Drill String Adapter for MWD Signal Coupling and Shock Isolation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current Measurement While Drilling (MWD) systems face limitations in effectively transmitting data signals from inground tools to drill rigs through electrically conductive drill strings, particularly in terms of signal integrity and mechanical shock resistance.
Innovation Solution
The system employs a coupling adapter with a current transformer and a support arrangement that inductively couples data signals onto the drill string, using the drill string as an electrical conductor, while maintaining electrical isolation and providing mechanical shock and vibration mitigation for the current transformer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the current transformer is directly attached to the drill string, then electrical coupling is achieved, but the current transformer is exposed to mechanical shocks and vibrations
Solution Approach 1:
A coupling adapter is introduced as an intermediary component between the current transformer and the drill string. The adapter includes a coupling body with an internal passage that receives the drill string, allowing electrical coupling while physically isolating the current transformer from mechanical shocks and vibrations transmitted through the drill string.
2Ease of operation
If the drill string is made modular with removable sections, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The drill string is divided into multiple modular drill pipe sections that can be individually attached and detached. Each section has standardized joints that interface with coupling adapters, enabling the drill string to be extended or retracted by one section length at a time through simple coupling and uncoupling 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
This solution enhances data signal transmission reliability and integrity by using the drill string as a conductor, while isolating the current transformer from mechanical shocks and vibrations, thereby improving the overall performance of MWD systems.
Implementation Method 1
a coupling adapter includes an arrangement for receiving a data signal that is generated by the inground tool and for electromagnetically coupling the data signal, as an electrical signal, onto the adapter body and a portion of the drill string
Implementation Method 2
A support arrangement is configured for resiliently supporting the current transformer on the housing body such that the current transformer is isolated at least to some extent from a mechanical shock and vibration environment
Data Source
AI summary
A coupling adapter is insertable in at least one joint of a drill string as the drill string is extended from a drill rig. The coupling adapter includes an arrangement for receiving a data signal that is generated by an inground tool and for electromagnetically coupling the data signal onto at least a portion of the drill string that extends from the adapter to the drill rig such that at least some of the drill pipe sections cooperate as an electrical conductor for carrying the data signal to the drill rig. In another feature, a current transformer is resiliently supported to isolate the current transformer from mechanical shock and vibration that is produced by an inground operation that is performed using the drill string. In another feature, a drill string repeater is described.