Downhole to surface communications platform for drilling applications

US11808144B1 · kind B1 · utility

Assignee

• National Technology & Engineering Solutions of Sandia, LLC · US

Inventors

• Jiann-Cherng Su · Albuquerque, US
• Jason P. Krein · Albuquerque, US
• John Joseph Borchardt · Albuquerque, US
• Richard Ellis Robey · Mansfield, US
• Andrew Alexander Wright · Albuquerque, US
• Joseph Samuel Pope · Rio Rancho, US
• Taylor Anthony Myers · Albuquerque, US
• Mark C. Grubelich · Albuquerque, US
• Douglas A. Blankenship · Albuquerque, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Nov 3, 2020
• Grant date: Nov 7, 2023
• Expiry date: Nov 3, 2040

Classification

• Technology area (CPC E): Fixed Constructions
• CPC primary: E21B17/0285
• WIPO field: Civil engineering
• WIPO sector: Other fields

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.