Drill String Waveguide Coupling for High-Rate Underground Data Links
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current data transmission systems in construction and mining applications, such as mud-pulse telemetry and electromagnetic telemetry, suffer from low data rates and limited operating distances, making it difficult to efficiently communicate sensor and control data between underground drill heads and surface drives in tunnel construction and mining.
Innovation Solution
A coupling element and method that utilize a string of pipes as a waveguide to transmit electromagnetic waves, allowing for data communication by exciting and coupling electromagnetic waves within the pipe string, which can be rotated and connected to drill heads and drives, enabling bidirectional communication with improved data rates and distance capabilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If electromagnetic telemetry is used with the drill string as transmit antenna, then data transmission can be achieved, but the data rates are low and the system complexity is high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the electromagnetic radiation-based telemetry system with a waveguide-based system. Instead of using the drill string as an antenna radiating electromagnetic waves into the ground, the invention uses the hollow interior of the drill string as a waveguide to guide electromagnetic waves along the pipe. This substitution transforms the transmission mechanism from free-space electromagnetic radiation to guided wave propagation, achieving higher data rates and lower system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The drill string serves multiple functions: it acts as both the mechanical drilling tool and the waveguide for data transmission. The hollow interior of the existing drill string structure is utilized as the transmission medium, eliminating the need for separate communication infrastructure and reducing system complexity while improving data transmission capability.
2Productivity
If mud-pulse telemetry is used to transfer data, then communication between drill head and surface drive is possible, but the data rates are only a few bits per second which are too low
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical pressure-based communication system (mud-pulse telemetry) with an electromagnetic waveguide system. Instead of encoding data in pressure changes of the drilling mud, the invention uses electromagnetic waves propagating through the hollow drill string, enabling significantly higher data rates and removing the limitation of requiring active mud circulation for communication.
3Length of stationary object
If current data transmission systems are used, then communication is possible, but the operating distances are too short
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces short-range electromagnetic radiation systems with a waveguide-based transmission system. The hollow drill string acts as a low-loss transmission medium that guides electromagnetic waves over long distances with minimal attenuation, enabling communication over several hundred meters to 2000 meters while maintaining high data rates.
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 communication rates to hundreds of kbit/s over distances of several hundred meters to 2000 meters, surpassing the limitations of existing systems by using the pipe string as a waveguide for electromagnetic signals, facilitating timely responses to drilling events and reducing costly inefficiencies.
Implementation Method 1
The coupling element configured to excite, responsive to a data signal fed to the coupling element, an electromagnetic wave in the string
Implementation Method 2
the string acting as a waveguide
Data Source
AI summary
A coupling element connectable to a string of one or more pipes, for example, a drill string of one or more pipes or drill pipes is provided. The coupling element is configured to excite, responsive to a data signal fed to the coupling element, an electromagnetic wave in the string. The coupling element comprises a feed portion at a first end of the coupling element, the feed portion to receive the data signal, a first electrically conductive portion extending from the feed portion towards a second end of the coupling element, the second end to be connected to the string for forming an electrically conductive connection between the first electrically conductive portion and the string, and a second electrically conductive portion extending from the feed portion towards the second end of the coupling element. The first and second electrically conductive portions are arranged so as to define a waveguide. The waveguide expands in a direction from the first end towards the second end.