Electronic ID Tag Nesting in Drilling Pipe Threads
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electronic ID tags used in drilling operations face issues with signal range limitations, wear, and damage due to positioning on the outside of pipes and exposure to pressure variations, leading to reliability concerns during drilling operations.
Innovation Solution
The electronic ID tag is designed with an identifiable chip connected to an adjacent antenna, featuring impedance-matched inductances and a conductive sleeve for protection, using materials with low dielectric loss and stable dielectric constant, and partial antennas for improved signal range and protection, allowing for remote automatic reading.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the electronic ID tag is positioned on the outside of the pipe near the connecting means, then the ID tag can be read when passing an antenna, but the ID tag is subjected to wear during moving of the pipe and damage from power tongs
Solution Approach 1:
The electronic ID tag is nested within the threaded portion of the pipe body, specifically in the connecting box or pin. This nesting protects the ID tag from external wear and damage while still allowing it to be read by an antenna during drilling operations, as the tag remains accessible through the pipe's external structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The ID tag positioning transitions from external surface mounting to internal threading integration. By moving the tag into the threaded portion of the pipe body, the system changes the dimensional location from external to internal, providing protection while maintaining readability through the pipe structure.
2Ease of operation
If the electronic ID tag is positioned on the outside of the pipe, then the ID tag can be accessed for reading, but the attachment is adversely affected by relatively large pressure variations in the well
Solution Approach 1:
The electronic ID tag is nested within the threaded portion of the pipe body, placing it inside the pressurized environment rather than on the external surface. This nesting protects the tag from adverse pressure variations while maintaining accessibility for reading operations through the pipe's external access points.
3Measurement precision
If manual reading equipment is used to read the electronic ID tag, then the identity can be identified, but the service time and stresses of individual pipes cannot be automatically tracked
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables automatic tracking of service time and stresses through the electronic ID tag integrated with the drilling operation control. The tag automatically records and transmits data about pipe identity, service time, and operational stresses without requiring manual intervention, allowing the system to serve itself in terms of data collection and tracking.
Solution Approach 2:
The electronic ID tag system provides feedback to the drilling operation control about pipe identity, service time, and operational stresses. This feedback mechanism enables automatic tracking and monitoring, transforming the system from manual reading to automated data collection and analysis.
4Volume of moving object
If the signal range of the electronic ID tag is limited, then the tag can be compact, but the tag cannot be read from a distance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a distant antenna as an intermediary element to extend the signal range. The electronic ID tag maintains its compact size with the adjacent antenna, while the distant antenna positioned on the drilling rig acts as a mediator to receive and process signals from the tag, enabling long-range reading without increasing the tag's physical dimensions.
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
The solution significantly enhances signal range and reliability, protecting the ID tag from wear and damage, enabling efficient tracking of equipment in drilling operations by allowing for remote and automatic identification of multiple joined pipe lengths.
Implementation Method 1
The identifiable chip is arranged to receive energy via the adjacent antenna
Implementation Method 2
Between the adjacent antenna and the identifiable chip, and between the identifiable chip and a ground-plane plate are arranged impedance-matched inductances
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic ID tag (2) for mounting in a body (18), in which at least the identity of the body (18) is to be remotely readable, the electronic ID tag (2) including an identifiable chip (24) which is electrically connected to at least one adjacent antenna (26), the identifiable chip (24) being arranged to receive energy via the adjacent antenna (26) and by means of this energy to transmit, via the adjacent antenna (26), a signal including the identity of the electronic ID tag to a distant antenna (1), and there being arranged, between the adjacent antenna (26) and the identifiable chip (24) and between the identifiable chip (24) and a ground-plane plate (28) impedance-matched inductances (34, 40), the electronic ID tag (2) being placed, with advantage, in the box portion or pin (44) of a body (18), whereby it is protected against mechanical wear.