Rotary Drill Stem Annular Coupler for Reliable Data Transmission
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing rotary drill stem components for oil and gas fields face challenges in reliable data transmission due to wear and mechanical stress, particularly at junctions where components experience expansion, tension, compression, bending, torsion, and vibration, leading to inconsistent and unreliable communication.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a central tubular element with connectors featuring an annular signal transmission coupler that uses pressure compensation and a copper-beryllium alloy ring for low electrical resistivity, along with an insulating support and dielectric materials like PTFE, to maintain signal integrity and reduce wear, while also providing electromagnetic shielding and protection against chemical aggression.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If contact transmission means are used between tubular components, then data can be transmitted between components, but the transmission reliability deteriorates due to wear and mechanical stress
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces contact-based mechanical transmission with inductive coupling between two annular couplers. The first coupler in the first tubular component and the second coupler in the second tubular component create electromagnetic fields that transmit data without physical contact, eliminating wear at the interface while maintaining data transmission capability across component junctions
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces electromagnetic fields as an intermediary medium for data transmission. Instead of direct electrical contact between couplers, the system uses inductive coupling where the first coupler generates an electromagnetic field that induces current in the second coupler, allowing data transmission through the intermediate electromagnetic field rather than direct mechanical contact
2Loss of information
If conventional couplers are used at component junctions, then components can be connected, but signal integrity deteriorates due to mechanical deformations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical contact-based signal transmission with inductive coupling that is insensitive to mechanical deformations. The electromagnetic field coupling between the two annular couplers maintains signal integrity even when tubular components experience expansion, tension, compression, bending, torsion, or vibration at their junctions
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the coupling system dynamic by using inductive coupling that can accommodate movements and deformations. The electromagnetic field coupling remains effective even when the relative position between couplers changes due to mechanical stresses, allowing the system to adapt to dynamic conditions without losing signal integrity
3Reliability
If copper-beryllium alloy ring is used in the coupler, then electrical conductivity improves, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses copper-beryllium alloy for the annular coupler, combining copper's high electrical conductivity with beryllium's strengthening effects. This composite material provides the necessary electrical conductivity for inductive coupling while maintaining mechanical strength to withstand downhole conditions, accepting the increased manufacturing complexity as a trade-off for achieving both electrical and mechanical performance requirements
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 solution enhances the durability and data transmission quality by minimizing wear and maintaining signal integrity even under high mechanical stress, allowing for reliable communication between downhole instruments and the surface, with improved resistance to chemical and mechanical factors.
Implementation Method 1
The ring includes copper with a low oxygen content and high conductivity. The ring comprises a copper-beryllium alloy. The ring thus has a low electrical resistivity and allows signal transmission with small Joule effect losses.
Implementation Method 2
The dielectric may comprise at least one of the following components: polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), perfluoroalkoxide (PFA), polyetheretherketone (PEEK), or polyphenylene sulphide (PPS).
Implementation Method 3
Document US 2006/021799, which is considered the closest prior art, describes a component for a rotary drill stem for a well having annular transmission couplers biased against each other by the mean of biasing elements to compensate for varying tolerances of components.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4~6
AI summary
The present invention concerns a rotary drill stem for a well. The component (1) comprises a central tubular element, a first (2) and a second (3) connector each comprising a threaded portion (2a, 3a) which can connect the component to another component. At least one of said connectors comprises a chamber (20) in communication with a pressure outside the chamber. Said connector comprises an annular signal transmission coupler (40). The annular coupler comprises a ring (50) having an annular coupling surface (51). Said coupler comprises an insulating support (60) which leaves the annular coupling surface free. Said coupler comprises a piston surface (70) axially opposite to the annular coupling surface. The annular coupler forms a piston.