Well Construction Power Transmission with Impedance Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
The challenge in oil and gas well drilling is the efficient and safe transmission of medium-voltage electrical power to a moveable well construction apparatus, particularly in scenarios where the power cable is exposed to mechanical damage and requires secure connection to prevent electrical faults.
Innovation Solution
A system involving a stationary power source, a moveable well construction apparatus, and a detector that ensures proper electrical power transmission by using a medium-voltage fault circuit detector to monitor the power cable's impedance and prevent energization if faults are detected, along with cable guards to protect the power cable from mechanical damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the power cable is exposed for connection between stationary power source and moveable apparatus, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to exposure to mechanical damage and electrical faults
Solution Approach 1:
The power cable is nested within a protective conduit or housing structure that moves with the apparatus. The conduit protects the cable from mechanical damage while allowing the cable to remain connected between the stationary power source and moveable apparatus, resolving the contradiction between ease of connection and safety protection.
Solution Approach 2:
A detector system acts as an intermediary between the power cable and the power source. The detector monitors the cable for faults and prevents energization when faults are detected, thereby protecting against electrical hazards while maintaining operational simplicity.
2Reliability
If the detector system monitors impedance to prevent faults, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The detector system replaces complex mechanical protection mechanisms with electrical impedance monitoring. By using electrical measurements to detect cable faults, the system achieves reliable fault prevention with simpler, more integrated components rather than adding separate mechanical protection systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The detector system uses the existing power cable and power source to perform self-diagnosis through impedance monitoring. The system monitors its own health status without requiring external inspection equipment, achieving reliable fault detection while minimizing additional 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
Ensures safe and reliable electrical power transmission to the moveable well construction apparatus by preventing faults and protecting the power cable from mechanical damage, thereby enhancing operational safety and efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a medium-voltage fault circuit detector to monitor the power cable's impedance and prevent energization if faults are detected
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatus and methods pertaining to a moveable well construction apparatus to be electrically energized via an electrical power transmission path extending between a stationary power source and the moveable well construction apparatus. The path comprises cables and connectors. A system comprises a detector operable for generating information indicative of whether the path is properly installed. The system permits the path to be electrically energized when the detector-generated information indicates the path is properly installed, and prevents the path from being electrically energized when the detector-generated information indicates the path is not properly installed.