Wired Drill Pipe Joint With Expandable Conductor Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wired drill pipes face challenges in manufacturing and may have less than ideal electrical and mechanical properties, making it difficult to transmit substantial electrical power and communicate signals effectively.
Innovation Solution
The solution involves creating a pipe joint with recesses for electrical connectors, using a braided electrical conductor that is radially expanded to conform to the pipe's interior surface, and applying an electrically insulating material to ensure effective electrical isolation and mechanical stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If galvanically connected electrical conductors are used in wired drill pipe, then substantial electrical power transmission is enabled, but manufacturing difficulty increases and electrical/mechanical properties deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces galvanic electrical contacts with electromagnetic couplings that use magnetic fields for wireless power and data transmission across the pipe wall. This substitution eliminates the need for complex mechanical galvanic connections while maintaining power transmission capability, thereby reducing manufacturing difficulty and improving reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary electromagnetic field that couples conductors across the pipe wall without direct physical contact. This intermediary mechanism enables power transmission while avoiding the manufacturing complexities and property deterioration associated with direct galvanic connections.
2Ease of manufacture
If conventional wired pipe structures are used, then manufacturing is simpler, but electrical and mechanical properties are less than ideal for high frequency AC transmission
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes key parameters including using non-ferromagnetic materials for the pipe wall to reduce electromagnetic interference, optimizing conductor positioning and insulation thickness, and selecting materials with appropriate electrical and mechanical properties. These parameter changes enable high frequency AC transmission while maintaining manufacturing feasibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite structures combining non-ferromagnetic pipe wall materials with insulated electrical conductors, creating a composite system that simultaneously achieves good electrical properties for high frequency transmission and acceptable mechanical strength, while remaining manufacturable.
3Loss of information
If electromagnetic couplings are placed close together for joint connections, then signal communication is improved, but counter electromotive force increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses magnetic field coupling as an intermediary that allows signal transmission between closely spaced electromagnetic couplings without direct electrical contact. This intermediary mechanism enables efficient signal communication while the non-ferromagnetic pipe wall material minimizes counter electromotive force generation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent optimizes parameters such as coupling frequency, pipe wall material properties, and conductor configuration to maximize signal transmission efficiency while minimizing counter electromotive force. By carefully selecting operating frequencies and material properties, the system achieves good signal communication without excessive harmful effects.
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 approach enhances the electrical and mechanical properties of the wired drill pipe, allowing for the transmission of higher frequency alternating current and improving the overall performance and reliability of the drill string.
Implementation Method 1
electromagnetic couplings at each longitudinal end of the pipe joint
Implementation Method 2
non-ferromagnetic coatings to reduce counter electromotive force and enhance signal transmission
Data Source
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.