Keyhole Threads with Inductive Couplers for Drill Pipe
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing drill string connections face challenges in withstanding dynamic stresses, maintaining a leak-proof seal, and preventing loosening during drilling operations, while also requiring efficient data transmission across the drill string.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of inductively coupled drillstrings with magnetically conductive electrically insulating (MCEI) helical threads, featuring ferrite-based inductive couplers and wire coils, allows for data transmission and enhances the structural integrity of the connections by increasing the hardness of the thread regions housing the couplers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If inductive couplers are integrated into the thread structure, then data transmission capability is improved, but the complexity of the thread design increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the mechanical thread structure with the inductive coupler into a single integrated component. The coupler is formed as part of the thread root or thread crest geometry, eliminating the need for separate data transmission components and reducing overall device complexity while maintaining both mechanical connection and data transmission functions
Solution Approach 2:
The thread structure is designed to serve multiple functions simultaneously: mechanical load bearing, sealing, and inductive data transmission. The same geometric features that provide thread engagement also form the inductive coupler windings, allowing a single component to perform multiple critical functions in the drill string system
2Loss of information
If the thread root or crest is modified to house inductive couplers, then data transmission is enabled, but the structural strength of the thread may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by modifying only specific regions of the thread (the root or crest) to house the inductive couplers, while maintaining the original thread geometry and material properties in the load-bearing regions. This localized modification enables data transmission without compromising the overall structural strength of the thread connection
3Strength
If traditional threaded connections are used, then mechanical strength and sealing are achieved, but data transmission across the connection is not possible
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines mechanical connection functions with electromagnetic data transmission functions in a single integrated thread design. The inductive couplers are embedded within the thread structure itself, allowing both mechanical load transfer and wireless data communication to occur through the same physical connection point
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 data transmission and strengthens the drill string connections, improving their ability to withstand drilling stresses and maintain a seal, while preventing loosening and enhancing resilience.
Implementation Method 1
When the respective male and female threads are fully engaged at least a portion of the respective first and second helical inductive couplers may be opposed to each other within the drillstring. The opposed first and second helical couplers may enable inductive data transmission coupling across the pin end and box end threads
Implementation Method 2
The implementation of inductively coupled drillstrings with magnetically conductive electrically insulating (MCEI) helical threads, featuring ferrite-based inductive couplers and wire coils, allows for data transmission and enhances the structural integrity of the connections by increasing the hardness of the thread regions housing the couplers
Data Source
AI summary
An inductively coupled drillstring includes a drillstring tool such as a drill pipe and other downhole tools. The drillstring tool comprises a threaded pin end comprising male helical threads and a threaded box end comprising female helical threads. The female helical threads comprise a bulbous thread root and a generally keyhole cross section. The male helical threads comprise a bulbous thread crest and a cross section complementary with the cross section of the female bulbous thread root. At least a portion of the female bulbous helical threads comprise at least a portion of a first helical inductive coupler, and at least a portion of the male bulbous helical threads comprise at least a portion of a second helical inductive coupler. When the male and female threads are engaged at least a portion of the respective first and second helical inductive couplers are opposed to each other within the drillstring.