Wired Drill Pipe Electrical Seal Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wired drill pipe telemetry systems face challenges in maintaining reliable electrical connections between drill pipe joints, leading to inefficiencies in data transmission and signal integrity due to debris accumulation and mechanical stress during drilling operations.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of an electrical seal assembly with concentric contacts and a sealing element, such as an o-ring or quad seal, that provides electrical isolation between inner and outer conductors, along with tapered contact faces and spring forces to maintain alignment and reduce contact resistance, enhances the operational connection and isolation between drill pipe joints.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional wired drill pipe connections are used, then the system structure is simple, but electrical connection reliability deteriorates under vibrations and shocks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies beforehand cushioning by incorporating a resilient element (spring) that pre-compresses the electrical contact surfaces. This spring-loaded mechanism maintains constant contact force between mating contacts, compensating for vibrations and shocks before they can cause connection failures. The resilient element absorbs mechanical disturbances, ensuring reliable electrical connection throughout the drill pipe assembly.
2Loss of information
If electrical contacts are made between drill pipe joints, then data transmission capability is improved, but contact resistance increases due to connection variations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by using a spring-loaded electrical contact system instead of rigid contacts. The spring allows the contact surfaces to dynamically adjust to misalignments, wear, and thermal expansion, maintaining optimal contact force and minimal resistance. This dynamic adjustment ensures stable electrical connection for data transmission despite variations in assembly tolerances or operational conditions.
3Adaptability or versatility
If drill pipes are threadably connected to form drill string, then assembly flexibility is improved, but electrical connection consistency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary electrical seal assembly that mediates between the threaded mechanical connection and the electrical contact requirement. This seal assembly includes resilient elements and conductive components that compensate for alignment variations caused by threading tolerances. The intermediary structure ensures consistent electrical connection while allowing the drill pipes to be freely assembled with standard threaded connections.
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 reliability and efficiency of data transmission by reducing contact resistance and debris accumulation, ensuring consistent electrical performance under mechanical stress and vibrations, thereby enhancing the overall performance of wired drill pipe systems.
Implementation Method 1
a first spring force acting on the first electrical contact and a second spring force acting on the second electrical contact
Implementation Method 2
Electrical conduction across interconnected tubulars
Data Source
AI summary
A wired tubular string includes a first joint having an axial bore, a box end, a pin end, a concentric inner conductor, and a concentric outer conductor; a second joint having an axial bore, a box end, a pin end, a concentric inner conductor and a concentric outer conductor; a joint-to-joint connection formed at the connection of the pin end of the second joint with the box end of the second joint; and an isolation assembly positioned at the joint-to-joint connection to operationally connect the corresponding concentric inner conductors and the correspond concentric outer conductor across the joint-to-joint connection and electrically isolate the inner conductor from the outer conductor.