Conductive Drill Pipe End Connections for High-Rate Telemetry
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current telemetry systems in wellbore drilling operations, such as mud-pulse and electromagnetic systems, have low data transmission rates, limiting the ability to convey real-time data and optimize drilling operations effectively.
Innovation Solution
The development of wired drill pipe with insulated electrical contacts that form dual electrical paths without moving parts, allowing for high-reliability, high-data-rate telemetry through conductive connections between drill pipe sections, enabling efficient data transmission and power delivery along the drill string.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If moving parts such as springs are used to ensure high-quality electrical connection between drill pipe sections, then electrical connection reliability is improved, but the risk of jamming due to caked mud, cement, and wellbore debris increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes moving parts (springs, contacts) from the electrical connection system entirely. Instead, it uses the stationary, mating surfaces of the box and pin connectors themselves to provide electrical conductivity through direct metal-to-metal contact when connected. This extraction of moving components eliminates the jamming problem while maintaining electrical connection reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The box and pin connectors serve dual functions: mechanical connection (holding drill pipe sections together) and electrical conduction (transmitting telemetry signals). By making the structural connector components themselves electrically conductive through proper material selection and surface treatment, the system eliminates the need for separate moving electrical contacts, thereby preventing jamming while ensuring reliable electrical connection.
2Reliability
If conventional drill pipe end connections are used, then mechanical connection is achieved, but electrical conductivity for high-rate telemetry is not provided
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the electrical parameter of the drill pipe end connections by ensuring the box and pin connectors are made from electrically conductive materials with appropriate surface treatments (such as plating or coating with conductive materials). This parameter change enables the mechanical connectors to also function as electrical conduits, supporting high-rate wired telemetry without requiring fundamental redesign of the connection mechanism.
3Reliability
If electrical contacts are added to drill pipe end connections, then data transmission capability is improved, but the complexity of machining and manufacturing increases
Solution Approach 1:
The box and pin connectors are designed to perform both mechanical connection and electrical conduction functions simultaneously. By selecting conductive materials for the connector bodies and ensuring proper surface finish and contact pressure through the mechanical connection design itself, the system eliminates the need for separate electrical contact components, thereby maintaining ease of manufacture while achieving reliable telemetry functionality.
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 provides reliable, high-data-rate communication and power transmission along the drill string, enhancing real-time data processing and optimizing drilling operations by eliminating the risk of jamming from wellbore debris and extending the service life of the drill pipe.
Implementation Method 1
wired drill pipe having conductive end connections... first electrical contact coupled to the cylindrical body proximate the pin end connector... second electrical contact coupled to the cylindrical body proximate the box end connector... configured to make electrical contact with corresponding electrical contacts in adjacent pipe segments
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3A~3C
AI summary
Apparatus and methods associated with wired drill pipe having conductive end connections are described. In one described example, an end connector for use with drill pipe includes a generally cylindrical body having an outer shoulder and an inner shoulder. In the described example, the outer shoulder is to engage a shoulder of a drill pipe to be coupled to the body to provide an electrically conductive connection between the body and the drill pipe, and the inner shoulder is to engage an end of the drill pipe. The example end connector also includes a generally cylindrical electrical connector rigidly coupled to the cylindrical body to form at least a portion of the inner shoulder. The generally cylindrical electrical connector is substantially electrically insulated from the cylindrical body and is to contact the end of the drill pipe to provide an electrically conductive connection between the electrical connector and the end of the drill pipe.