Downhole to surface communications platform for drilling applications
| DWPI Title: Drilling assembly for use in downhole to surface communications, has dielectric portion that insulates inner conductor portion from electrical contact with outer conductor portion |
| 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 centralizing alignment ramp is provided to ensure alignment and proper engagement between pipe segments when coupled, this provides a more robust interface between the box-side center contact and the conductor in female coupler portion. Battery pack stores energy and is used when power is disconnected up-hole to allow the system to collect data without interruption, if required. |
| Novelty: The assembly (100) has a slip ring assembly (18) coupled in data communication and in fluid communication with a set of pipe segments (10). An end pipe portion (24) is coupled with a pipe segment of the drilling assembly, and comprises an electronics assembly. The electronics assembly comprises an electronic component, for transferring data between the ring assembly and a drilling assembly. A drill bit (22) is operably coupled with the pipe portion for drilling a borehole. A dielectric portion insulates an inner conductor portion from electrical contact with an outer conductor portion of each pipe segment. |
| Filed: 11/6/2023 |
| Application Number: US18387160A |
| Tech ID: SD 15248.1 |
| 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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