Drill Pipe Segments With Internal Wireline Cable Routing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional wireline cables deployed externally on drill pipe strings face challenges such as exposure to drilling fluid, synchronization issues, and risk of damage due to rotation, leading to inefficiencies and increased costs in logging operations.
Innovation Solution
Drill pipe segments equipped with internal wireline cables and flow guides that protect the cables from drilling fluid and allow for axial movement and rotation, enabling secure signal transmission and fluid flow without external cable synchronization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the wireline cable is deployed externally on the drill pipe string, then the cable can be connected to the logging tool, but the cable is exposed to drilling fluid which limits the pumping rate
Solution Approach 1:
The wireline cable is nested inside the drill pipe string, specifically routed through the interior cavity of the drill pipe. This internal routing protects the cable from external drilling fluid exposure while allowing drilling fluid to be pumped through the annulus between the drill pipe and wellbore casing at unrestricted rates, resolving the contradiction between cable protection and fluid pumping capability
2Reliability
If the wireline cable is positioned externally, then it can be connected to the logging tool, but synchronization of cable and drill pipe running speeds is required to avoid disconnection
Solution Approach 1:
The wireline cable connection is merged with the drill pipe string structure by routing the cable through the drill pipe interior and securing it at the logging tool interface. This integration eliminates the need for separate synchronization control mechanisms, as the cable moves with the drill pipe as a unified system, resolving the contradiction between connection stability and control complexity
3Reliability
If the wireline cable is deployed externally, then it can transmit signals, but rotation of the drill pipe string during tripping damages the cable
Solution Approach 1:
The wireline cable is nested within the rotating drill pipe string, allowing the drill pipe to rotate freely during tripping operations without exposing the cable to external friction or wrapping hazards. The cable remains protected inside the drill pipe cavity while still transmitting signals, resolving the contradiction between cable integrity and rotation capability
4Reliability
If the wireline cable is positioned externally, then it can be installed, but friction between the cable and casing damages the cable requiring replacement
Solution Approach 1:
The wireline cable is nested inside the drill pipe string throughout its deployment path, eliminating contact with the wellbore casing that causes friction damage. This internal routing protects the cable from abrasion and eliminates the need for costly and time-consuming cable replacements, resolving the contradiction between cable durability and operational time loss
Data Source
AI summary
A pipe segment includes an outer pipe including a shaft wall, a first connector disposed at a first end of the shaft wall, and a second connector disposed at a second end of the shaft wall opposite the first end. The pipe segment further includes an electrical cable extending through the shaft wall along a length of the outer pipe between the first and second connectors and an inner pipe positioned within the outer pipe and surrounding the electrical cable, the inner pipe being movable axially with respect to the outer pipe, and the outer pipe being movable rotationally with respect to the inner pipe.