U.S. patent application number 13/961283 was filed with the patent office on 2015-02-12 for apparatus and method for drill pipe transmission line connections.
This patent application is currently assigned to BAKER HUGHES INCORPORATED. The applicant listed for this patent is Volker Peters, Rene Schulz. Invention is credited to Volker Peters, Rene Schulz.
Application Number | 20150041215 13/961283 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 52447648 |
Filed Date | 2015-02-12 |
United States Patent
Application |
20150041215 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Schulz; Rene ; et
al. |
February 12, 2015 |
APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR DRILL PIPE TRANSMISSION LINE
CONNECTIONS
Abstract
An apparatus for communicating a signal downhole includes a
drill pipe configured to be rotated to drill the borehole and a
tube under axial tension and secured in the drill pipe, wherein the
axial tension occurs at least with the drill pipe not under axial
tension. The apparatus further includes a connector sleeve sealed
to an end of the tube and configured to secure the tube under the
axial tension to the drill pipe and to provide a sealing surface
for a connector to seal to. The apparatus further includes a
transmission line configured to communicate the signal. The
transmission line is disposed in the tube and has a length greater
than the length of the tube and extending past the connector
sleeve.
Inventors: |
Schulz; Rene; (Hambuhren,
DE) ; Peters; Volker; (Wienhausen, DE) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Schulz; Rene
Peters; Volker |
Hambuhren
Wienhausen |
|
DE
DE |
|
|
Assignee: |
BAKER HUGHES INCORPORATED
Houston
TX
|
Family ID: |
52447648 |
Appl. No.: |
13/961283 |
Filed: |
August 7, 2013 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
175/40 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E21B 47/13 20200501;
E21B 17/028 20130101; E21B 17/003 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
175/40 |
International
Class: |
E21B 47/12 20060101
E21B047/12 |
Claims
1. An apparatus for communicating a signal downhole, the apparatus
comprising: a drill pipe configured to be rotated to drill the
borehole; a tube under axial tension and secured in the drill pipe,
wherein the axial tension occurs at least with the drill pipe not
under axial tension; a connector sleeve sealed to an end of the
tube and configured to secure the tube under the axial tension to
the drill pipe and to provide a sealing surface for a connector to
seal to; and a transmission line configured to communicate the
signal disposed in the tube and having a length greater than the
length of the tube and extending past the connector sleeve.
2. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the transmission
line is elastic such that the transmission line is stretched in
order to have the length of the transmission line greater than the
length of the tube.
3. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the connector sleeve
comprises an outer diameter that is greater than an outer diameter
of the tube and is configured to contact the drill pipe to maintain
the tube in the axial tension.
4. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a signal
coupler configured to communicate a signal with another signal
coupler disposed in an adjacent drill pipe.
5. The apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the signal coupler
comprises (a) a connector configured to seal to the sealing surface
of the sleeve and (b) a signal conductor configured to communicate
with the transmission line.
6. The apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the connector
comprises an O-ring configured to seal against the sealing surface
of the connector sleeve.
7. The apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the sealing surface
is interior to the connector sleeve.
8. The apparatus according to claim 5, further comprising a signal
connector configured to connect the transmission line to the signal
conductor.
9. The apparatus according to claim 5, further comprising at least
one of a splice, weld, and solder connection configured to connect
the transmission line to the signal conductor.
10. The apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the signal coupler
is recessed in a mating surface of the drill pipe.
11. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the transmission
line comprises at least two electrical conductors.
12. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the transmission
line comprises an optical fiber.
13. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the connector
sleeve is sealed to the tube by at least one of a weld, an
adhesive, and a friction fit.
14. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the connector
sleeve defines an opening configured to receive the tube.
15. A method for building an apparatus for communicating a signal
downhole, the method comprising: selecting a drill pipe; placing a
tube in axial tension, wherein the axial tension occurs at least
with the drill pipe not under axial tension; securing the tube to
the drill pipe using a connector sleeve that is configured to
secure the tube under the axial tension to the drill pipe and to
provide a sealing surface for a connector to seal to; and disposing
a transmission line configured to communicate the signal into the
tube, the transmission line having a length greater than the length
of the tube and extending past the connector sleeve.
16. The method according to claim 15, further comprising connecting
a signal conductor in the connector to the transmission line using
a length of the transmission line that is in excess of the tube
length, wherein the signal conductor is coupled to a signal coupler
configured to communicate a signal with an adjacent signal coupler
disposed in an adjacent drill pipe.
17. The method according to claim 16, wherein connecting comprises
using a signal connector.
18. The method according to claim 16, wherein connecting comprises
as least one of soldering, welding and splicing.
19. The method according to claim 16, wherein the transmission line
is elastic and connecting the signal connector comprises extending
the elastic transmission line in excess of the tube length.
20. The method according to claim 19, further comprising retracting
the elastic transmission line into the tube using the elasticity of
the elastic transmission line.
21. The method according to claim 15, further comprising sealing
the connector to the connector sleeve with a fluid tight
connection.
22. The method according to claim 21, wherein sealing comprises
using an O-ring.
23. A method for communicating a signal downhole, the method
comprising: disposing a drill pipe in a borehole; and communicating
the signal downhole using a transmission line disposed in a tube
under axial tension in the drill pipe and configured to communicate
the signal, the axial tension occurring at least with the drill
pipe not under axial tension wherein a connector sleeve is secured
to an end portion of the tube and is configured to secure the tube
under the axial tension to the drill pipe and to provide a sealing
surface for a connector to seal to and the transmission line has a
length greater than the length of the tube and extending past the
connector sleeve.
Description
BACKGROUND
[0001] Geologic reservoirs may be used for various purposes such as
hydrocarbon production, geothermal production, or carbon dioxide
sequestration. These reservoirs are typically accessed by drilling
boreholes through the earth to the reservoirs.
[0002] A borehole is drilled using a drill bit that is rotated by
drill pipes coupled together in series and generally known as a
drill string. As the borehole is being drilled, several instruments
or tools disposed at the drill string may perform measurements that
may be used to monitor drilling operations or characterize the
earth formation being drilled. In order to provide these
measurements to an operator, processing system or controller
disposed at the surface of the earth in real time, these
measurements may be transmitted electrically via a transmission
line or cable disposed in the drill string. Because signals
carrying the measurement information must traverse all of the drill
pipes between the signal source and a receiver disposed at the
surface of the earth, signal couplers are installed at the ends of
the drill pipes. The signal couplers allow the signal to be
transmitted from one drill pipe to the adjacent drill pipe that is
connected to it. These couplers may be recessed into the drill pipe
making it difficult to connect them to a signal transmission line,
which is even further recessed in the drill pipe. Hence, apparatus
and method that improves the process of making those connections
would be well received in the drilling industry.
BRIEF SUMMARY
[0003] Disclosed is an apparatus for communicating a signal
downhole. The apparatus includes: a drill pipe configured to be
rotated to drill the borehole; a tube under axial tension and
secured in the drill pipe, wherein the axial tension occurs at
least with the drill pipe not under axial tension; a connector
sleeve sealed to an end of the tube and configured to secure the
tube under the axial tension to the drill pipe and to provide a
sealing surface for a connector to seal to; and a transmission line
configured to communicate the signal disposed in the tube and
having a length greater than the length of the tube and extending
past the connector sleeve.
[0004] Also disclosed is a method for building an apparatus for
communicating a signal downhole. The method includes: selecting a
drill pipe; placing a tube in axial tension, wherein the axial
tension occurs at least with the drill pipe not under axial
tension; securing the tube to the drill pipe using a connector
sleeve that is configured to secure the tube under the axial
tension to the drill pipe and to provide a sealing surface for a
connector to seal to; and disposing a transmission line configured
to communicate the signal into the tube, the transmission line
having a length greater than the length of the tube and extending
past the connector sleeve.
[0005] Further disclosed is a method for communicating a signal
downhole. The method includes: disposing a drill pipe in a
borehole; and communicating the signal downhole using a
transmission line disposed in a tube under axial tension in the
drill pipe and configured to communicate the signal, the axial
tension occurring at least with the drill pipe not under axial
tension wherein a connector sleeve is secured to an end portion of
the tube and is configured to secure the tube under the axial
tension to the drill pipe and to provide a sealing surface for a
connector to seal to and the transmission line has a length greater
than the length of the tube and extending past the connector
sleeve.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0006] The following descriptions should not be considered limiting
in any way. With reference to the accompanying drawings, like
elements are numbered alike:
[0007] FIG. 1 illustrates a cross-sectional view of an exemplary
embodiment of a drill string disposed in a borehole penetrating the
earth;
[0008] FIG. 2 depicts aspects of a protection tube and a connector
sleeve disposed in a box end of a drill pipe;
[0009] FIG. 3 depicts aspects of the protection tube disposed in
and stretched in a pin end of the drill pipe;
[0010] FIG. 4 depicts aspects of the protection tube and connector
sleeve disposed in the pin end of the drill pipe;
[0011] FIG. 5 depicts aspects of a signal conductor with signal
connector extending from the box end of the drill pipe;
[0012] FIG. 6 depicts aspects of a signal coupler connected to a
transmission line at the box end of the drill pipe using an
electrical connector;
[0013] FIG. 7 depicts aspects of a mechanical connection and a
signal connection made within the connector sleeve at the box end
of the drill pipe;
[0014] FIG. 8A depicts aspects of a made up signal connection
before the signal coupler is inserted into a connector sleeve and
FIG. 8B depicts aspects of the signal connection and signal coupler
inserted into the connector sleeve, FIGS. 8A and 8B may be
collectively referred to as FIG. 8;
[0015] FIG. 9 is a flow chart for a method for building an
apparatus for communicating a signal to or from a downhole tool;
and
[0016] FIG. 10 is flow chart for a method for communicating a
signal to or from a downhole tool.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0017] A detailed description of one or more embodiments of the
disclosed apparatus and method presented herein by way of
exemplification and not limitation with reference to the
figures.
[0018] Disclosed are apparatus and method making connections to a
signal transmission line disposed in a drill pipe. The transmission
line is disposed in a tube in the drill pipe. The tube protects the
transmission line from drilling fluid flowing in the interior of
the signal transmission line. The signal transmission line is made
purposely longer than the length of the tube. The length of the
transmission line in excess of the tube length is selected to
enable connection with a coupler that is configured to transmit
signals to or receive signals from an adjacent coupler in an
adjacent connected drill pipe. After the connection is made, the
excess length of the transmission line is stored in the tube.
[0019] FIG. 1 illustrates a cross-sectional view of an exemplary
embodiment of a drill string 9 disposed in a borehole 2 penetrating
the earth 3, which may include an earth formation 4. The drill
string 9 is made up of a series of drill pipes 8 that are coupled
together. In one or more embodiments, each drill pipe 8 has a box
end and a pin end where the box end of one drill pipe 8 is
configured to couple to the pin end of another drill pipe 8. A
drill bit 7 is disposed at the distal end of the drill string 9. A
drill rig 6 is configured to conduct drilling operations such as
rotating the drill string 9 and thus the drill bit 7 in order to
drill the borehole 2. In addition, the drill rig 6 is configured to
pump drilling fluid through the interior of the drill string 9 in
order to lubricate the drill bit 7 and flush cuttings from the
borehole 2. Downhole tools 10 are disposed at (i.e., in or on) the
drill string 9. The downhole tools 10 are configured to perform
measurements related to monitoring drilling operations and/or
characterizing the earth formation 4. Accordingly, the downhole
tools may include a sensor. The downhole tools 10 may also be
configured to perform mechanical actions such as retrieving a
formation fluid sample. Downhole electronics 11 are coupled to the
downhole tools 10. The downhole electronics 11 are configured to
operate the downhole tools 10, process measurement data obtained
downhole, and/or act as an interface with telemetry to communicate
data or commands between the downhole tools 10 and a computer
processing system 12 disposed at the surface of the earth 3. The
telemetry includes a transmission line 5 disposed in each drill
pipe 8. Electrical communication signals are communicated between
the drill pipes 8 using cooperative signal couplers that are
recessed at mating surfaces of adjoining drill pipes. System
operation and data processing operations may be performed by the
downhole electronics 11, the computer processing system 12, or a
combination thereof. The downhole tools 10 may be operated
continuously or at discrete selected depths in the borehole 2.
[0020] It can be appreciated that the transmission line 5 may be
configured to convey electrical signals or optical signals. To
convey electrical signals, the transmission line 5 may include two
or more electrical conductors, and the cooperative signal couplers
may be devices or antennas for electromagnetic communication
between two adjacent signal couplers. Non-limiting embodiments of
the transmission line 5 for communicating electrical signals
include a coaxial cable, a triaxial cable, a twisted pair cable, a
ribbon cable, and insulated conductors. To convey optical signals,
the transmission line 5 may include one or more optical fibers and
the cooperative signal couplers may be optical couplers having
optical mating surfaces recessed in the drill pipe mating
surfaces.
[0021] Reference may now be had to FIG. 2 depicting aspects of a
protection tube and a connector sleeve disposed in the box end of
the drill pipe 8 in a cross-sectional view. Illustrated on the left
side of FIG. 2 are a tube 20 and a connector sleeve 21 that is
secured to the tube 20. The right side of FIG. 2 illustrates the
tube 20 and the sleeve 21 being disposed within the box end of the
drill pipe 8. The tube 20 traverses the drill pipe 8 from the box
end to the pin end. The tube 20 is configured to contain the
transmission line 5. By containing the transmission line 5, the
tube 20 provides protection from the drilling fluid flowing within
the drill pipe 8 and limits the range of movement of the
transmission line 5 due to drill string vibration. By limiting the
range of movement, the tube 20 may prevent cracks or damage from
occurring in the transmission line 5 due to repetitive movement in
response to drill string vibrations. As illustrated in FIG. 2, a
recess 25 is in a mating surface in the box end of the drill pipe.
The recess 25 is configured to accept the corresponding cooperative
signal coupler so that the outer surface of the signal coupler is
flush to the end face.
[0022] Two tubes 20 each secured to a connector sleeve 21 are
illustrated in FIG. 2. It can be appreciated that two or more tubes
may be used to provide redundancy, multiple signal paths for
different types of signals or for one type of signal using one
conductor in each tube to form a signal path. Alternatively, one
tube may be used to contain one transmission line. For discussion
purposes one tube is discussed although the following figures may
illustrate two individual tubes and corresponding connector
sleeves.
[0023] As illustrated in FIG. 2, the tube 20 is disposed in a bore
22 in the box end. To the right of the bore 22, the tube 20
traverses the drill pipe 8 unsupported or unrestrained until the
tube 20 enters a bore at the pin end of the drill pipe 8. In an
installed configuration, the tube 20 is under axial tension (i.e.
having at least a vector component of axial tension), which can
improve the rigidity and resistance to flexing of the tube 20, as
well as abating any significant movement at the position of an
electrical connector during flexure and vibration of the drill
pipe. That is, the tube 20 is stretched a selected amount that is
within the elastic deformation range of the tube 20 and secured in
the drill pipe at each end using the connector sleeves. In one or
more embodiments, a first connector sleeve is secured to one end of
the tube and the tube is inserted into the bores of the drill
string for accepting the tube until the installed connector sleeve
engages the drill string such as at the box end. The outer diameter
on the connector sleeve is generally greater than the outer
diameter of the tube and the inner diameter of the bore 22 further
in the drill pipe. That is, the bore 22 may have a first diameter
further in the drill pipe to accommodate only the tube and a second
diameter greater than the first diameter towards the end of the
bore 22 to accommodate the connector sleeve surrounding the tube.
Hence, the connector sleeve will engage the outside of the bore 22
preventing further movement of this end of the tube. The tube is
then stretched beyond the end of a bore 32 at the pin end as
illustrated in FIG. 3 and a second connector sleeve is secured to
the end of the tube at this point. Once the connector sleeve is
attached at the pin end, the tube is released from stretching and
retracts into the bore 32 due to the elasticity of the tube until
the second connector sleeve engages the drill pipe as illustrated
in FIG. 4. With both connector sleeves engaged to the drill pipe,
the tube remains in axial tension. As illustrated in FIG. 4, there
is a recess 45 at the end face of the drill pipe at the pin end.
The recess 45 is configured to accept the corresponding cooperative
signal coupler so that the outer surface of the signal coupler is
flush to the end face.
[0024] It can be appreciated that increasing the amount of
stretching, but still being within the elastic deformation range,
may increase the amount of rigidity and resistance to flexing and,
thus, prevent damage from occurring in the tube 20. In addition, by
resisting flexing the tube 20 may be held firmly in place so as not
to interfere with tools that may be conveyed through the interior
or the drill string 9. It can be appreciated that increasing the
amount of stretching, but still being within the elastic
deformation range, may increase the natural resonant frequency of
the tube 20 such that the resonant frequency is turned or shifted
in a way to prevent damage during drill string vibration.
[0025] The tube 20 and the connector sleeve 21 are made from a high
strength material. The term "high strength" relates to the material
having a high enough strength to be resistant to deformation during
normal use. In one or more embodiments, the tube and the connector
sleeves are made from a metal alloy such as a high strength
stainless steel alloy. Alternatively, in one or more embodiments,
the tube is made from a composite material that has an elastic
deformation property. Similarly, the connector sleeves may also be
made of a composite material. The materials for the tube and
connector sleeves are selected to be compatible with a process for
securing the connector sleeves to the tube. In one or more
embodiments, the connector sleeve 21 surrounds the tube 20 where
the sleeve is secured to the tube resulting in the outer diameter
of the sleeve being greater than the outer diameter of the tube.
Non-limiting embodiments of the securing process include welding,
brazing, soldering, friction fitting, swaging, and applying an
adhesive. Swaging may be performed hydraulically or by use of a
ferrule. In one example of friction fitting, connector sleeves are
in a cryogenic condition that expands the inner diameter of these
devices. When allowed to heat up, the diameter of these devices
decreases to provide the friction fit. It can be appreciated that
any of these processes provides for a fluid tight seal that
prevents drilling fluid from entering the tube and interfering with
the transmission line.
[0026] FIG. 5 depicts aspects of the transmission line 5 extending
from the box end of the drill pipe in a three-dimensional view. The
length of the transmission line 5 is greater than the length of the
tube plus the additional length due to the two connector sleeves.
The length of the transmission line 5 extending from the connector
sleeve outwards is selected to be able to make up a signal
connection with a signal connector or lead from the signal coupler
at the box end. In one or more embodiments, the length extending
from the connector sleeve is at least the length from the connector
sleeve to the end face of the drill pipe at the box end. The end of
the transmission line 5 may have a signal connector 51 as shown for
connection to the signal coupler or the end of the transmission
line may be configured to be soldered, welded, or spliced to a
signal lead extending from the signal coupler (see FIG. 6 for
example).
[0027] FIG. 6 depicts aspects of a signal coupler 60 connected to
the transmission line 5 at the box end of the drill pipe using an
electrical connector 61 in a three-dimensional view. A first
portion of the electrical connector 61 is connected to the
transmission line 5 and a second portion of the electrical
connector 61 is in electrical communication with the signal coupler
60. The first portion is configured to be inserted into the second
portion to make an electrical connection. The transmission line 5
is illustrated in FIG. 6 with before final installation of the
transmission line and the signal coupler. The transmission line
extends past the end face of the box end of the drill pipe to
provide sufficient length or slack for making the electrical
connection before the signal coupler is inserted into the recess 25
and the excess length or slack of the transmission line is inserted
into the tube.
[0028] FIG. 7 depicts aspects of a mechanical connection made
between the signal coupler and the connector sleeve at the box end
of the drill pipe in a cross-sectional view. The signal coupler 60
includes a mechanical connector 70 configured to be inserted into
the connector sleeve 21 and seal against an inner sealing surface
in the connector sleeve 21. The mechanical connector 70 includes
three O-rings 71 that form a compression seal. It can be
appreciated that while only one O-ring 71 is required to form a
seal, the other two O-rings provide redundant seals in case one of
the O-rings fail. The O-rings 71 are made of a suitable
compressible material such as rubber or a fluoroelastomer that is
specified to survive in the downhole environment, which can include
high temperatures approaching or exceeding 200.degree. C. and
exposure to the drilling fluid.
[0029] As the signal coupler 60 is being inserted into the recess
25, the excess length or slack of the transmission line 5 is
inserted into the tube 20. In one or more embodiments, the
transmission line 5 rests free or has freedom of movement within
the tube 20 in order to enable each end of the transmission line to
be extended from either end of the tube so that signal coupler
connections can be made. Another advantage of having the
transmission line 5 rest free in the tube 20 is that the line in
the tube can be displaced in order to make room for the slack that
is being inserted into the tube as the signal coupler is being
inserted into the corresponding recess. In one or more embodiments,
the transmission line 5 includes a signal transmission medium
(e.g., electrical conductors) that is wrapped around or woven
through an elastic material such that the transmission line can be
pulled to extend its length beyond the length of the tube and when
released the transmission line will retract into the tube. In one
or more embodiments, the transmission line 5 is a stretchable
elastic electrical cord such one referred to as Roboden and
available from Asahi Kasel Fibers of Japan.
[0030] FIG. 8 depicts aspects of a mechanical connection and a
signal connection made at the pin end of the drill pipe. FIG. 8A
illustrates a made up signal connection 80 before the signal
coupler 60 is inserted into the recess 45 at the box end of the
drill pipe. FIG. 8B illustrates the signal coupler 60 inserted into
the connector sleeve 21 with the mechanical connector 70 sealing to
the interior sealing surface of the connector sleeve 21. It can be
seen that with the signal coupler 60 inserted the outer surface of
the signal coupler is flush or recessed to the end face of the
drill pipe at the pin end.
[0031] It can be appreciated that minimum additional tube
stretching is required to attach one of the connector sleeves
before the tube 20 is allowed to retract into the drill pipe 8. For
example, with a drill pipe that is 30 feet long, only about two
inches or 0.5% additional stretch is required to attach one of the
devices using other methods to secure without the necessity of
direct access like described above and would further limit the
required stretch.
[0032] While the tube 20 is illustrated as being straight from the
box end to the pin end of the drill pipe 8, it can be appreciated
that the tube can be deviated. The tube may be deviated using
restraining devices (not shown) that are configured to restrain the
tube radially and yet allow the axial tension to be conveyed
axially. Alternatively, the bores in the drill pipe for accepting
the tube may be deviated with respect to the center line of the
drill pipe.
[0033] FIG. 9 is a flow chart for a method 90 for building an
apparatus for communicating a signal to or from a downhole tool.
Block 91 calls for selecting a drill pipe. Block 92 calls for
placing a tube is axial tension. Block 93 calls for securing the
tube to the drill pipe using a connector sleeve that is configured
secure the tube under the axial tension to the drill pipe and to
provide a sealing surface for a connector to seal to. In one or
more embodiments, after one end of the tube is secured to the drill
pipe using the first connector sleeve, the other tube end is
stretched using a gripper device having a plier-like gripper that
grips the inside and outside of the end of the tube. After the tube
is stretched, a circumferential gripper grips the circumference of
the tube closer to the edge of the drill pipe and the gripper
device is released exposing the end so that the second connector
sleeve may be secured to that end. When the circumferential gripper
is released, the tube will retract back into the drill pipe until
the second connector sleeve engages the drill pipe keeping the tube
is axial tension. The amount of axial tension is such that the
axial tension is maintained even when the drill pipe is not under
axial tension or is under axial compression or bending. Block 94
calls for disposing a transmission line into the tube. The
transmission line is configured to communicate a signal to or from
the downhole tool and has a length that is greater than the length
of the tube and is able to extend past each of the connector
sleeves.
[0034] FIG. 10 is a flow chart for a method 100 for communicating a
signal to or from a downhole tool. Block 101 calls for disposing a
drill pipe in a borehole. Block 102 calls for communicating the
signal downhole using a transmission line disposed in a tube under
axial tension in the drill pipe wherein the axial tension occurs at
least with the drill pipe not under axial tension. A connector
sleeve is secured to an end portion of the tube and is configured
to secure the tube under the axial tension to the drill pipe and to
provide a sealing surface for a connector to seal to. The
transmission line has a length that is greater than the length of
the tube and extends past the connector sleeve. The method 100 may
also include transmitting the signal between each of the drill
pipes in the drill string using cooperative signal couplers.
[0035] The above disclosed techniques provide several advantages.
One advantage is that having the tube under axial tension provides
greater rigidity and therefore greater resistance to flexing due to
drill string vibration. Another advantage to having the tube
disposed in each drill pipe is to protect the transmission line
from the flow of drilling fluid internal to the drill pipes.
[0036] In support of the teachings herein, various analysis
components may be used, including a digital and/or an analog
system. For example, the downhole tools 10, the downhole
electronics 11, or the computer processing system 12 may include
digital and/or analog systems. The system may have components such
as a processor, storage media, memory, input, output,
communications link (wired or optical or other), user interfaces,
software programs, signal processors (digital or analog) and other
such components (such as resistors, capacitors, inductors and
others) to provide for operation and analyses of the apparatus and
methods disclosed herein in any of several manners well-appreciated
in the art. It is considered that these teachings may be, but need
not be, implemented in conjunction with a set of computer
executable instructions stored on a non-transitory computer
readable medium, including memory (ROMs, RAMs), optical (CD-ROMs),
or magnetic (disks, hard drives), or any other type that when
executed causes a computer to implement the method of the present
invention. These instructions may provide for equipment operation,
control, data collection and analysis and other functions deemed
relevant by a system designer, owner, user or other such personnel,
in addition to the functions described in this disclosure.
[0037] Further, various other components may be included and called
upon for providing for aspects of the teachings herein. For
example, a power supply (e.g., at least one of a generator, a
remote supply and a battery), magnet, electromagnet, sensor,
electrode, transmitter, receiver, transceiver, antenna, controller,
optical unit, connector, splice, electrical unit or
electromechanical unit may be included in support of the various
aspects discussed herein or in support of other functions beyond
this disclosure.
[0038] Elements of the embodiments have been introduced with either
the articles "a" or "an." The articles are intended to mean that
there are one or more of the elements. The terms "including" and
"having" and the like are intended to be inclusive such that there
may be additional elements other than the elements listed. The
conjunction "or" when used with a list of at least two terms is
intended to mean any term or combination of terms. The terms
"first," "second" and the like do not denote a particular order,
but are used to distinguish different elements.
[0039] The flow diagrams depicted herein are just examples. There
may be many variations to these diagrams or the steps (or
operations) described therein without departing from the spirit of
the invention. For instance, the steps may be performed in a
differing order, or steps may be added, deleted or modified. All of
these variations are considered a part of the claimed
invention.
[0040] While one or more embodiments have been shown and described,
modifications and substitutions may be made thereto without
departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly,
it is to be understood that the present invention has been
described by way of illustrations and not limitation.
[0041] It will be recognized that the various components or
technologies may provide certain necessary or beneficial
functionality or features. Accordingly, these functions and
features as may be needed in support of the appended claims and
variations thereof, are recognized as being inherently included as
a part of the teachings herein and a part of the invention
disclosed.
[0042] While the invention has been described with reference to
exemplary embodiments, it will be understood that various changes
may be made and equivalents may be substituted for elements thereof
without departing from the scope of the invention. In addition,
many modifications will be appreciated to adapt a particular
instrument, situation or material to the teachings of the invention
without departing from the essential scope thereof. Therefore, it
is intended that the invention not be limited to the particular
embodiment disclosed as the best mode contemplated for carrying out
this invention, but that the invention will include all embodiments
falling within the scope of the appended claims.
* * * * *