment includes a support block that can extend and retract to suspend or support the fiber optic cable compartment on a stepped or inclined surface on the inner surface of the drill bit end.
[0020] A second aspect of this disclosure provides a method for restoring a drilling fiber optic communication splicing system according to a first aspect of this disclosure to an initial state, the initial state including at least: a disconnected state between a first connection portion and a second connection portion of the wellhead connector; the first connection portion being located in the top drive spindle along with a connecting rod and a photoelectric slip ring; and the second connection portion having a fiber optic cable compartment suspended or supported at the wellhead position by a support block. The method includes:
[0021] The top drive stops, causing the hydraulic anchoring mechanism on the upper part of the fiber optic cable compartment to retract and release its anchorage to the drill bit.
[0022] Use a fixing device to secure the drill string connected to the top drive at the wellhead position;
[0023] Disconnect the lower part of the top drive from the upper part of the drill string;
[0024] As the top drive moves upward, the optical fiber composite cable moves downward, exposing the wellhead connector and fiber optic cable compartment at the wellhead position.
[0025] Support the fiber optic cable housing on the drill bit;
[0026] Disconnect the first and second connecting parts of the wellhead connector;
[0027] The optical fiber composite cable moves upward, causing the first connecting part, connecting rod, and optical fiber slip ring to be located in the top drive spindle, thereby returning to the initial state.
[0028] In a further embodiment, the method further includes: the photoelectric slip ring moving upward to the support short section to form a seal with the sealing structure in the support short section.
[0029] In a further embodiment, supporting the fiber optic cable compartment on the drill bit further includes: opening the support block of the fiber optic cable compartment to support the fiber optic cable compartment on the inclined step or inclined surface of the inner surface of the top of the drill bit.
[0030] According to the disclosed embodiments, the various parts of the drilling fiber optic communication splicing system are connected by fiber optic cables and placed inside the drill string to form a full fiber optic communication link from the well to the surface. Under drilling conditions, it provides a reliable and stable communication channel for bidirectional high-speed transmission of large amounts of data between the well and the surface. Under tripping conditions, it satisfies the connection of the drill string while realizing efficient splicing of fiber optic cables and extending them continuously with the drill string. Attached Figure Description
[0031] The accompanying drawings illustrate various examples of aspects of this disclosure, and they, together with the specification, serve to explain the principles of this disclosure. Those skilled in the art will understand that the specific embodiments shown in the drawings are merely exemplary, and they are not necessarily drawn to scale and are not intended to limit the scope of this disclosure. It should be appreciated that in some examples, one element may also be designed as multiple elements, or multiple elements may also be designed as one element. In some examples, an element shown as an internal component of another element may also be implemented as an external component of that other element, and vice versa. In the drawings:
[0032] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a drilling fiber optic communication splicing system according to an embodiment of this application is shown;
[0033] Figure 2 An example structure of a photoelectric slip ring according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown;
[0034] Figure 3 An example structure of a cable damper according to an embodiment of this disclosure is shown;
[0035] Figures 4A-4E The fiber optic splicing process during the attachment of drilling tools according to an embodiment of this disclosure is illustrated;
[0036] Figure 5A-C illustrates the process of restoring the drilling system to its initial state during drilling according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0037] Figures 6A-6F The process of unloading the drill string according to an embodiment of this disclosure is illustrated. Detailed Implementation
[0038] In the description of this application, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating relative importance or implying the number of technical features indicated. Therefore, unless otherwise stated, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of that feature; "multiple" means two or more. The term "comprising" and any variations thereof mean non-exclusive inclusion, where one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, units, components, and / or combinations thereof may be present or added.
[0039] Furthermore, terms such as "upper," "lower," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "top," "bottom," "inner," and "outer," indicating orientation or positional relationships, are based on the orientation or relative positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings. They are merely simplified descriptions for the convenience of describing this application and do not indicate that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this application.
[0040] Furthermore, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "linking" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to fixed connections, detachable connections, or integral connections; they can refer to mechanical connections or electrical connections; they can refer to direct connections or indirect connections through an intermediate medium, or internal connections between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application based on the specific circumstances.
[0041] In the description of this application, the term "tripping in and out" also refers to raising and lowering the drill string, and includes "tripping in" and "running in" in drilling operations. The operation of raising the drill string that has been lowered into the hole (well) to the surface is called tripping in, and the operation of lowering the drill string into the hole (well) is called running in; the two together are called tripping in and out.
[0042] In the description of this application, the term "drill string" refers to the entire drill string and its joints used in drilling operations within a borehole. Drill string may consist, for example, of a drill pipe, a core tube, a reamer at the bottom, and a drill bit, and may also include, if necessary, a settling tube or drill collar attached to the top of the core tube.
[0043] In the description of this application, the term "top drive" refers to the top drive drilling system (TDS). It can directly rotate the drill pipe from the upper space of the derrick, feed it downward along a dedicated guide rail, and complete various drilling operations such as drill pipe rotation drilling, drilling fluid circulation, connection of the stand, connection and disconnection, and reaming.
[0044] In the description of this application, the term "safety slip" or "slip" refers to a tool used to hold and suspend the drill string and casing string during the tripping process in drilling operations.
[0045] In the description of this application, the term "lifting clamp" is a tool used in drilling operations to lift tubing such as drill pipe, tubing, and casing.
[0046] In the description of this application, the term "wet joint" refers to a common type of connector that mainly uses a sealing ring and a threaded structure to achieve the connection. The sealing ring can prevent liquid from leaking from the interface, and the threaded structure can provide sufficient strength to enable the wet joint to withstand a certain amount of pressure and tension, ensuring the stability of the connection.
[0047] The specific embodiments of this disclosure will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are for illustration and explanation only and are not intended to limit this disclosure. Moreover, for the sake of brevity, only components closely related to the embodiments of this application are described in detail below.
[0048] See Figure 1This diagram illustrates the structure of a fiber-optic communication connection system for drilling. A winch 1 is connected to a support section 4 (via, for example, a flange) and installed at the top drive logging interface 6. A certain length of photoelectric composite cable 3 is wound around the internal drum of the winch 1. One end of the photoelectric composite cable 3 is connected to an external data acquisition instrument via the winch 1, and the other end is connected to a photoelectric slip ring 5. The photoelectric composite cable 3 communicates with and is mechanically connected to the photoelectric slip ring 5; that is, the photoelectric composite cable 3 can transmit light and / or electrical signals with the photoelectric slip ring and can bear the weight of the photoelectric slip ring 5 and its connected components, thus suspending the photoelectric slip ring 5. The lower end of the photoelectric slip ring 5 is connected to the upper end of a connecting rod 7, and the lower end of the connecting rod 7 is connected to a wellhead connector 8 (e.g., a wet wellhead connector). The photoelectric slip ring 5, connecting rod 7, and wellhead connector 8 are externally connected by threads or other fixing methods, and internally connected by at least optical fibers (e.g., fiber optic fusion splicing) to transmit signals and / or data. The wellhead connector 8 includes a first connecting part 8-1 (e.g., connecting a male connector) and a second connecting part 8-2 (e.g., connecting a female connector). The internal communication channel of the wellhead connector 8 can be switched on and off (e.g., plugged in and unplugged) through the connection and disconnection between the first connecting part 8-1 and the second connecting part 8-2. The dimensions of the connecting rod 7 and the wellhead connector 8 allow the wellhead connector 8 to be positioned at or moved to the wellhead location. The wellhead connector 8 uses manual or automatic methods to physically connect and disconnect the communication link (e.g., a fiber optic communication link) at the wellhead location, facilitating the connection of drilling tools at this disconnection point.
[0049] Continue to refer to Figure 1 The winch 1 is rotated via, for example, a motor 2, thereby releasing and retrieving the photoelectric composite cable 3 wound on the winch 1. The assembly consisting of the photoelectric slip ring 5, connecting rod 7, and first connecting part 8-1 is pulled up and down by the photoelectric composite cable 3. By lifting the photoelectric composite cable 3, the connecting rod 7 and the first connecting part 8-1 can be placed inside the top drive spindle. Furthermore, as the photoelectric composite cable 3 is lifted, the upper part of the photoelectric slip ring 5 enters the inner cavity of the support section 4, forming a seal with the sealing structure in the support section, thereby isolating the mud channel inside the top drive spindle from the outside (in drilling conditions, the lower end of the top drive spindle is connected to the drilling string, thus containing mud). The combination of the photoelectric slip ring 5, connecting rod 7, and first connecting part 8-1 can be called the surface connection system, located on the top drive.
[0050] The second connecting part 8-2 is connected to the fiber optic cable compartment 10 (e.g., via a flange). The fiber optic cable compartment 10 includes a support block 10-1, a fiber optic cable storage section 10-2, and an anchoring mechanism 10-3. Figure 1 Not shown in the image, see [link / reference]. Figure 4EThe fiber optic cable storage section 10-2 is located inside the fiber optic cable compartment 10 and includes fiber optic cables stored, for example, in a wound manner. The length of the stored fiber optic cables is designed according to the drilling depth to ensure that the fiber optic communication link extends continuously with the wellbore and drill string throughout the drilling process. The upper end of the fiber optic cable storage section 10-2 is connected to the internal optical channel of the second connection section 8-2. The fiber optic cable can extend downward from the fiber optic cable storage section 10-2 out of the fiber optic cable compartment 10 and extend to the internal spring of the cable damper 11, and the end of the fiber optic cable is guided to connect to the downhole measuring instrument 12. The cable damper 11 is fixedly connected to the downhole measuring instrument 12 by a threaded connection or other mechanical connection. The fiber optic cable compartment 10 can be controlled to release and retrieve the fiber optic cables. The fiber optic cable compartment 10, the cable damper 11, and the measuring instrument 12 communicate via a fiber optic communication channel. The support block 10-1 is located on the upper part of the fiber optic cable compartment 10. The fiber optic cable compartment 10 is suspended or supported by the support block 10-1 on the inclined step or inclined surface of the inner surface of the drill bit end (e.g., the inclined step or inclined surface at the end of the female thread after standard drill pipe thread coupling). The support block 10-1 is a movable structure that can be manually or automatically opened or retracted, thereby achieving support or release. Alternatively, the support block 10-1 can be a separate support structure separate from the fiber optic cable compartment 10. Anchoring mechanism 10-3 (see...) Figure 4E The anchoring mechanism 10-3 can be located on the upper part of the fiber optic cable compartment 10, or in other parts of the fiber optic cable compartment. The anchoring mechanism 10-3 can be, for example, a hydraulic anchoring mechanism. During drilling, the circulating pressure inside the pipe drives the hydraulic anchoring mechanism to open, anchoring the fiber optic cable compartment 10 to the inner wall of the drill string, causing the fiber optic cable compartment 10 to rotate with the drill string, thereby enabling the internal fiber optic communication link to rotate together from the cable damper 11 to the photoelectric slip ring 5. Alternatively, the anchoring mechanism 10-3 can also use other anchoring methods to anchor the fiber optic cable compartment 10 to the inner wall of the drill string. In an alternative embodiment, the anchoring mechanism can also be located on the rotor portion of the photoelectric slip ring 5 and / or on the cable damper 11. Even more alternatively, the support block 10-1 and the anchoring mechanism 10-3 can be combined into a single component.
[0051] The fiber optic communication channel connects to the measuring instrument 12 via the fiber optic cable 10-2 wound on the fiber optic cable compartment 10 and the cable damper 11 from the second connection part 8-2. Other drilling instruments and tools can be connected to the lower end of the measuring instrument 12. The second connection part 8-2, the fiber optic cable compartment 10, and the cable damper 11 form a downhole connection system. As the drilling depth increases, the drill string continuously extends, and the fiber optic cable in the fiber optic cable compartment 10 is continuously released, thus gradually increasing the distance between the fiber optic cable compartment 10 and the cable damper 11 and the downhole measuring instrument 12, which will be described in detail later.
[0052] See next. Figure 2This illustration shows an example structure of a photoelectric slip ring 5 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The photoelectric slip ring 5 includes a sealing assembly 5-1, a stator 5-2, and a rotor 5-3. The sealing assembly 5-1 can cooperate with the inner cavity of the support sub 4 to achieve a seal, and the lower end of the rotor 5-3 is mechanically and communicatively connected to the connecting rod 7. The sealing assembly 5-1 is fixed to the stator 5-2. During drilling, the rotor 5-3 and the connecting rod 7 rotate with the drill bit, while the stator 5-2 and the sealing assembly 5-1 do not rotate. For example, an optical component (e.g., a prism) may be provided in the stator 5-2, and the optical signal received from the optical fiber in the rotor 5-1 is received by the optical component (e.g., the prism). Although the optical signal received from the rotating optical fiber is incident at different positions on the prism due to the rotation of the optical fiber with the drill bit, the prism can achieve a stable output at a single point, thereby realizing the transformation of the internal optical fiber channel from dynamic rotation to static transmission.
[0053] See Figure 3 An example structure of a cable damper 11 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. The cable damper 11 includes a tension release component 11-1, such as a spring. When the tension of the fiber optic cable increases due to impact, vibration, or other reasons during drilling, the cable damper 11 extends, thereby releasing the tension of the fiber optic cable and ensuring the stability and safety of the fiber optic cable during drilling. The cable damper 11 is communicatively connected to and mechanically fixed to a downhole measuring instrument 12, which is installed, for example, in a drill collar, for collecting various downhole measurement data, transmitting the data to the fiber optic cable, and then transmitting it to the surface for analysis and processing.
[0054] In summary, a full fiber optic communication link is formed from the downhole to the surface via the photoelectric slip ring 5, connecting rod 7, wellhead connector 8, fiber optic cable compartment 10, and cable damper 11. This provides a reliable and stable communication channel for high-speed, two-way transmission of large amounts of data between the well and the surface during drilling operations. During tripping operations, it allows for both drill string connection and fiber optic cable installation, extending continuously with the drill string. The cable compartment pre-stores a certain length of cable, ensuring efficient deployment of the entire well's fiber optic cable in a single drilling run.
[0055] See next. Figures 4A-4E This illustration shows the fiber optic splicing process during drill string attachment according to an embodiment of this application. Initially, the first connecting portion 8-1 and the second connecting portion 8-2 of the wellhead connector 8 are disconnected. The first connecting portion 8-1, connecting rod 7, and photoelectric slip ring are located in the top drive spindle. The second connecting portion 8-2, with the fiber optic cable compartment 10 suspended or supported in the drill collar or in the installed downhole drill string via support block 10-1 and located at the wellhead, extends the fiber optic cable from the lower part of the fiber optic cable compartment 10 to the cable damper 11, forming a fiber optic link connection. To begin attaching the drill string, first refer to… Figure 4A The top drive moves up to the top of the derrick and transports the drill string to be attached to the wellhead (e.g., via a jack). Then see... Figure 4BThe lower end of the top drive spindle is connected to the upper end of the drill string to be attached via, for example, a drill pipe clip. Continue to... Figure 4C Motor 2 controls winch 1 to rotate, releasing the photoelectric composite cable 3, which drives the photoelectric slip ring 5, connecting rod 7, and the first connecting part 8-1 of the wellhead connector 8 through the inner cavity of the drill string to be attached to the wellhead position. Then, at the wellhead position, the first connecting part 8-1 and the second connecting part 8-2 are connected together (e.g., by inserting the wet connector female 8-1 and the wet connector male 8-2) to connect the internal fiber optic channels, and the first connecting part 8-1 and the second connecting part 8-2 are mechanically fixed (e.g., by the external threaded connection of the wet connector female 8-1 and the wet connector male 8-2). The fiber optic splicing process continues until... Figure 4D The motor 2 is then controlled to drive the winch 1 to rotate in the opposite direction, retrieving the photoelectric composite cable 3. This, in turn, drives the photoelectric slip ring 5, connecting rod 7, wellhead connector 8 (in connection state), and fiber optic cable compartment 10 upwards through the inner cavity of the drill string to be attached. During or before this process, the support block 10-1 on the upper part of the fiber optic cable compartment 10 is retrieved into or removed from the fiber optic cable compartment 10 (e.g., manually or automatically). During the upward movement of the fiber optic cable compartment 10, the fiber optic cable is released and pulled out from the fiber optic cable storage section 10-2 at the lower end of the fiber optic cable compartment 10, completing the fiber optic cable deployment within the drill string. Finally, the photoelectric slip ring 5 moves upwards to the support section 4, forming a seal with the sealing structure in the support section 4. The fiber optic communication link connects the photoelectric composite cable 3, photoelectric slip ring 5, connecting rod 7, wellhead connector 8, fiber optic cable compartment 10, and cable damper 11 to the downhole measuring instrument 12 or its internal communication module.
[0056] Finally, as Figure 4E As shown, at the wellhead, the drill string to be attached is connected to the downhole tubing or downhole drill string, establishing an internal fiber optic communication link. External components such as the drill string to be attached, downhole drill string, drill collar, and top drive instrument sub casing are also connected, forming the drilling tubing. During normal drilling, the circulating pressure inside the tubing drives the anchoring mechanism 10-3 (e.g., a hydraulic anchoring mechanism) on the upper part of the fiber optic cable compartment 10 to open, anchoring the fiber optic cable compartment 10 to the inner wall of the drill string. This causes the fiber optic cable compartment 10 to rotate with the drill string, thereby enabling the internal fiber optic communication link to rotate from the cable damper 11 to the photoelectric slip ring 5. The dynamic transmission is converted to static transmission through the upper stator of the photoelectric slip ring 5, thus ensuring a continuous and stable connection of the internal fiber optic communication link from underground to the surface during drilling operations.
[0057] See next. Figures 5A-5C This illustrates the process of restoring the drill string system to its initial state during drilling, according to an embodiment of this disclosure. As the top drive drives the drill string to a deeper depth, the downward movement of the top drive and the drill string directly connected to it causes the upper end of the drill string directly connected to the top drive to approach the wellhead (i.e., one drill string is completed), such as... Figure 5AAs shown in the figure, a new drill string needs to be attached to continue drilling. To attach the new drill string, the connection system needs to be restored to its initial state first. As described above with respect to Figure 4, in the initial state, the first connecting part 8-1 and the second connecting part 8-2 of the wellhead connector 8 are disconnected. The first connecting part 8-1 is located in the top drive spindle along with the connecting rod 7 and the photoelectric slip ring. The second connecting part 8-2, the fiber optic cable compartment 10, is suspended or supported in the drill collar or in the installed downhole drill string via the support block 10-1 and is located at the wellhead. The optical fiber extends from the lower part of the fiber optic cable compartment 10 to the cable damper 11, forming an optical fiber link connection.
[0058] To return to the initial state, the top drive first stops driving the spindle, causing the hydraulic anchoring mechanism 10-3 on the upper part of the fiber optic cable compartment 10 to automatically retract due to the lack of pressure inside the drill bit cavity. See below for further details. Figure 5B A wellhead fixing device (e.g., a clamp) is used to secure the drill string at the wellhead position. The drill pipe coupling between the lower part of the top drive spindle and the upper part of the drill string is disconnected. Then, the top drive moves upward while the winch 1 releases the optical fiber composite cable 3, thereby exposing the wellhead connector 8 and the support block 10-1 on the upper part of the fiber optic cable compartment 10. The support block 10-1 is opened, thereby supporting the fiber optic cable compartment 10 on the inclined step or inclined surface of the inner surface of the drill string tip via the support block 10-1. The process continues until... Figure 5C Disconnect the first connecting part 8-1 and the second connecting part 8-2 of the wellhead connector 8. Then, the winch 1 pulls the photoelectric composite cable 3 upward, so that the first connecting part 8-1, the connecting rod 7, and the photoelectric slip ring 3 are located in the top drive spindle, thus restoring it to its initial state. After restoring it to its initial state, a new drilling tool can be attached. The specific process is as follows: Figures 4A to 4E The process described is similar and will not be repeated here.
[0059] After drilling is completed, the drill string needs to be unloaded. Figures 6A-6F The process of unloading the drill string according to an embodiment of this disclosure is illustrated. First see... Figure 6A The top drive stops driving the spindle, causing the hydraulic anchoring mechanism 10-3 on the upper part of the fiber optic cable compartment 10 to automatically retract due to the lack of pressure inside the drill string cavity, releasing the anchor. Then, the top drive moves upward, lifting the first drill string directly connected to the top drive spindle, raising the drill pipe clip at the lower end of the first drill string to above and near the wellhead. A chuck, safety slip, or other fixing device anchors the second drill string below the first drill string. Then refer to... Figure 6B Disconnect the drill pipe threads between the first and second drill strings. See next... Figure 6CThe winch 1 is rotated to release the optical fiber composite cable 3, causing the fiber optic cable compartment 10 to descend through the inner cavity of the first drill string and reach the space between the first and second drill strings, exposing the support block 10-1. The support block 10-1 is then opened, and the winch 1 continues to rotate until the support block 10-1 rests on the inclined step or slope of the inner surface of the top of the second drill string. The fiber optic cable compartment 10 and its lower fiber optic cable are thus suspended within the inner cavity of the second drill string, with the wellhead connector exposed between the first and second drill strings. Furthermore, during the descent of the fiber optic cable compartment 10, the lower fiber optic cable can be retrieved into the fiber optic cable storage compartment.
[0060] See next. Figure 6D Disconnect the first connecting part 8-1 and the second connecting part 8-2 of the wellhead connector 8. Then refer to... Figure 6E The winch 1 retracts the photoelectric composite cable 3 upwards, positioning the first connecting part 8-1, connecting rod 7, and photoelectric slip ring 3 within the top drive spindle. Finally, the lifting clamp is attached to the upper part of the first drill string. After the crane bears the weight of the first drill string, the top drive disconnects the drill rod clip on the upper part of the first drill string. At this point, the drill string is detached from the tubing, completing the unloading process, and the connection system returns to its initial state.
[0061] The embodiments of this disclosure have been described in detail above. It should be understood that some features of this disclosure described in the context of a single embodiment for clarity may also be provided in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features of this disclosure described in the context of a single embodiment for simplicity may also be provided individually or in any suitable sub-combination or appropriately in any other embodiment described in this disclosure. Certain features described in the context of various embodiments should not be considered essential features of those embodiments unless the embodiment is invalid without those elements.
[0062] While this disclosure has been described in conjunction with specific embodiments thereof, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that many substitutions, modifications, and alterations will be readily apparent. Therefore, it is intended to cover all such substitutions, modifications, and alterations that fall within the spirit and broad scope of the appended claims.
[0063] All publications, patents, and patent applications mentioned in this description are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety, to the extent that each individual publication, patent, or patent application is specifically and particularly indicated to be incorporated herein by reference. Furthermore, any reference or identification in this disclosure should not be construed as allowing such reference to be used as prior art in this disclosure. Where paragraph headings are used, they should not be construed as necessarily restrictive.
Claims
1. A fiber-optic communication splicing system for drilling, comprising: The fiber optic cable compartment includes at least a fiber optic cable storage section and an anchoring mechanism. The fiber optic cable storage section stores a certain length of fiber optic cable and is configured to release and retrieve the fiber optic cable in the drill string. The length of the stored fiber optic cable is determined according to the drilling depth. The anchoring mechanism is configured to anchor the fiber optic cable compartment to the inner wall of the drill string during drilling, so that the fiber optic cable compartment rotates with the drill string. The fiber optic cable compartment is connected downward to downhole measuring instruments via fiber optic cables. as well as A cable damper is used to release tension on the optical fiber between the fiber optic cable housing and the downhole measuring instrument, wherein the cable damper is mechanically fixed to the downhole measuring instrument and rotates with the drilling tool along with the downhole measuring instrument.
2. The fiber optic communication splicing system for drilling according to claim 1 further includes... An optoelectronic slip ring is used to realize the transformation of the internal optical fiber channel from dynamic rotation to static transmission. The optoelectronic slip ring includes at least a stator and a rotor. The rotor is configured to be connected to the optical fiber link and rotate together with the drill bit during drilling. The stator is configured to receive optical signals from the rotor and statically output the optical signals for analysis and processing.
3. The fiber optic communication splicing system according to claim 2 further includes a wellhead connector located between the photoelectric slip ring and the fiber optic cable compartment and optically connected and mechanically connected to them, the wellhead connector including a first connecting part and a second connecting part, the internal fiber optic link of the wellhead connector can be switched on and off by connecting and disconnecting the first connecting part and the second connecting part.
4. The fiber optic communication splicing system according to claim 3 further includes a connecting rod, the connecting rod being located between the photoelectric slip ring and the wellhead connector, the connecting rod being optically connected to the photoelectric slip ring and the wellhead connector and mechanically connected to them respectively, and the length of the connecting rod being configured to allow the wellhead connector to reach the vicinity of the wellhead position.
5. The fiber optic communication splicing system for drilling according to claim 4, wherein the upper part of the stator is connected to a photoelectric composite cable, and the photoelectric composite cable is used to drive the photoelectric slip ring to move up and down.
6. The fiber optic communication splicing system for drilling according to claim 5, wherein a sealing component is provided on the stator of the photoelectric slip ring, the sealing component is used to cooperate with the inner cavity of the support stub of the top drive to achieve a seal, wherein when the photoelectric composite cable drives the photoelectric slip ring to move upward to the top, the sealing component cooperates with the inner cavity of the support stub to achieve a seal.
7. The fiber optic communication splicing system according to claim 5 or 6, wherein when the fiber optic cable compartment can be connected to the photoelectric composite cable through the wellhead connector, connecting rod and photoelectric slip ring, wherein when the photoelectric composite cable drives the photoelectric slip ring, thereby driving the fiber optic cable compartment to move up and down, the fiber optic cable storage unit releases and retrieves the fiber optic cable in the drill string.
8. The fiber optic communication splicing system for drilling according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the wellhead connector is a wet wellhead connector, the mechanical connection is a threaded connection, and the connection and disconnection between the first connection part and the second connection part are achieved by plugging and unplugging.
9. The fiber optic communication splicing system according to any one of claims 1-6, wherein the fiber optic cable compartment includes a support block that can extend and retract to suspend or support the fiber optic cable compartment on an inclined step or inclined surface on the inner surface of the drill bit end.
10. A method for restoring the drilling fiber optic communication splicing system of any one of claims 5-9 to its initial state, wherein the initial state includes at least: The first and second connecting parts of the wellhead connector are disconnected, and the first connecting part, connecting rod, and photoelectric slip ring are located in the top drive spindle. In the second connection section, the fiber optic cable compartment is suspended or supported at the wellhead location by a support block, the method comprising: The top drive stops, causing the hydraulic anchoring mechanism on the upper part of the fiber optic cable compartment to retract and release its anchorage to the drill bit. Use a fixing device to secure the drill string connected to the top drive at the wellhead position; Disconnect the lower part of the top drive from the upper part of the drill string; As the top drive moves upward, the optical fiber composite cable moves downward, exposing the wellhead connector and fiber optic cable compartment at the wellhead position. Support the fiber optic cable housing on the drill bit; Disconnect the first and second connecting parts of the wellhead connector; The optical fiber composite cable moves upward, causing the first connecting part, connecting rod, and optical fiber slip ring to be located in the top drive spindle, thereby returning to the initial state.
11. The method of claim 10, further comprising: The photoelectric slip ring moves upward to the support section and forms a seal with the sealing structure in the support section.
12. The method of claim 10 or 11, wherein supporting the fiber optic cable housing on the drill string further comprises: Open the support block of the fiber optic cable compartment to support the fiber optic cable compartment on the inclined step or inclined surface of the inner surface of the drill bit tip.
Citation Information
Patent Citations
Along with boring fiber communication device
CN207080219U
Systems and methods for drilling in high temperature environments using optical fiber communication
US20160168982A1