Wired Drill Pipe Data Transmission via Biasing Elements
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current downhole telemetry systems, such as mud pulse telemetry, face limitations in transmitting high volumes of data from downhole locations to the surface due to slow data rates and reliability issues, particularly in hostile subterranean conditions, which hinders real-time decision-making in oil and gas drilling operations.
Innovation Solution
A system for transmitting data across tool joint connections using data transmission elements connected to downhole components, with biasing elements ensuring proper alignment and contact pressure, enabling communication between components with both double and single shouldered connections, thereby facilitating efficient data transfer in drill strings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If wired drill pipe systems use double shouldered premium tool joint connections to ensure reliable data transmission and high contact pressure, then data transmission reliability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating a localized data transmission interface within the tool joint connection. The internal shoulder is transformed into a functional platform that houses data transmission elements (inductive couplers, capacitive couplers, or direct electrical contacts) specifically at the connection point, while the rest of the drill pipe maintains standard single shouldered API connections. This localized approach enables reliable data transmission without requiring the entire connection system to be complex premium double shouldered joints.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent achieves universality by designing a tool joint connection that simultaneously performs mechanical load-bearing functions and data transmission functions. The internal shoulder, traditionally used only for mechanical support in single shouldered connections, is repurposed to also house data transmission elements. This multi-functionality allows standard API drill pipe connections to achieve both mechanical integrity and reliable data communication, eliminating the need for specialized premium connections.
2Measurement precision
If wired drill pipe systems require high contact pressure for optimal data transmission efficiency, then data transmission quality is improved, but the adaptability to different connection types (single and double shouldered) deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary biasing element (spring, elastomer, or other resilient member) that mediates between the data transmission elements and the connection interface. This biasing element automatically adjusts contact pressure to optimal levels regardless of whether the connection is single shouldered or double shouldered, ensuring consistent data transmission quality across different connection types without requiring manual adjustment or specialized connections.
3Device complexity
If mud pulse telemetry is used to transmit data from downhole to surface, then system complexity is reduced, but data transmission rate and real-time capability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical/acoustic mud pulse telemetry system with an electrical/wired data transmission system. Instead of modulating acoustic waves in the drilling fluid, the system uses electrical signals transmitted through conductors embedded in the drill pipe. This substitution enables high-speed digital data transmission (comparing Mbps to bits per second) while maintaining the existing drill pipe infrastructure, achieving both high productivity and reasonable complexity.
4Reliability
If data is stored in downhole memory and downloaded when systems return to surface, then data loss risk is reduced, but real-time decision-making capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements continuous data transmission throughout the drilling operation using wired drill pipe. Data flows continuously from downhole sensors through the drill pipe conductors to the surface, enabling real-time monitoring and decision-making. This continuous action eliminates the stop-and-download approach of memory storage, maintaining both data security (through reliable transmission) and real-time availability (through continuous flow).
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 enhances data transmission rates and reliability across tool joints, allowing for real-time data collection and decision-making in drilling operations, reducing the need for premium connections and improving data resolution, thus optimizing drilling efficiency and reducing operational costs.
Implementation Method 1
a biasing element biasing at least one of the first and second data transmission elements towards the other data transmission element such that the first and second data transmission elements are in data communication with each other
Implementation Method 2
the data transmission elements may include an inductive coupler having two coupled inductors, one on each side of the connection
Data Source
AI summary
A method and apparatus for transmitting data across a tool joint connection. In one embodiment, the system includes a first data transmission element connected to a first downhole component, a second data transmission element connected to a second downhole component, and a biasing element biasing at least one of the first and second data transmission elements towards the other data transmission element such that the first and second data transmission elements are in data communication with each other.