Downhole Tool Connection Using Inductive and Conductive Connectors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing downhole connectors face challenges in maintaining reliable electrical connections in harsh borehole environments due to issues like short circuits, abrasion, and chemical attacks, especially when dealing with conductive fluids and limited space, which affects the accuracy and reliability of logging and sampling operations.
Innovation Solution
A downhole tool connection system featuring a combination of inductive and conductive connectors, where inductive connectors handle low-power signals and conductive connectors manage higher power requirements, both shielded to prevent degradation from the borehole environment, with a cable carrier and connection section design that minimizes physical contact and fluid ingress.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If conductive connectors are used for power transmission, then power delivery capability is improved, but susceptibility to short circuits and chemical attacks increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical contact-based conductive connectors with inductive connectors that use electromagnetic induction for power and signal transmission. This substitution eliminates physical contact between connectors, thereby preventing short circuits and chemical attacks while maintaining adequate power delivery capability through electromagnetic coupling
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an electromagnetic field as an intermediary medium between the power source and the logging tool. Instead of direct electrical contact, power is transmitted through the electromagnetic field generated by the inductive connector, which acts as a mediator to transfer energy without physical contact, thus avoiding the harmful effects of direct contact in harsh borehole environments
2Loss of energy
If physical contact connectors are used, then power transmission efficiency is improved, but abrasion and degradation from physical contact increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical contact-based connectors with inductive connectors that use electromagnetic induction. This eliminates wear and abrasion from physical contact while maintaining efficient power transmission through electromagnetic coupling, thereby extending connector durability without sacrificing power transmission efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a non-contact electromagnetic coupling that replicates the function of physical contact connectors. The inductive connector system copies the power transmission function of traditional connectors but achieves it through electromagnetic fields rather than mechanical contact, thereby eliminating wear while maintaining transmission efficiency
3Reliability
If inductive connectors are used for low-power signals, then protection from chemical attacks and short circuits is improved, but power transmission capability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the connector system into two distinct types: inductive connectors for low-power signal transmission and conductive connectors for high-power applications. This segmentation allows each connector type to be optimized for its specific function, with inductive connectors providing reliable signal transmission with protection from chemical attacks and short circuits
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different connector technologies to different parts of the system based on local requirements. Inductive connectors are used where signal transmission and protection from environmental factors are priorities, while conductive connectors are used where high power transmission is required. This local optimization ensures each connector operates at its best performance characteristics
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
The solution provides reliable and durable electrical connections by avoiding physical contact for low-power signals and shielding against chemical attacks, ensuring consistent data transmission and power delivery despite harsh conditions, thus enhancing the reliability of downhole operations.
Implementation Method 1
at least one pair of the connectors connects inductively
Implementation Method 2
at least one pair of the connectors connects conductively
Data Source
AI summary
A downhole tool connection comprises (i) a tool intended for downhole use and including a connection section protruding therefrom in use in an uphole direction, the connection section supporting two or more first connectors spaced from one another and operatively connected to the tool; and (ii) a cable carrier moveable in an in-use downhole direction towards the connection section. The cable carrier supports (a) one or more cables and (b) two or more second connectors spaced from one another and operatively connected to at least one cable. Pairs of the first and second connectors are mutually connectable, on movement of the cable carrier towards the connection section to increase the proximity of the connectors of the pairs, in a manner effecting electrical transmission between the connectors of each pair. At least one pair of the connectors connects inductively, and at least one pair of the connectors connects conductively.