Downhole to surface communications platform for drilling applications
| DWPI Title: Drilling assembly for use in downhole to surface communications system for providing data link between downhole sensors and surface equipment in drilling installations, has compliant contact arrangement for sealing fluid path and conducting electrical signals between pipe segments |
| Abstract: A drilling assembly for downhole to surface communications is provided. The drilling assembly includes a series of pipe segments coupled in fluid communication between a slip ring assembly and an end pipe portion. The slip ring assembly is coupled in data and fluid communication with the pipe segments. A surface communications link is in data communication with the drilling assembly via the slip ring assembly. An end pipe portion is coupled with the drilling assembly that includes an electronics assembly with electronic components for transferring data to the slip ring assembly via the drilling assembly. A drill bit is operably coupled with the end pipe portion for drilling a borehole. Each pipe segment includes an outer conductor portion, a hollow inner conductor portion, and a dielectric portion for electrical isolation between the outer conductor portion and the inner conductor portion. |
| Use: Drilling assembly for use in a downhole to surface communications system to provide a data link between downhole sensors and surface equipment in drilling installations. |
| Advantage: The design and assembly of a drill pipe conducts radio frequency (RF) signals. The drill pipe transmits alternating current (AC) and direct current (DC) signals from a downhole location to surface communications equipment. The electrical power is provided to the downhole sensors as well as signal transmission. The transmission frequencies can range from kilohertz (kHz) to mega hertz (MHz) to enable data transfer rates that exceed existing technology employed in downhole communications. The slip-ring joint is employed for electrical continuity between an inner conductor and the surface receiver in which the signal is extracted from the drill pipe through the slip ring assembly. |
| Novelty: The assembly (100) has multiple pipe segments (10) coupled in serial fluid communication with a slip ring assembly (18) and an end pipe portion (24). A hollow inner conductor portion defines a fluid communication pathway through the drilling assembly, where the data is transferred between the end pipe portion and the slip ring assembly through the pipe segments. A compliant contact arrangement is arranged between the adjacent pipe segments of the drilling assembly, and seals a fluid path and conducts electrical signals between the adjacent pipe segments. A first contact portion is mateable with an adjoining inner conductor portion of a second contact portion. A spherical interface is provided with a ball and a first spring at a first end of each pipe segment and a socket and a second spring at a second end of each pipe segment, where the ball and the socket are positively engaged between respective adjoining hollow inner conductor portions. |
| Filed: 11/3/2020 |
| Application Number: US17087987A |
| Tech ID: SD 15248.0 |
| This invention was made with Government support under Contract No. DE-NA0003525 awarded by the United States Department of Energy/National Nuclear Security Administration. The Government has certain rights in the invention. |
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