Modular Drilling Power Data Transmission Unit
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional power/data transmission systems for drilling assemblies restrict the placement of tools due to difficulties in transferring power or data across individual components, particularly in complex well profiles with rotating and non-rotating sections.
Innovation Solution
A power/data transmission unit is introduced, featuring rotating and non-rotating conductive sections with a transfer device that uses conductive elements and flexible members to accommodate radial and length changes, enabling efficient power and data transfer between modules of a bottomhole assembly (BHA) via conductive paths and modular connections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional power/data transmission systems are used in drilling assemblies, then the structure is simpler, but the placement of tools is restricted due to difficulties in transferring power or data across individual components
Solution Approach 1:
The drilling assembly is divided into modular sections with discrete power and data transmission units positioned at strategic locations. Each module can independently transmit power and data, allowing tools to be placed at various positions along the drill string without requiring complex long-distance transmission systems.
Solution Approach 2:
Dedicated power and data transmission units act as intermediary devices between the surface control system and downhole tools. These transmission units facilitate reliable power and data transfer across rotating and non-rotating sections, enabling flexible tool placement without direct complex connections from surface to each tool.
2Power
If the length between drill bit and motor is reduced to improve rotary power transmission, then power transmission efficiency improves, but the positioning of sensitive equipment becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The drilling assembly is segmented into functional modules with power transmission elements positioned optimally for efficiency while sensitive equipment is housed in separate manageable sections. This modular approach allows the power transmission path to be shortened for efficiency while providing adequate space and access for positioning sensitive equipment in intermediate sections.
Solution Approach 2:
The problem is solved by utilizing the axial dimension of the drill string to position sensitive equipment in intermediate sections rather than requiring lateral space. Equipment is positioned at different axial locations along the drill string, allowing optimized power transmission geometry while maintaining accessibility for equipment positioning and maintenance.
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 allows for bi-directional data transmission and power transfer along the BHA, enhancing the positioning of sensitive equipment and improving drilling efficiency by reducing the length between the drill bit and motor, thus enhancing rotary power transmission.
Implementation Method 1
conductive elements in the rotor and/or the stator... power/data carriers that transmit power and/or data across the motor
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to devices and methods for conveying power and/or data signal along a wellbore bottomhole assembly (BHA) having a steering unit, a bidirectional data communication and power (“BCPM”) unit, a sensor sub, a formation evaluation sub, stabilizers. A power and/or data transmission line enables power transfer and two-way data exchange among these BHA components. In one embodiment, a drilling motor includes a transmission unit that transmits power and/or data between modules adjacent the motor via conductive elements in the rotor and/or the stator. A power/data transfer device is adapted to transfer power and/or data between the rotating and non-rotating sections of the transmission unit. The tooling and equipment making up the BHA can be formed as interchangeable modules. Each module can include electrical and data communication connectors at each of their respective ends so that power and data can be transferred between adjacent modules via modular threaded connections.