Wired Drill Pipe Joint Communication Connectors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Designing communication connections for wired drill pipe joints that accommodate the repeated re-facing and re-cutting of drill pipe sections is challenging, as existing solutions fail to effectively maintain communication connectivity during these processes.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a drill pipe system with pin and box end connectors, each featuring communication connectors with grooves that form a secure connection when engaged, allowing for reliable signal transmission across the jointed sections, even after re-facing and re-cutting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional drill pipe joints are re-faced and re-cut for repeated use, then the drill pipe sections can be reused in numerous drilling jobs, but the communication connections for wired drill pipe infrastructure become damaged or misaligned
Solution Approach 1:
The communication connection is segmented into multiple components: a communication connector embedded in the pin end connector and a corresponding connector in the box end connector. This segmentation allows the mechanical connection to be re-faced and re-cut while the communication connectors remain protected and aligned through their embedded positioning in the respective connector portions.
Solution Approach 2:
The communication connector is nested within the pin end connector and box end connector structures. This nesting protects the communication connection elements during the re-facing and re-cutting processes, as they are embedded within the larger connector assemblies rather than exposed on the surface.
2Ease of operation
If communication connectors are positioned on the surface of drill pipe joints, then they are easily accessible for connection, but they are damaged during re-facing and re-cutting operations
Solution Approach 1:
The communication connectors are nested within the pin end and box end connectors, embedded in the respective portions of these connectors. This nested positioning protects them during surface machining operations while maintaining accessibility through the connector interfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The communication connectors are pre-positioned and embedded in the pin and box end connectors before the re-facing and re-cutting operations occur. This preliminary positioning ensures they remain protected and aligned throughout subsequent machining and assembly operations.
3Reliability
If communication lines are embedded in the housing of drill pipe joints, then signal transmission is maintained, but the connections become complex and difficult to assemble
Solution Approach 1:
The communication connector is merged with the pin end connector and box end connector structures, forming integrated assemblies. This merging allows the communication connection to be assembled simultaneously with the mechanical connection, reducing overall assembly complexity while maintaining signal transmission continuity through the embedded communication lines.
Data Source
AI summary
A drill pipe includes a pin end connector (120), a box end connector (160), a first communication connector (112) and a second communication connector (114). The pin end connector includes a first region to form a threaded connection to join sections of the drill pipe together, and the first region includes at least one thread that begins at one end of the first region and ends at the other end of the first region. The box end connector receives the pin end connector, and the box end connector includes a second region to mate with the first region to form the threaded connection. The first communication connector is attached to the pin end connector and is located in the first region; and the second communication connector is attached to the box end connector and located in the second region to form a communication connection with the first communication connector.