Drill Pipe Cavity for Galvanic Data Transmission
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current drill pipes face challenges in real-time data transmission and power supply during drilling operations, particularly due to the risk of explosions from gas accumulations, which existing inductive coupling methods cannot adequately address, as they fail to achieve high data rates and efficient energy supply.
Innovation Solution
A drill pipe design featuring a cavity between the inner and outer pipes, allowing for galvanic connection of drill string elements with electrical conductors on the outside, isolated from the inner conductive tube, and optionally filled with materials for vibration damping, thermal insulation, and sensory purposes, including an electronically readable information carrier and devices for data transmission and power supply.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If inductive coupling is used to connect drill string elements, then explosion risk is reduced by eliminating exposed electrical conductors, but data transmission rate and power supply capability are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The drill pipe is segmented into an outer tube and an inner tube, creating a cavity that houses electrical conductors. This segmentation allows galvanic connection for high data rates while the outer tube provides explosion protection by containing any potential sparks within the pipe structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrical conductors are nested within the cavity formed by the inner and outer tubes. The inner tube is nested within the outer tube, creating a protective structure that allows exposed conductors for high-speed data transmission while maintaining explosion safety through containment.
2Productivity
If electrical conductors are exposed for galvanic connection, then high data rates and power supply are achieved, but explosion risk increases due to potential ignition sparks
Solution Approach 1:
The electrical conductors are nested within the cavity formed by the inner and outer tubes. This nested structure allows the conductors to be exposed enough for galvanic connection and high data rates, while the outer tube provides a containment structure that prevents external explosion risks.
Solution Approach 2:
The cavity between the inner and outer tubes creates a protected environment for the electrical conductors. This enclosed space acts as an inert barrier, preventing ignition sparks from affecting the external environment while allowing high-speed data transmission through the conductors.
3Strength
If the inner tube is in direct contact with the outer tube, then structural integrity is maximized, but the conductor is exposed to wear from flushing fluid and environmental conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The drill pipe is segmented into an outer tube and an inner tube with a cavity between them. This segmentation creates a protective barrier that shields the electrical conductors from direct exposure to flushing fluids and environmental conditions, thereby improving conductor durability while maintaining structural integrity through the nested tube design.
4Ease of manufacture
If the cavity is left empty, then manufacturing complexity is reduced, but the inner tube deforms under high pressure flushing fluid
Solution Approach 1:
A filling material is introduced into the cavity between the inner and outer tubes as an intermediary element. This filling material provides structural support to the inner tube, preventing deformation under high pressure flushing fluid, while being relatively easy to install during the manufacturing process.
5Measurement precision
If the conductor is attached to the inner tube, then thermal expansion and length changes are directly transferred for measurement purposes, but the conductor is more susceptible to wear and environmental damage
Solution Approach 1:
The electrical conductor is attached to the inner tube within the protected cavity. This nested arrangement allows the conductor to be directly connected to the inner tube for accurate measurement of thermal expansion and length changes, while the cavity structure provides a protective barrier that reduces wear and environmental damage to the conductor.
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 design ensures safe and efficient data transmission and power supply while minimizing explosion risks by isolating electrical conductors, protecting against wear and allowing for sensory measurements, and enabling adjustable conductor configurations for various tasks.
Implementation Method 1
suitable filling material can dampen vibrations that occur during operation
Implementation Method 2
thermally insulate the flushing fluid from the surroundings of the rod tube
Implementation Method 3
the conductor and the inner tube are electrically insulated from each other
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A drill pipe (1), particularly for a drill string, has at least one electrical conductor (4, 7, 8, 9) and an inner pipe (2) which is arranged inside the drill pipe (1). The drill pipe (1) and the inner pipe (2) are spaced at a distance to one another in sections, wherein the drill pipe (1) and inner pipe (2) bound a hollow space (3). At least one electrical conductor (4, 7, 8, 9) is arranged on one outer side of the inner pipe.