Floating MCEI Core Coupler for Multiaxial WDP Communication
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The existing well systems face challenges in maintaining an electromagnetic connection between wired drill pipe (WDP) and communicative couplers during tripping operations, due to relative movement between the WDP and the couplers, which increases nonproductive time and jeopardizes the integrity of the coupling.
Innovation Solution
The proposed communicative coupler features a hub with a positioning assembly that allows the shaft to become laterally offset, a floating coil assembly with an annular MCEI core that self-aligns with the tubular member's coil, and a connector assembly that maintains electrical connection irrespective of angular orientation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a fixed electromagnetic coupling system is used between WDP and communicative coupler, then the electromagnetic connection is stable, but the system cannot accommodate multiaxial movement during tripping operations, increasing nonproductive time and jeopardizing coupling integrity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the coil assembly movable relative to the hub through a floating mechanism. The coil assembly can dynamically adjust its position and orientation to accommodate multiaxial movement between the WDP and communicative coupler during tripping operations, while maintaining electromagnetic connection. This resolves the contradiction by allowing the system to be both reliable (maintaining connection) and adaptable (accommodating movement).
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a floating coil assembly as an intermediary element between the hub and the WDP. This intermediary component absorbs the multiaxial movement through its floating capability while maintaining the electromagnetic coupling, thus protecting the overall connection integrity without requiring rigid fixation.
2Reliability
If rigid alignment is maintained between WDP and communicative coupler, then electromagnetic communication is reliable, but nonproductive time increases due to inability to accommodate movement during tripping operations
Solution Approach 1:
The floating coil assembly provides dynamic adjustment capability that allows the system to maintain reliable electromagnetic communication while accommodating movement during tripping operations. This eliminates the need to stop operations for realignment, thereby reducing nonproductive time while preserving communication reliability.
3Ease of manufacture
If fixed positioning assembly is used in communicative coupler, then manufacturing is simpler, but the system cannot self-align during multiaxial movement, jeopardizing coupling integrity
Solution Approach 1:
The positioning assembly is designed with floating capability that allows it to dynamically self-align during multiaxial movement. While the basic structure remains relatively simple for manufacturing, the floating mechanism enables automatic alignment adjustment, thus maintaining coupling integrity without requiring complex fixed positioning systems.
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 enables reliable electromagnetic communication between the WDP and the couplers even during multiaxial movement, reducing nonproductive time and ensuring the integrity of the coupling.
Implementation Method 1
The sealed-off portion of the annular open chamber may be filled with a non-electrically conductive liquid, such as a mineral oil or other organic oil compound. The non-conductive liquid may allow the MCEI core to float within the sealed-off portion of the chamber.
Implementation Method 2
The floating coil assembly may comprise an electrically conductive coil embedded within an annular MCEI core... configured for electromagnetically communicating with an adjacent coil assembly of a tubular member connected to the hub
Data Source
AI summary
A coupler comprising a hub comprising a longitudinal hub axis and a chamber disposed therein. A shaft having a longitudinal shaft axis, a first end, and a second end, wherein the second end of the shaft is pivotally coupled to the hub. A positioning assembly disposed in the chamber of the hub that engages the second end of the shaft. The positioning assembly being configured to allow the longitudinal shaft axis to become laterally offset from the longitudinal hub axis. A lower coil plate assembly positioned adjacent to an end cap assembly. A floating coil assembly disposed in an open chamber having walls bounded by the coil plate assembly and the end cap assembly for electromagnetically communicating with an adjacent coil assembly of a tubular member connected to the hub. Seals between the floating coil assembly and walls of the chamber provide a sealed off portion of the chamber.