Composite Pipestring Segments With Conductive Seals
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Solution Overview
Problem
In ultra-deep, deep-direction, short-radius, and extended-reach drilling, existing pipestrings face challenges in maintaining a reliable fluid seal and conductive path across long lengths, particularly when using composite material pipe segments, which affects drilling efficiency and data transmission.
Innovation Solution
The integration of electrically conductive rings and insulating molded seal bodies in leading and trailing coupling portions of each pipe segment, forming a fluid seal and conductive path between segments, allowing for the extension of electrical lines through the pipestring, including simple wires, power leads, and fiberoptic filaments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of stationary object
If composite material pipe segments are used for ultra-deep and extended-reach drilling, then drilling distances and reach are increased, but maintaining reliable fluid seal and conductive path across long lengths becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The pipestring is divided into multiple pipe segments, each with integrated seal parts and conductive rings at the coupling portions. This segmentation allows the system to achieve extended drilling distances while maintaining reliable sealing at each joint through standardized coupling mechanisms with sealing elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The pipe segments use composite materials (such as fiber-reinforced polymers) for the primary conduit portions, providing the necessary strength and flexibility for ultra-deep and extended-reach drilling. The coupling portions integrate multiple materials including electrically conductive materials for sealing and electrical conduction, creating a multi-material composite structure that simultaneously achieves fluid sealing and electrical continuity.
2Length of stationary object
If composite material pipe segments are used for ultra-deep and extended-reach drilling, then drilling distances and reach are increased, but maintaining conductive path across long lengths becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling portions integrate electrically conductive materials within the composite structure, creating continuous conductive paths through the pipestring. These conductive elements are embedded in the composite coupling portions, allowing electrical lines to pass through while maintaining both structural integrity and electrical continuity across multiple pipe segments.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling portions serve multiple functions simultaneously: mechanical connection between pipe segments, fluid sealing to prevent leakage, and electrical conduction for power and data transmission. This multi-functionality is achieved by integrating seal parts, conductive rings, and electrical line passages into a single coupled assembly.
3Length of stationary object
If multiple pipe segments are coupled end-to-end for long lengths, then drilling distances are increased, but torque and drag increase
Solution Approach 1:
The pipestring is segmented into multiple manageable sections with standardized coupling portions. Each coupling portion is designed with optimized geometry and friction reduction features, allowing segments to be assembled and disassembled with reduced torque requirements compared to continuous long pipes.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling portions utilize material property optimizations and geometric parameter changes to reduce friction and drag. The composite materials and coupling design allow for controlled flexibility and reduced stiffness, decreasing the torque required to rotate and manipulate the pipestring during drilling operations.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This solution enables a reliable fluid seal and conductive path along the entire pipestring, reducing torque and drag, increasing drilling distances, and facilitating efficient data transmission and power supply to drilling equipment.
Implementation Method 1
Each seal part includes an electrically conductive ring and an electrically insulating molded seal body. The seal parts interface to form a fluid seal between each coupled pair of coupling portions and to also provide a conductive path between the electrical lines in the respective pipe segments.
Implementation Method 2
Each seal part includes an electrically conductive ring and an electrically insulating molded seal body. The seal parts interface to form a fluid seal between each coupled pair of coupling portions.
Data Source
AI summary
A pipestring (12) wherein the leading coupling portion (221) of a first pipe segment (141) and the trailing coupling portion (242) of a second pipe segment (142) are coupled together. A leading seal part (341) is installed in the leading coupling portion (221) of the first pipe segment (141) and a trailing seal part (362) is installed in the trailing coupling portion (242) of the second pipe segment (142). The seal parts (341, 362) interface to form a fluid seal between the composite pipe segments (141, 142), and also to provide an electrically conductive path between their electrical lines (461, 462).