Optical Data Transmission Assembly Joint for Rotating Drum
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for oilfield well logging and monitoring using fiber optic cables are hindered by the inability to realize high-speed, real-time data transmission due to physical challenges with collecting light data from a rotating drum, and the safety concerns of using wireless transmission devices in environments with explosives lead to the underutilization of fiber optic capabilities.
Innovation Solution
An optical data transmission assembly joint that allows for real-time communication between a rotating fiber optic cable and a stationary housing, using a rotatable coupling and stationary housing configuration to transfer data without halting the drum's rotation, and employing a bearing interface for friction-free rotation, enabling simultaneous multi-channel data transfer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If wireless transmission devices are used to collect light data from the rotating drum, then real-time data transmission can be achieved, but safety hazards arise due to static and electro-magnetic interference in environments with explosives
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces wireless electromagnetic transmission with a mechanical solution - a rotating drum with contactless optical coupling. Light data is transmitted through physical contactless coupling between the rotating drum and stationary housing, eliminating electromagnetic interference while maintaining real-time transmission capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary optical coupling system between the rotating drum and stationary housing. This intermediary mechanism uses contactless optical coupling to transfer data, serving as a safe mediator that avoids direct electromagnetic transmission in explosive environments.
2Measurement precision
If the drum rotation is halted to collect light data, then data collection can be achieved, but the real-time high-speed data transmission capability is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables continuous data transmission by maintaining drum rotation throughout the process. The contactless optical coupling system allows light data to be collected and transmitted in real-time without interrupting the drum's rotation, ensuring both data accuracy and continuous operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical contact-based data collection system with a contactless optical coupling system. This substitution eliminates the need to halt drum rotation for data collection, as the optical coupling can acquire data while the drum continues to rotate freely.
3Weight of moving object
If fiber optic line is incorporated into the cable, then cable weight is reduced and data bandwidth is increased, but the ability to transmit data in real-time is compromised due to drum rotation challenges
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary contactless optical coupling system that bridges the rotating drum and stationary housing. This intermediary mechanism enables the fiber optic line to function at full real-time capability by providing a stable interface that rotates with the drum without compromising data transmission speed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent ensures continuous real-time data transmission by maintaining uninterrupted optical coupling between the rotating fiber optic line and the stationary receiver. The system maintains continuous data flow without pauses or interruptions, fully utilizing the high bandwidth capability of the fiber optic line.
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
Enables real-time, high-speed data transfer from a moving fiber optic cable to a stationary processor, overcoming the limitations of traditional methods and ensuring safe, practical data processing without interrupting the logging or intervention operations.
Implementation Method 1
employing a bearing interface for friction-free rotation
Implementation Method 2
fiber optic line
Data Source
AI summary
A joint for disposing between a rotatable drum and stationary surface equipment. The joint serves as a channel through which optical data from a well access line may be routed through the rotating drum and to the stationary equipment for processing. The optical data may be routed in a manner that allows for multi-fiber transmissions with one fiber dedicated to uphole transmissions and another dedicated to downhole transmissions. This is achieved through embodiments of the joint in spite of the separate optical channels involved sharing the same central axis to allow for data transfer between moving and stationary joint components.