Wired Drill Pipe Joint with Braided Conductor and Non-Ferromagnetic Coating

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Solution Overview

Problem

Wired drill pipes with galvanically connected electrical conductors face difficulties in manufacturing and often have less than ideal electrical and mechanical properties, limiting their ability to transmit substantial electrical power and communicate signals effectively.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of an insulated electrical conductor within a pipe joint, utilizing a braided electrical conductor that radially expands to conform to the pipe's interior surface, with electromagnetic couplings and non-ferromagnetic coatings to reduce counter electromotive force and enhance signal transmission.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Power

If galvanically connected electrical conductors are used in wired drill pipe, then substantial electrical power transmission is achieved, but manufacturing difficulty increases and electrical properties deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrical power transmissionVSAvoidmanufacturing difficulty

Core Design Contradiction:

PowerVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces galvanic electrical contacts with electromagnetic couplings that use magnetic fields for wireless power and data transmission across the air gap between drill pipe joints. This eliminates the need for mechanical electrical contacts while maintaining power transmission capability, thereby reducing manufacturing complexity and improving electrical properties

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces electromagnetic fields as an intermediary medium to transfer power and signals between drill pipe joints without direct physical contact. The electromagnetic couplings generate magnetic fields that penetrate the air gap, serving as a mediator that eliminates the need for complex galvanic connections while maintaining efficient power transmission

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Power

If galvanically connected electrical conductors are used in wired drill pipe, then substantial electrical power transmission is achieved, but electrical properties deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrical power transmissionVSAvoidelectrical properties

Core Design Contradiction:

PowerVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Ease of manufacture

If conventional pipe structure is used, then manufacturing is simple, but counter electromotive force increases and signal transmission deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemanufacturing simplicityVSAvoidsignal transmission quality

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies non-ferromagnetic coatings (such as copper, aluminum, or other non-ferromagnetic materials) to the interior surface of the drill pipe. This composite structure combines the mechanical strength of the steel pipe with the electromagnetic benefits of non-ferromagnetic materials, reducing counter electromotive force and improving signal transmission while maintaining manufacturing feasibility

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the magnetic properties of the pipe interior by applying non-ferromagnetic coatings, thereby altering the electromagnetic parameters (reducing counter electromotive force) without fundamentally changing the mechanical structure or manufacturing process of the drill pipe

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 improves the electrical and mechanical properties of wired drill pipes, allowing for higher frequency alternating current transmission and better resistance to fatigue failure, while maintaining efficient signal communication.

Implementation Method 1

a braided electrical conductor that radially expands to conform to the pipe's interior surface

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRadial expansion: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

non-ferromagnetic coatings to reduce counter electromotive force and enhance signal transmission

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCounter electromotive force reduction: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS11236551B2Wired pipe and method for making

Publication Date: 2022.02.01 REELWELL AS

AI summary

A method for making a wired drill pipe joint includes forming an electrically conductive material into a structure that is radially expandable to conform to an interior of the pipe joint substantially without plastic deformation of the electrically conductive material. An electrical connector is coupled to each longitudinal end of the formed electrically conductive material to form an electrical conductor assembly. An interior of the pipe joint is coated with an electrically insulating material. The electrical conductor assembly is inserted into the pipe joint. The electrically conductive material is radially expanded to conform to an interior surface of the pipe joint wherein a bonding material is applied to the interior wall of the pipe joint.