Drill Pipe Communication Assembly With Embedded Conductor
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Solution Overview
Problem
Directional drilling operations are hindered by high costs due to slower data acquisition processes, which require an electrical connection between down-hole tools and surface equipment, limiting access to subterranean formations.
Innovation Solution
A drill pipe communication assembly with an insulated conductor embedded within, featuring a male and female insert coupled with a coaxial cable or other conductors, allowing for the transmission of electrical signals along the drill pipe length, facilitating data acquisition and reducing costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If an electrical connection is established between down-hole tools and surface equipment for data acquisition, then data transmission capability is improved, but drilling speed decreases and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the drill pipe structure with an embedded electrical conductor system. The conductor is integrated within the drill pipe, allowing electrical signals to be transmitted along the drill pipe itself rather than requiring separate data acquisition equipment or procedures. This merging of mechanical drilling function with electrical data transmission function eliminates the need for additional data acquisition steps that slow down drilling operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The drill pipe is designed to serve multiple functions simultaneously: it performs the mechanical drilling function while also serving as a data transmission conduit through the embedded conductor. The conductor system allows the drill pipe to function both as a structural drilling element and as an electrical communication pathway, enabling real-time data transmission without requiring separate specialized equipment.
2Loss of information
If an electrical connection is established between down-hole tools and surface equipment for data acquisition, then data transmission capability is improved, but drilling costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the drill pipe structure with an embedded electrical conductor system. The conductor is integrated within the drill pipe, allowing electrical signals to be transmitted along the drill pipe itself rather than requiring separate data acquisition equipment or procedures. This merging of mechanical drilling function with electrical data transmission function eliminates the need for additional data acquisition steps that slow down drilling operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The drill pipe is designed to serve multiple functions simultaneously: it performs the mechanical drilling function while also serving as a data transmission conduit through the embedded conductor. The conductor system allows the drill pipe to function both as a structural drilling element and as an electrical communication pathway, enabling real-time data transmission without requiring separate specialized equipment.
3Productivity
If a conductor is embedded in the drill pipe for data transmission, then data acquisition speed is improved, but drill pipe structural complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent embeds the electrical conductor within the drill pipe structure, essentially nesting one system inside another. The conductor is placed within the hollow interior of the drill pipe, allowing the electrical transmission system to be contained within the mechanical drilling structure. This nesting approach adds the data transmission capability without requiring a completely separate external system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the drill pipe structure with an embedded electrical conductor system. The conductor is integrated within the drill pipe, allowing electrical signals to be transmitted along the drill pipe itself rather than requiring separate data acquisition equipment or procedures. This merging of mechanical drilling function with electrical data transmission function eliminates the need for additional data acquisition steps that slow down 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
Enables efficient data transmission from down-hole tools to surface equipment, reducing overall drilling costs and enhancing access to previously inaccessible subterranean formations by providing a continuous data transmission pathway without obstructing the drill pipe's central space.
Implementation Method 1
A conductor is electrically coupled to the male insert and the female insert. The conductor extends along a length of the first drill pipe. The conductor facilitates transmission of electrical signals from the first end of the first drill pipe to the second end of the first drill pipe.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a drill-pipe communication assembly. The drill-pipe communication assembly includes a first drill pipe and an insulated tube disposed within, and generally concentric with, the first drill pipe. A male insert is disposed within a first end of the first drill pipe and a female insert is disposed within a second end of the first drill pipe. A conductor is electrically coupled to the male insert and the female insert. The conductor extends along a length of the first drill pipe. The conductor facilitates transmission of electrical signals from the first end of the first drill pipe to the second end of the first drill pipe.