Drill Pipe Voltage Supply with Pre-Test Verification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Real-time high-speed data transmission from deep within drilling wells to the surface is challenging due to the limitations of simple steel pipes without cabling, necessitating efficient data transmission mechanisms like cabling for both data transfer and energy supply, while ensuring safety and reliability at pipe connectors and accurate identification of drill string components during assembly.
Innovation Solution
A method and device utilizing low voltage for safe energy supply and identification of drill pipes, with interlocked test and operating circuits, enabling reliable wired identification and safe energy management through electrical connections, ensuring personal and device protection, and preventing errors or explosions, while allowing for automated component verification and energy control during drilling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If electrical cables are connected in drill pipes for high-speed data transmission and energy supply, then data transmission speed and energy supply capability are improved, but safety risks at pipe connectors and reliability of connection increase complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary identification and testing of drill pipe components before enabling energy supply. The control unit verifies the presence and correctness of underground consumers through identification signals and test voltages, ensuring that electrical connections are properly established and safe before full power is applied. This preliminary verification sequence prevents unsafe operation while maintaining high-speed data transmission capability.
2Power
If operating voltage is applied to drill pipes for energy supply, then energy supply capability is improved, but safety risks for rig personnel and device protection increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies a low test voltage before the operating voltage to verify the correct connection and presence of underground consumers. Only after successful verification does the control unit enable full operating voltage supply. This preliminary testing step ensures that energy is only supplied when conditions are safe, preventing harmful effects while maintaining full power capability when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit acts as an intermediary between the power supply and the drill pipe system. It monitors identification signals, verifies consumer presence, and controls the switching of operating voltage based on safety conditions. This intermediary control layer prevents direct unsafe connection while enabling full power supply when verification succeeds, thus protecting rig personnel and equipment.
3Measurement precision
If automated identification system is implemented for drill pipe components, then assembly accuracy and error detection are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit performs multiple functions: it manages energy supply, verifies consumer presence, reads identification signals from drill pipes, and controls the sequencing of test and operating voltages. By consolidating these functions in a single control unit, the system achieves high identification accuracy without proportionally increasing overall device complexity. The identification system is integrated into the existing energy management infrastructure.
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 reliable, high-speed data transmission and energy supply to underground consumers with enhanced safety features, ensuring accurate identification and error-free operation of drill string components, maintaining operational safety and efficiency during drilling processes.
Implementation Method 1
a test circuit with a lower test voltage... The circuitry of the device is designed in such a way that the operating voltage can only be applied to a drill pipe or the drill pipe if the error check is positive
Implementation Method 2
Once the drill string is connected by electrical cables or conductive layers, high speed data transmission becomes possible... offering the possibility of supplying energy for underground consumers
Data Source
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Figure 2
AI summary
In a method and device for supplying at least one electrical consumer (10) of a drill pipe with an operating voltage, at least one electrical component (10, 11, 15) on pipe rods (6) of the drill pipe is tested for defects with a test voltage that is smaller than the operating voltage before the operating voltage is applied, and the operating voltage can only be applied when no defects are present.