Redundant Pipe-In-Pipe Telemetry Using Wired Path Controller
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing well drilling operations face challenges in transmitting real-time formation characteristics data due to the high cost of custom drill pipes and limited data rates using mud pulses, along with signal transmission faults in conductive paths within long drill strings.
Innovation Solution
A redundant wired pipe-in-pipe telemetry system utilizing standard drill pipes with a conductive element in the annulus between the inner and outer pipes, featuring a wired path controller to select functional paths and maintain signal integrity by routing around faults.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If custom drill pipe with integrated wired connection is used, then signal transmission reliability is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a pipe-in-pipe configuration where an inner drill pipe with conductive element is nested within an outer drill pipe. This nested structure provides redundant conductive paths for signal transmission without requiring custom-manufactured drill pipe, thereby maintaining reliability while using standard off-the-shelf components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the configuration from a single integrated wired connection to a multi-path conductive system using standard drill pipe. By modifying the structural arrangement rather than the fundamental manufacturing approach, the system achieves reliable signal transmission through redundancy without the high costs of custom drill pipe manufacturing.
2Ease of manufacture
If mud pulses are used for telemetry, then equipment cost is reduced, but data transmission rate is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the advantages of both approaches by combining standard drill pipe (low cost) with wired conductive elements (high data rate). The conductive element embedded in the inner pipe enables electrical signal transmission, achieving high-speed data communication while using conventional, cost-effective drill pipe rather than specialized custom pipe.
3Device complexity
If single conductive path is used, then device complexity is reduced, but signal transmission reliability deteriorates due to faults
Solution Approach 1:
The nested pipe-in-pipe structure naturally provides multiple concentric conductive paths. The inner pipe with its conductive element is surrounded by the outer pipe, creating redundant signal transmission routes. This nested arrangement provides fault tolerance without significantly increasing system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates a switchable mechanism that dynamically selects between available conductive paths based on signal quality and fault conditions. This dynamic path selection capability allows the system to adapt to changing conditions and maintain reliable communication by switching to alternative paths when faults are detected.
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 reduces drilling costs by using standard drill pipes, enhances data transmission reliability by providing redundant paths, and maintains signal strength over long drill strings, thereby improving real-time data transmission and operational efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a first conductive element coupled to the inner pipe and disposed within an annulus between the inner pipe and the outer pipe
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for providing redundant wired pipe-in-pipe telemetry is described. In one embodiment, a system includes an outer pipe and an inner pipe disposed within the outer pipe. The outer pipe axially supports the inner pipe using a collar of the inner pipe. A first conductive element is coupled to the inner pipe and disposed at least partially within an annulus between the inner pipe and the outer pipe. A second conductive element is disposed within the outer pipe. A wired path controller is coupled to the collar of the inner pipe, and also coupled to the first conductive element and the second conductive element. A connector is coupled to the collar of the inner pipe, which coupled the second conductive element to the wired path controller.