Coupled Electronic and Power Supply Frames for Borehole Conduit Connections
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing downhole drilling and completion operations face challenges in effectively transmitting power and communication signals through pipe segments due to signal loss, particularly in the coupling configurations like pin-box connections, where reliable isolation and power supply are needed to maintain signal integrity and functionality amidst harsh downhole conditions.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus and method that include a power supply frame and electronic component housing within a coupling assembly, where the power supply is isolated from downhole fluids and electrically connected to electronic components, facilitating signal transmission between downhole components using a connector, and the assembly is constrained by the coupling mechanism, ensuring reliable power delivery and signal communication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If signal repeaters are used to enhance transmission over long distances, then signal loss is reduced, but device complexity increases due to additional components needed in coupling assemblies
Solution Approach 1:
The electronic component housing and power supply frame are nested within the coupling assembly structure, with the power supply frame positioned inside the coupling assembly and the electronic component housing arranged around it. This nesting approach integrates multiple functions (signal repetition, power supply, fluid isolation) into a compact configuration that reduces overall system complexity while maintaining reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling assembly is designed to serve multiple functions simultaneously: it provides mechanical connection between pipe segments, houses signal repeaters for signal enhancement, contains power supplies for electrical isolation and power delivery, and incorporates fluid isolation barriers. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components and reduces overall system complexity.
2Power
If power supply is integrated within the coupling assembly, then power delivery to electronic components is improved, but reliability decreases due to potential fluid contamination of electronic components
Solution Approach 1:
The system is segmented into distinct isolated zones: the power supply is contained within a dedicated power supply frame separated from downhole fluids by a fluid isolation barrier, while electronic components are housed in a separate electronic component housing. This segmentation ensures that power can be delivered reliably without risking fluid contamination of sensitive electronic components.
Solution Approach 2:
A connector serves as an intermediary element that transmits electrical power from the power supply to the electronic components through the housing walls. This intermediary approach allows power delivery while maintaining the protective barrier that isolates electronic components from downhole fluids.
3Productivity
If electronic components are housed within the coupling assembly, then signal transmission between downhole components is facilitated, but device complexity increases due to additional housing and isolation requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The electronic component housing is merged with the coupling assembly structure, utilizing the existing mechanical connection framework. The housing is positioned within the coupling assembly and secured to the box component, combining the functions of mechanical connection and electronic component protection into a single integrated structure, thereby reducing overall device complexity.
4Reliability
If fluid isolation barriers are implemented around power supply and electronic components, then reliability is improved by preventing fluid contamination, but device complexity increases due to additional sealing structures
Solution Approach 1:
The fluid isolation barrier is nested within the power supply frame structure, with the barrier forming an inner containment layer that directly surrounds the power supply components. This nested configuration provides effective fluid isolation while utilizing the existing structural framework, thereby minimizing additional sealing complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for retaining electronic components in a downhole component coupling mechanism includes: a power supply frame including a first housing configured to retain a power supply therein and isolate the power supply from downhole fluids, the power supply frame configured to be disposed in and constrained axially by a coupling assembly of a first downhole component and a second downhole component; an electronic component disposed in a second housing in the coupling assembly, the electronic component located external to the power supply frame; and a connector configured to transmit electric power from the power supply to the electronic component to supply electrical power to the electronic component.