Piezoelectric Transducer Mounting in Drill Pipe Bore
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for communicating information from downhole locations in drilling operations, such as through acoustic telemetry in drill strings, face challenges in effectively transmitting data along long drill strings and maintaining acoustic coupling over varying temperatures and pressures.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus and method for mounting piezoelectric transducers within the bore of a sub-pipe in a drill string, utilizing a tension collar and feed-through assembly to ensure intimate acoustic contact and maintain communication through the drill string, allowing for both transmission and reception of acoustic signals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If acoustic telemetry is used to communicate data along the drill string, then information can be transmitted from downhole to surface, but acoustic coupling may be lost over varying temperatures and pressures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs piezoelectric transducers that convert electrical signals to mechanical vibrations and back, enabling data transmission through the drill string while being less sensitive to temperature and pressure variations compared to traditional acoustic coupling methods. The piezoelectric effect allows the system to maintain reliable communication by transforming the coupling mechanism from direct acoustic contact to electromechanical transduction.
2Ease of manufacture
If transducers are mounted externally to the drill string, then installation may be simpler, but intimate acoustic contact is difficult to maintain
Solution Approach 1:
The transducers are mounted within a tool that is inserted into the drill string, with the transducer positioned inside a cavity that provides intimate contact with the drill string wall. This nested configuration allows the transducer to be protected while maintaining direct acoustic coupling with the drill string, solving the contradiction between installation ease and contact quality.
3Device complexity
If traditional acoustic coupling methods are used, then simple construction is achieved, but effective data transmission along long drill strings is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical acoustic coupling with piezoelectric transducers that use electromechanical conversion to transmit data. This substitution enables effective data transmission along long drill strings by converting electrical signals to mechanical vibrations in the drill string and back, overcoming the limitations of simple acoustic coupling while maintaining reasonable system complexity.
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 and efficient communication of data along the drill string, enhancing drilling operations by maintaining acoustic coupling and data transmission integrity across varying conditions.
Implementation Method 1
mounting piezoelectric transducers within the bore of a sub-pipe in a drill string
Implementation Method 2
communicate via acoustic (or pressure) waves that travel through the drill string
Data Source
Figure 1~1C
Figure 1D
Figure 2
AI summary
An apparatus for mounting one or more transducers to a drill pipe. The apparatus comprises a sub-pipe (102) having a bore (135) and a transducer-holding assembly (104), wherein the transducer-holding assembly is insertable into the bore of the sub-pipe from an axial end of the sub-pipe. The apparatus further comprising a tension collar (106) connected to the bore-defining surface of the sub-pipe and bearing upon the transducer-holder.