Wired Pipe Signal Testing with Debris-Resistant Threads
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing borehole telemetry systems lack a reliable method to test the signal transmission capability of new wired pipes before and after integration into existing systems, which is crucial for ensuring data transmission integrity.
Innovation Solution
A signal transmission testing apparatus and method utilizing a core with threaded surfaces and slots to clear debris, combined with inductive transducers, allows for the formation of threaded connections and testing of signal transmission between wired pipes by sharing magnetic fields.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If threaded connections are formed between wired pipes and test plugs, then signal transmission testing can be performed, but debris may enter between threads causing connection failures or inaccurate measurements
Solution Approach 1:
The slots are pre-formed in the test plug to create debris escape routes before the threaded connection is made. This preliminary preparation ensures that any debris entering during the threading process can immediately escape through the slots rather than becoming trapped and causing connection failures or measurement inaccuracies.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention converts the potentially harmful effect of debris entry into a beneficial outcome by providing slots that allow debris to escape. Rather than preventing debris entry entirely (which would require complex sealing mechanisms), the slots enable debris to enter and then immediately exit, transforming the harmful contamination risk into a self-cleaning mechanism that actually improves connection reliability.
2Reliability
If inductive transducers are positioned close together for magnetic field sharing, then signal transmission efficiency is improved, but precise positioning becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The threaded connection structure itself serves the dual function of both joining the components and providing the precise positioning mechanism for the inductive transducers. As the threads are engaged, they automatically bring the inductive transducers into the correct close proximity for efficient magnetic field sharing, eliminating the need for separate precision positioning steps.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention merges the mechanical connection function with the positioning function into a single integrated threaded structure. The same threads that secure the test plug to the wired pipe also automatically position the inductive transducers at the optimal distance for magnetic field coupling, combining multiple functions into one mechanism to simplify the overall system.
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
Enables effective verification of signal transmission capability between wired pipes, ensuring data integrity and system functionality by clearing debris and ensuring inductive transducer proximity, thus facilitating reliable data transmission in borehole telemetry systems.
Implementation Method 1
inductive transducers are provided at the ends of wired pipes. The inductive transducers at the ends of each wired pipe are electrically connected by an electrical conductor running along the length of the wired pipe. Data transmission involves transmitting an electrical signal through an electrical conductor in a first wired pipe, converting the electrical signal to a magnetic field upon leaving the first wired pipe using an inductive transducer at an end of the first wired pipe, and converting the magnetic field back into an electrical signal upon entering a second wired pipe using an inductive transducer at an end of the second wired pipe.
Implementation Method 2
a core having a plurality of threads formed on a surface thereof and a plurality of slots cutting through crests and roots of at least a portion of the threads, thereby creating an escape route for debris that enter in between the threads
Implementation Method 3
When a threaded connection is formed between the core threads and the pipe threads, the inductive transducers are in a position to share magnetic fields.
Data Source
AI summary
A wired pipe signal transmission testing apparatus is provided. The apparatus includes a core having a plurality of threads formed on a surface thereof and a plurality of slots cutting through crests and roots of at least a portion of the threads, thereby creating an escape route for debris that may enter in between the threads. The apparatus includes an inductive transducer coupled to the core.