U.S. patent application number 14/591001 was filed with the patent office on 2016-07-07 for energy storage drill pipe.
The applicant listed for this patent is Schlumberger Technology Corporation. Invention is credited to Rogerio Tadeu Ramos.
Application Number | 20160194922 14/591001 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 56286222 |
Filed Date | 2016-07-07 |
United States Patent
Application |
20160194922 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Ramos; Rogerio Tadeu |
July 7, 2016 |
Energy Storage Drill Pipe
Abstract
Aspects of the disclosure can relate to a bottom hole assembly
that can include a pipe (e.g., a drill collar) having a pipe wall
with an external surface and an internal surface and defining a
longitudinal passage. The bottom hole assembly can also include an
energy storage device in the pipe wall between the external surface
and the internal surface. The bottom hole assembly can further
include a second device to connect to the pipe. The bottom hole
assembly can also include a connector for connecting the energy
storage device to the second device. The connector can facilitate
energy transfer between the energy storage device and the second
device.
Inventors: |
Ramos; Rogerio Tadeu;
(Eastleigh, GB) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Schlumberger Technology Corporation |
Sugar land |
TX |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
56286222 |
Appl. No.: |
14/591001 |
Filed: |
January 7, 2015 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
166/380 ;
166/242.6 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E21B 17/028
20130101 |
International
Class: |
E21B 17/00 20060101
E21B017/00; E21B 17/02 20060101 E21B017/02 |
Claims
1. A bottom hole assembly comprising: a pipe comprising a pipe wall
having an external surface and an internal surface and defining a
longitudinal passage therethrough; an energy storage device
disposed in the pipe wall between the external surface and the
internal surface and extending from a first end of the pipe wall; a
second device to connect to the pipe; and a connector for
connecting the energy storage device to the second device, wherein
the connector facilitates energy transfer between the energy
storage device and the second device.
2. The bottom hole assembly as recited in claim 1, wherein the pipe
comprises a drill collar.
3. The bottom hole assembly as recited in claim 1, wherein the
second device comprises at least one of a powered device or a
second pipe.
4. The bottom hole assembly as recited in claim 1, wherein the
energy storage device comprises at least one of a battery, a
capacitor, a super-capacitor, compressed gas, or a biasing
member.
5. The bottom hole assembly as recited in claim 1, wherein the pipe
wall defines an annular cavity for the energy storage device.
6. The bottom hole assembly as recited in claim 1, wherein the pipe
wall defines a longitudinal cavity for the energy storage
device.
7. The bottom hole assembly as recited in claim 1, wherein the pipe
wall is formed using a first pipe disposed within a second
pipe.
8. A pipe comprising: a pipe wall having an external surface and an
internal surface and defining a longitudinal passage therethrough;
an energy storage device disposed in the pipe wall between the
external surface and the internal surface; and a connector for
connecting the energy storage device to a second device, wherein
the connector facilitates energy transfer between the energy
storage device and the second device.
9. The pipe as recited in claim 8, wherein the pipe comprises at
least one of a drill pipe for coupling with a bottom hole assembly,
a drill collar for a bottom hole assembly, a testing string pipe,
or a completion pipe.
10. The pipe as recited in claim 8, wherein the second device
comprises at least one of a powered device or a second pipe.
11. The pipe as recited in claim 8, wherein the energy storage
device comprises at least one of a battery, a capacitor, a
super-capacitor, compressed gas, or a biasing member.
12. The pipe as recited in claim 8, wherein the pipe wall defines
an annular cavity for the energy storage device.
13. The pipe as recited in claim 8, wherein the pipe wall defines a
longitudinal cavity for the energy storage device.
14. The pipe as recited in claim 8, wherein the pipe wall is formed
using a first pipe disposed within a second pipe.
15. A method comprising: forming a pipe wall having an external
surface and an internal surface and defining a longitudinal passage
therethrough; positioning an energy storage device in the pipe wall
between the external surface and the internal surface; and forming
a connector for connecting the energy storage device to a second
device, wherein the connector facilitates energy transfer between
the energy storage device and the second device.
16. The method as recited in claim 15, wherein the pipe comprises
at least one of a drill pipe for coupling with a bottom hole
assembly, a drill collar for a bottom hole assembly, a testing
string pipe, or a completion pipe.
17. The method as recited in claim 15, wherein the second device
comprises at least one of a powered device or a second pipe.
18. The method as recited in claim 15, wherein the energy storage
device comprises at least one of a battery, a capacitor, a
super-capacitor, compressed gas, or a biasing member.
19. The method as recited in claim 15, wherein forming the pipe
wall comprises forming an annular cavity within the pipe wall for
the energy storage device.
20. The method as recited in claim 15, wherein forming the pipe
wall comprises forming a longitudinal cavity within the pipe wall
for the energy storage device.
Description
BACKGROUND
[0001] Oil wells are created by drilling a hole into the earth, in
some cases using a drilling rig that rotates a drill string (e.g.,
drill pipe) having a drill bit attached thereto. In other cases,
the drilling rig does not rotate the drill bit. For example, the
drill bit can be rotated down-hole. The drill bit, aided by the
weight of pipes (e.g., drill collars) cuts into rock within the
earth. Drilling fluid (e.g., mud) is pumped into the drill pipe and
exits at the drill bit. The drilling fluid may be used to cool the
bit, lift rock cuttings to the surface, at least partially prevent
destabilization of the rock in the wellbore, and/or at least
partially overcome the pressure of fluids inside the rock so that
the fluids do not enter the wellbore. Other equipment can also be
used for evaluating formations, fluids, production, other
operations, and so forth.
SUMMARY
[0002] Aspects of the disclosure can relate to a bottom hole
assembly that includes a pipe having a pipe wall with an external
surface and an internal surface and defining a longitudinal passage
therethrough. The bottom hole assembly also includes an energy
storage device in the pipe wall between the external surface and
the internal surface and extending from a first end of the pipe
wall. The bottom hole assembly further includes a second device to
connect to the pipe. The bottom hole assembly also includes a
connector for connecting the energy storage device to the second
device. The connector facilitates energy transfer between the
energy storage device and the second device.
[0003] Other aspects of the disclosure can relate to a pipe that
includes a pipe wall having an external surface and an internal
surface and defining a longitudinal passage therethrough. The pipe
also includes an energy storage device in the pipe wall between the
external surface and the internal surface. The pipe further
includes a connector for connecting the energy storage device to a
second device, wherein the connector facilitates energy transfer
between the energy storage device and the second device.
[0004] Also, aspects of the disclosure can relate to a method
including forming a pipe wall having an external surface and an
internal surface and defining a longitudinal passage therethrough.
The method also includes positioning an energy storage device in
the pipe wall between the external surface and the internal
surface. The method further includes forming a connector for
connecting the energy storage device to a second device. The
connector facilitates energy transfer between the energy storage
device and the second device.
[0005] This summary is provided to introduce a selection of
concepts that are further described below in the detailed
description. This summary is not intended to identify key or
essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it
intended to be used as an aid in limiting the scope of the claimed
subject matter.
FIGURES
[0006] Embodiments of energy storage drill pipe are described with
reference to the following figures. The same numbers are used
throughout the figures to reference like features and
components.
[0007] FIG. 1 illustrates an example system in which embodiments of
energy storage pipe can be implemented;
[0008] FIG. 2 illustrates an example energy storage pipe in
accordance with one or more embodiments;
[0009] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional side view of an example energy
storage pipe, such as the energy storage pipe illustrated in FIG.
2, in accordance with one or more embodiments;
[0010] FIG. 4 illustrates another example energy storage pipe in
accordance with one or more embodiments;
[0011] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional side view of an example energy
storage pipe, such as the energy storage pipe illustrated in FIG.
4, in accordance with one or more embodiments;
[0012] FIG. 6 illustrates a further example energy storage pipe in
accordance with one or more embodiments;
[0013] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional side view of an example energy
storage pipe, such as the energy storage pipe illustrated in FIG.
6, in accordance with one or more embodiments;
[0014] FIG. 8 illustrates an example energy storage pipe in
accordance with one or more embodiments;
[0015] FIG. 9 is a block diagram illustrating an example energy
storage pipe in accordance with one or more embodiments;
[0016] FIG. 10 is a block diagram illustrating a connector for an
energy storage pipe, such as the energy storage pipe illustrated in
FIG. 9, in accordance with one or more embodiments;
[0017] FIG. 11 is a block diagram illustrating an energy storage
device for an energy storage pipe, such as the energy storage pipe
illustrated in FIG. 9, in accordance with one or more
embodiments;
[0018] FIG. 12 illustrates an example method of forming an energy
storage pipe in accordance with one or more embodiments; and
[0019] FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional end view of an example energy
storage pipe, such as the energy storage pipe illustrated in FIG.
8, in accordance with one or more embodiments.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0020] FIG. 1 depicts a wellsite system 100 in accordance with one
or more embodiments of the present disclosure. The wellsite can be
onshore or offshore. A borehole 102 is formed in subsurface
formations by directional drilling. A drill string 104 extends from
a drill rig 106 and is suspended within the borehole 102. In some
embodiments, the wellsite system 100 implements directional
drilling using a rotary steerable system (RSS). For instance, the
drill string 104 is rotated from the surface, and down-hole devices
move the end of the drill string 104 in a desired direction. The
drill rig 106 includes a platform and derrick assembly positioned
over the borehole 102. In some embodiments, the drill rig 106
includes a rotary table 108, kelly 110, hook 112, rotary swivel
114, and so forth. For example, the drill string 104 is rotated by
the rotary table 108, which engages the kelly 110 at the upper end
of the drill string 104. The drill string 104 is suspended from the
hook 112 using the rotary swivel 114, which permits rotation of the
drill string 104 relative to the hook 112. However, this
configuration is provided by way of example and is not meant to
limit the present disclosure. For instance, in other embodiments a
top drive system is used.
[0021] As described herein, drilling applications are provided by
way of example and are not meant to limit the present disclosure.
In other embodiments, systems, techniques, and apparatus as
described herein can be used with other down-hole operations, such
as with equipment for applications including, but not necessarily
limited to: well testing, simulation, completion, and so forth.
[0022] In embodiments of the disclosure, the drill string 104
includes a number of drill pipes 120 that extend the bottom hole
assembly 116 into subterranean formations. Drilling fluid (e.g.,
mud) 122 is stored in a tank and/or a pit 124 formed at the
wellsite. The drilling fluid can be water-based, oil-based, and so
on. A pump 126 displaces the drilling fluid 122 to an interior
passage of the drill string 104 via, for example, a port in the
rotary swivel 114, causing the drilling fluid 122 to flow
downwardly through the drill string 104 as indicated by directional
arrow 128. The drilling fluid 122 exits the drill string 104 via
ports (e.g., courses, nozzles) in the drill bit 118, and then
circulates upwardly through the annulus region between the outside
of the drill string 104 and the wall of the borehole 102, as
indicated by directional arrows 130. In this manner, the drilling
fluid 122 cools and lubricates the drill bit 118 and carries drill
cuttings generated by the drill bit 118 up to the surface (e.g., as
the drilling fluid 122 is returned to the pit 124 for
recirculation).
[0023] In some embodiments, the bottom hole assembly 116 includes a
logging-while-drilling (LWD) module 132, a measuring-while-drilling
(MWD) module 134, a rotary steerable system 136, a motor, and so
forth (e.g., in addition to the drill bit 118). The
logging-while-drilling module 132 can be housed in a drill collar
and can contain one or a number of logging tools. It should also be
noted that more than one LWD module and/or MWD module can be
employed (e.g. as represented by another logging-while-drilling
module 138). In embodiments of the disclosure, the logging-while
drilling modules 132 and/or 138 include capabilities for measuring,
processing, and storing information, as well as for communicating
with surface equipment, and so forth.
[0024] The measuring-while-drilling module 134 can also be housed
in a drill collar, and can contain one or more devices for
measuring characteristics of the drill string 104 and drill bit
118. The measuring-while-drilling module 134 can also include
components for generating electrical power for the down-hole
equipment. This can include a mud turbine generator (also referred
to as a "mud motor") powered by the flow of the drilling fluid 122.
However, this configuration is provided by way of example and is
not meant to limit the present disclosure. In other embodiments,
other power and/or battery systems can be employed. The
measuring-while-drilling module 134 can include one or more of the
following measuring devices: a weight-on-bit measuring device, a
torque measuring device, a vibration measuring device, a shock
measuring device, a stick slip measuring device, a direction
measuring device, an inclination measuring device, and so on.
[0025] In embodiments of the disclosure, the wellsite system 100 is
used with controlled steering or directional drilling. For example,
the rotary steerable system 136 is used for directional drilling.
As used herein, the term "directional drilling" describes
intentional deviation of the wellbore from the path it would
naturally take. Thus, directional drilling refers to steering the
drill string 104 so that it travels in a desired direction. In some
embodiments, directional drilling is used for offshore drilling
(e.g., where multiple wells are drilled from a single platform). In
other embodiments, directional drilling enables horizontal drilling
through a reservoir, which enables a longer length of the wellbore
to traverse the reservoir, increasing the production rate from the
well. Further, directional drilling may be used in vertical
drilling operations. For example, the drill bit 118 may veer off of
a planned drilling trajectory because of the unpredictable nature
of the formations being penetrated or the varying forces that the
drill bit 118 experiences. When such deviation occurs, the wellsite
system 100 may be used to guide the drill bit 118 back on
course.
[0026] FIGS. 2 through 9 depict pipes 200 that can be used with,
for example, a wellsite system (e.g., the wellsite system 100
described with reference to FIG. 1). For instance, one or more
pipes 200 can be used with a bottom hole assembly suspended at the
end of a drill string (e.g., in the manner of the bottom hole
assembly 116 suspended from the drill string 104 depicted in FIG.
1). For example, a pipe 200 can be used as a drill collar. In some
embodiments, a bottom hole assembly is implemented using a drill
bit. However, this configuration is provided by way of example and
is not meant to limit the present disclosure. In other embodiments,
different working implement configurations are used. Additionally,
one or more pipes 200 can be used to suspend a bottom hole assembly
at the end of a drill string (e.g., in the manner of drill pipe 120
for the drill string 104 depicted in FIG. 1). Pipes 200 can also be
used as testing string pipe, completion pipe, and so forth. It
should also be noted that pipes 200 in accordance with the present
disclosure are not limited to wellsite systems described herein.
Pipes 200 can be used in other various applications, including but
not necessarily limited to: cutting and/or crushing applications,
testing applications, simulation applications, measurement
applications, and so forth.
[0027] Modern oil and gas exploration increasingly uses electronic
devices in the borehole to provide measurements, and for control
and operational optimization. When operating electronics as part of
a drill string and/or other down-hole equipment and/or strings
(e.g., for well testing, well simulation, well monitoring,
formation evaluation, etc.), available power in the borehole may be
limited near a bottom hole assembly. In some cases, electrical
power can be generated by turbines while fluids are pumped into
and/or out of a well, but this technique may not be efficient when
there is little or no movement of fluids. Batteries can also be
installed in electronic equipment to provide electrical power in a
borehole, but batteries have a finite energy storage capacity,
which limits the amount of time the equipment can be operated. In
some cases, larger batteries may be used, but the amount of space
available in the borehole is also finite, limiting the size of such
batteries. In other cases, higher power density batteries may be
used, but such batteries may be more prone to failure (e.g., in the
high temperature operating conditions present down-hole).
[0028] Systems and techniques described herein can be used to
increase the volume available for batteries and/or other energy
storage devices (e.g., with respect to batteries and/or energy
storage devices that can be deployed within a borehole). For
instance, a pipe 200 includes a pipe wall 202 having an external
surface 204 and an internal surface 206, where the pipe 200 defines
a longitudinal passage 208, e.g., within the pipe 200 and proximate
to the internal surface 206. As describe herein, the volume
available for energy storage devices 210 (e.g., batteries) within
the pipe 200 can be extended by positioning one or more energy
storage devices 210 longitudinally within the pipe wall 202 between
the external surface 204 and the internal surface 206 (e.g.,
axially with respect to, for example, a borehole). In this manner,
pipes used to perform other functions, such as drill pipe, drill
collar, and so forth, can also be used to store energy. Thus, using
the systems, techniques, and apparatus of the present disclosure, a
larger volume can be provided to store energy within a borehole,
and constrictions on energy density can be lessened. However, it
should be noted that although energy storage devices are described
herein with some specificity, such energy storage devices are
provided by way of example and are not meant to limit the present
disclosure. Thus, in other embodiments, different down-hole
equipment can be positioned within the pipe 200, including, but not
necessarily limited to: electronics, sensors, gauges, and so forth.
In embodiments of the disclosure, these devices can be positioned
within the pipe wall 202 between the external surface 204 and the
internal surface 206 (e.g., in addition to the one or more energy
storage devices 210 or in place of the one or more energy storage
devices 210).
[0029] In some embodiments, the pipe 200 is implemented as a drill
collar or another component of a drill string that provides weight
on a drill bit for drilling. For example, a pipe 200 can be a
thick-walled tubular piece machined from a solid bar of steel
(e.g., plain carbon steel, a nonmagnetic nickel-copper alloy,
another nonmagnetic alloy, and so on). The bar of steel can be
drilled from end to end to form a longitudinal passage 208 for
pumping drilling fluid through the pipe 200. In some embodiments,
the external surface 204 of the pipe 200 may be machined for
roundness and/or may be machined with helical grooves (spiral
collars). Then, threaded connections (e.g., a male connection on
one end and a female connection on the other end) can be cut so
that multiple collars can be screwed together along with other
down-hole tools to form a bottom hole assembly. For example, with
reference to FIG. 9, one or more pipes 200 can be suspended from a
pipe 212. When deployed, gravity can act on the large mass of a
pipe 200 to provide downward force for drill bits to efficiently
break rock. However, a drill collar is provided by way of example
and is not meant to limit the present disclosure. As previously
described, a pipe 200 can also be used as a drill pipe, a testing
string pipe, a completion pipe, and so forth.
[0030] Referring to FIGS. 2, 3, and 8 through 10, a pipe 200
includes one or more connectors 214 (e.g., electrical contacts) for
connecting an energy storage device 210 to another device, such as
additional pipes 200-2, one or more powered devices 216 of a bottom
hole assembly, and so forth. For example, in some embodiments, a
pipe 200 includes a connector 214 at one end of the pipe 200. In
other embodiments, a pipe 200 includes two connectors 214 (e.g., at
opposite ends of the pipe 200). However, two connectors 214 are
provided by way of example and are not meant to limit the present
disclosure. In other embodiments, a pipe 200 can have more than two
connectors (e.g., three connectors, four connectors, and so forth).
In some embodiments, a pipe 200 includes multiple connectors 214 at
a single end of the pipe 200. In other embodiments, a pipe 200
includes multiple connectors 214 at both ends of the pipe 200. When
multiple connectors 214 are used, each connector 214 can be
connected to a separate energy storage device 210. Further,
multiple energy storage devices 210 can be connected to a single
connector 214 and/or multiple connectors 214 can be connected to a
single energy storage device 210. Still further, multiple energy
storage devices 210 can be connected to one another (e.g., in
series and/or parallel), e.g., using connectors 214 and/or other
connectors. In some embodiments, a feed-through connector 214 is
coupled with an energy storage device 210 using another connector
215 (e.g., as shown in FIG. 8).
[0031] The connectors 214 facilitate energy transfer between energy
storage devices 210 and other devices and/or energy storage devices
210. With reference to FIG. 10, a connector 214 can be an inductor
218 used to establish an inductive connection between an energy
storage device 210 and a pipe 200-2, a powered device 216, another
energy storage device 210, and so forth. However, inductive
coupling is provided by way of example and is not meant to limit
the present disclosure. In other embodiments, a connector 214 can
be an exposed electrical contact 220. In further embodiments, a
connector 214 can be an electrical contact 220 that can be covered
by a biased cover (e.g., a spring-loaded sleeve), where the
electrical contact 220 is exposed when the pipe 200 contacts a pipe
200-2, a powered device 216, and so on. As described herein, a
powered device 216 can comprise a bottom hole assembly tool (e.g.,
a drill bit, a sensor, a measuring device, a rotary steerable
system, a motor, etc.) suspended from a drill string. For example,
the powered device 216 includes electronic equipment configured to
measure and/or control the rate and/or direction of the drill
string, such as sensors to sense formation types, sensors to
prevent kick (out of control behavior), and so forth. However, a
bottom hole assembly tool is provided by way of example and is not
meant to limit the present disclosure. For example, in other
embodiments, the tool can comprise a sub suspended from a drill
string.
[0032] In the case of an inductor 218, a system can include an
energy storage device 210 coupled with a primary inductor 218. The
system can also include a pipe 200-2, a powered device 216, a sub,
and/or another energy storage device 210 comprising a secondary
inductor for connecting the energy storage device 210 when an
inductive connection is established between the primary inductor
218 and the secondary inductor. Once the inductive connection is
established, energy can be transferred between the energy storage
device 210 and the pipe 200-2, the powered device 216, the sub,
and/or another energy storage device 210. For example, one or more
energy storage devices 210 can be used to power a powered device
216. In some embodiments, an energy storage device 210 can be
chargeable (e.g., rechargeable) by a pipe 200-2, a powered device
216, a sub, and/or another energy storage device 210 when an
inductive connection is established between a primary inductor and
a secondary inductor. For instance, the pipe 200 can comprise
another inductor (e.g., a secondary inductor) for receiving energy
from another pipe 200-2, where the additional pipe 200-2 also
includes a primary inductor for connecting the pipe 200-2 to the
pipe 200 (e.g., when an inductive connection is established between
the primary inductor of the pipe 200-2 and the secondary inductor
of the pipe 200). In this manner, energy can be transferred between
the pipe 200-2 and the pipe 200 and/or a sub or a powered device
216. A pipe 200-2 can be used to charge (e.g., recharge) one or
more energy storage devices 210 of the pipe 200, furnish energy to
a sub and/or a powered device 216 along with the pipe 200 (e.g., in
series with the pipe 200, in parallel with the pipe 200, and so
on), directly furnish energy to a sub and/or a powered device 216
(e.g., bypassing the pipe 200), and so forth.
[0033] Referring now to FIG. 11, in some embodiments, an energy
storage device 210 is implemented as a battery 222 (e.g., one or
more battery cells of a primary battery and/or one or more battery
cells of a secondary battery, etc.) that provides current, such as
direct current (DC). However, a battery 222 is provided by way of
example and is not meant to limit the present disclosure. For
example, in some embodiments, the energy storage device 210
comprises a capacitor 224, a super-capacitor 226, and so on. To
supply an induction connector with alternating current (AC) (e.g.,
to induce current through an inductor on the other side of the
connector), an alternator (e.g., configured as a DC/AC converter)
can be used. The current induction can function in a similar manner
as in an electrical transformer, transferring energy from one
inductor to another. In some embodiments, energy to a powered
device 216 (e.g., a down-hole tool) is supplied in a DC format to
power electronics. In such cases, a rectifier (e.g., an AC/DC
converter) can be used on the powered device side of the
connector.
[0034] To avoid unnecessary discharge of a battery 222 during
transportation and/or storage, a switch can be used to keep the
battery 222 or another energy storage device 210 disconnected from
the rest of the system when not in use. In some embodiments, an
activation solenoid can be used to activate one or more switches to
connect to an energy storage device 210. In this example, the same
inductive connector can be used to activate such a switch. In some
embodiments, a bi-stable switch can be used. In other embodiments,
an energy storage device 210 can be used to store mechanical
energy. For example, an energy storage device 210 is implemented as
a storage device that employs compressed gas 228, a biasing member
230 (e.g., a spring), and so forth. Then, once a connection is
established between the energy storage device 210 and a pipe 200-2,
a powered device 216, a sub, and/or another energy storage device
210, mechanical energy can be transferred between the devices.
[0035] In some embodiments, the pipe wall 202 defines an annular
cavity for the energy storage device 210. For example, with
reference to FIG. 3, a first (inner) pipe (e.g., sub-pipe 232) can
be inserted into a second (outer) pipe (e.g., sub-pipe 234) to form
a pipe 200 defining an annular cavity between the sub-pipe 232 and
the sub-pipe 234. In this example, the interior surface of the
sub-pipe 232 forms the interior surface 206 of the pipe 200, and
the exterior surface of the sub-pipe 234 forms the exterior surface
204 of the pipe 200. In this configuration, the energy storage
device 210 can be an annular device disposed between the sub-pipe
232 and the sub-pipe 234. In some embodiments, a seal member 236
can be used to contain one or more energy storage devices 210
(e.g., between inner and outer pipes), to prevent fluids from
penetrating into and/or out of the pipe wall 202, and so forth. In
embodiments employing connectors 214, one or more connectors 214
can extend through the seal member 236.
[0036] Referring now to FIGS. 4 through 8, and 13 a pipe wall 202
can define one or more longitudinal cavities for an energy storage
device 210. For instance, holes 238 can be extended (e.g., drilled,
machined) into the pipe wall 202 (e.g., with reference to FIGS. 4
and 5). With reference to FIGS. 6 through 8, a first (inner) pipe
(e.g., sub-pipe 240) can be inserted into a second (outer) pipe
(e.g., sub-pipe 242) to form a pipe 200 defining longitudinal
cavities (e.g., holes 238) between the sub-pipe 240 and the
sub-pipe 242. In this example, the interior surface of the sub-pipe
240 forms the interior surface 206 of the pipe 200, and the
exterior surface of the sub-pipe 242 forms the exterior surface 204
of the pipe 200. Further, the exterior surface of the sub-pipe 240
and/or the interior surface of the sub-pipe 242 can be machined
(e.g., grooved) to form the holes 238. For example, with reference
to FIG. 7, the exterior surface of the sub-pipe 240 and the
interior surface of the sub-pipe 242 can be grooved to form holes
238. With reference to FIGS. 8 and 13, the exterior surface of the
sub-pipe 240 can be grooved to form holes 238. In these
configurations, an energy storage device 210 can be a longitudinal
device (e.g., having a generally circular cross-section) disposed
between the sub-pipe 240 and the sub-pipe 242.
[0037] In some embodiments, a seal member can be used to contain
one or more energy storage devices 210 (e.g., between inner and
outer pipes). In embodiments employing connectors 214, one or more
connectors 214 can extend through the seal members (e.g., as
previously described with reference to FIG. 3). It should also be
noted that in embodiments employing multiple sub-pipes (e.g.,
sub-pipe 232 and sub-pipe 234 and/or sub-pipe 240 and sub-pipe
2420), additional features can be machined into the sub-pipes to
locate the holes 238, prevent slipping and/or rotation of sub-pipes
with respect to one another, and so forth. Further, while generally
circular holes 238 are illustrated in the accompanying figures,
this configuration is provide by way of example and is not meant to
limit the present disclosure. Thus, in other embodiments,
differently shaped cavities (e.g., having rectangular
cross-sections, hexagonal cross-sections, octagonal cross-sections,
and so forth) can be used. It should also be noted that
cross-sectional areas, shapes, dimensions and so forth, can be
selected to maintain the structural integrity of the pipe 200.
Further, in some embodiments, the pipe 200 can be strengthened to
compensate for the presence of one or more cavities within the pipe
wall 202. For example, the diameter of the pipe 200 can be
increased and/or the pipe 200 can be formed using stronger
materials. Additionally, the pipe 200 can be rated for a maximum
load based upon its structural characteristics. This maximum load
rating can be modified to compensate for the presence of cavities
(e.g., holes 238) within a pipe wall 202.
[0038] Referring now to FIG. 12, a procedure 1200 is described in
an example embodiment in which an energy storage pipe (e.g., pipe
200) is formed. At block 1210, a pipe wall, such as pipe wall 202,
if formed. The pipe wall has an external surface, such as external
surface 204, and an internal surface, such as internal surface 206,
and defines a longitudinal passage, such as longitudinal passage
208. At block 1220, an energy storage device, such as energy
storage device 210, is positioned in the pipe wall between the
external surface and the internal surface. At block 1230, a
connector, such as connector 214, is formed for connecting the
energy storage device to a second device, such as pipe 200-2,
powered device 216, another energy storage device 210, and so
forth. The connector facilitates energy transfer between the energy
storage device and the second device.
[0039] Although only a few example embodiments have been described
in detail above, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate
that many modifications are possible in the example embodiments
without materially departing from energy storage drill pipe.
Features shown in individual embodiments referred to above may be
used together in combinations other than those which have been
shown and described specifically. Accordingly, all such
modifications are intended to be included within the scope of this
disclosure as defined in the following claims. In the claims,
means-plus-function clauses are intended to cover the structures
described herein as performing the recited function and not only
structural equivalents, but also equivalent structures. Thus,
although a nail and a screw may not be structural equivalents in
that a nail employs a cylindrical surface to secure wooden parts
together, whereas a screw employs a helical surface, in the
environment of fastening wooden parts, a nail and a screw may be
equivalent structures. It is the express intention of the applicant
not to invoke 35 U.S.C. .sctn.112, paragraph 6 for any limitations
of any of the claims herein, except for those in which the claim
expressly uses the words `means for` together with an associated
function.
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