Wired Pipe Erosion Reduction via Transmission Line Insert
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wired pipe configurations in subterranean drilling face issues with transmission line damage due to fluid and debris flow, particularly when the lines are slack and subjected to bending stresses, leading to mechanical tension and erosion within the pipe segments.
Innovation Solution
A wired pipe segment design featuring an inner bore with a pocket that includes an insert to support the transmission line, reducing erosion and providing structural support by increasing the curvature radius, thereby protecting the transmission line from damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the transmission line is allowed to be slack in the pipe segment, then installation and routing flexibility is improved, but the transmission line becomes vulnerable to damage from fluids and debris flowing through the pipe segment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a flexible transmission line channel that allows the transmission line to be routed through the pipe segment while maintaining protection. The channel acts as a protective sheath that accommodates the transmission line's flexibility needs while preventing direct exposure to harmful fluids and debris, thus resolving the contradiction between installation flexibility and transmission line integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The transmission line channel serves as an intermediary structure between the transmission line and the harmful environment (fluids and debris). This intermediate protective structure allows the transmission line to maintain its routing flexibility while being shielded from damage, effectively mediating between the conflicting requirements of ease of operation and reliability.
2Reliability
If the transmission line is tensioned to prevent damage, then reliability is improved, but bending stresses and mechanical tension increase leading to potential failure
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible transmission line channel provides a protective pathway that allows the transmission line to be supported without excessive tensioning. The channel's flexible nature accommodates bending stresses while preventing direct mechanical damage, thus protecting the transmission line's mechanical strength while maintaining reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The transmission line channel provides beforehand protection by creating a cushioning effect against mechanical stresses and environmental hazards. This pre-established protective structure reduces the need for high tensioning forces while preventing damage from fluids and debris, thus resolving the contradiction between reliability and mechanical strength.
3Ease of manufacture
If the transmission line channel is exposed to fluid flow, then ease of installation is improved, but erosion within the pipe segment increases damaging the transmission line
Solution Approach 1:
The transmission line channel acts as an intermediary protective barrier between the transmission line and the erosive fluid flow. This intermediate structure allows for straightforward installation while preventing direct contact between the transmission line and harmful fluids, thus resolving the contradiction between installation simplicity and erosion protection.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible transmission line channel provides a protective sheath that shields the transmission line from erosive fluids while maintaining installation ease. The channel's design allows for simple integration into the pipe segment while creating an erosion-resistant pathway for the transmission line.
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
A wired pipe segment includes an inner bore extending through the wired pipe segment and a transmission line channel forming a channel from outside the wired pipe segment to the inner bore and including an inlet into the inner bore. The inner bore includes a pocket formed in the inner bore proximate the inlet and an insert is disposed in the pocket that substantially fills the pocket.