Wired Pipe Transmission Line Mechanical Stress Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wired pipe systems for subterranean drilling and completion operations face challenges in reliably transmitting power and data signals through threaded connections, as they often experience mechanical stresses like tension, compression, and torsion, which can disrupt signal integrity and lead to connection failures.
Innovation Solution
A wired pipe system with a transmission line comprising an inner conductor, insulating material, and a shield layer, where the transmission cable is enclosed within a wire channel and secured by a fixation element with mating features, allowing for secure attachment to the wire channel, thereby protecting the cable from mechanical stresses and ensuring signal integrity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a transmission line is installed in a wired pipe system for subterranean drilling, then power and data signals can be transmitted through the pipe segments, but the transmission line fails to withstand mechanical stresses such as tension, compression, and torsion during drilling operations
Solution Approach 1:
The transmission line is segmented into modular components including cable sections, connection elements, and fixation elements that can be independently assembled and secured within each pipe segment, allowing the system to maintain signal integrity while withstanding mechanical stresses through distributed structural support
Solution Approach 2:
The transmission line cable is nested within a dedicated cable channel or conduit that is integrated into the pipe segment structure, providing mechanical protection and isolation from drilling stresses while maintaining electrical signal transmission capability
2Reliability
If the transmission line is secured to the wire channel using fixation elements, then connection stability improves, but the complexity of assembling the wired pipe system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The fixation elements are integrated directly into the cable channel structure or pipe segment design, combining the mounting function with the existing structural components, thereby securing the transmission line without adding separate assembly steps or components
Solution Approach 2:
The fixation elements are designed to automatically secure the transmission line cable through friction-fit, snap-fit, or deformation mechanisms that require no additional tools or assembly operations, allowing the cable to self-secure during the normal insertion process
Data Source
AI summary
A wired pipe system includes a wired pipe segment having a first end and a second end, a first coupler in the first end and a second coupler in the second end and a transmission line disposed in the wired pipe segment between the first and second ends. The transmission line includes a transmission cable that includes an inner conductor and an insulating material disposed about the inner conductor as well as a a wire channel surrounding the insulating material and the inner conductor for at least a portion of a length of the transmission cable. The wire channel and the insulating material are mated together by at least one mating feature.