US20140311806A1 - Generator driven by drill pipe - Google Patents
Generator driven by drill pipe Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20140311806A1 US20140311806A1 US14/356,790 US201214356790A US2014311806A1 US 20140311806 A1 US20140311806 A1 US 20140311806A1 US 201214356790 A US201214356790 A US 201214356790A US 2014311806 A1 US2014311806 A1 US 2014311806A1
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- United States
- Prior art keywords
- generator
- drill pipe
- seal
- control device
- rotating control
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
Links
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 25
- 230000004044 response Effects 0.000 claims abstract description 22
- 230000005611 electricity Effects 0.000 claims abstract description 20
- 238000007789 sealing Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 4
- 238000012546 transfer Methods 0.000 claims description 4
- 230000008878 coupling Effects 0.000 claims description 2
- 238000010168 coupling process Methods 0.000 claims description 2
- 238000005859 coupling reaction Methods 0.000 claims description 2
- 238000005553 drilling Methods 0.000 description 10
- 239000012530 fluid Substances 0.000 description 6
- 239000003990 capacitor Substances 0.000 description 2
- 238000006073 displacement reaction Methods 0.000 description 2
- 239000000314 lubricant Substances 0.000 description 2
- 230000007246 mechanism Effects 0.000 description 2
- 238000006467 substitution reaction Methods 0.000 description 2
- 230000003213 activating effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000007792 addition Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000009286 beneficial effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000004891 communication Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000002826 coolant Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000001816 cooling Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000005520 cutting process Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000012217 deletion Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000037430 deletion Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000000694 effects Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000001050 lubricating effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000012986 modification Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000004048 modification Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000012544 monitoring process Methods 0.000 description 1
- XZPVPNZTYPUODG-UHFFFAOYSA-M sodium;chloride;dihydrate Chemical compound O.O.[Na+].[Cl-] XZPVPNZTYPUODG-UHFFFAOYSA-M 0.000 description 1
Images
Classifications
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E21—EARTH OR ROCK DRILLING; MINING
- E21B—EARTH OR ROCK DRILLING; OBTAINING OIL, GAS, WATER, SOLUBLE OR MELTABLE MATERIALS OR A SLURRY OF MINERALS FROM WELLS
- E21B41/00—Equipment or details not covered by groups E21B15/00 - E21B40/00
- E21B41/0085—Adaptations of electric power generating means for use in boreholes
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E21—EARTH OR ROCK DRILLING; MINING
- E21B—EARTH OR ROCK DRILLING; OBTAINING OIL, GAS, WATER, SOLUBLE OR MELTABLE MATERIALS OR A SLURRY OF MINERALS FROM WELLS
- E21B33/00—Sealing or packing boreholes or wells
- E21B33/02—Surface sealing or packing
- E21B33/08—Wipers; Oil savers
- E21B33/085—Rotatable packing means, e.g. rotating blow-out preventers
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H02—GENERATION; CONVERSION OR DISTRIBUTION OF ELECTRIC POWER
- H02K—DYNAMO-ELECTRIC MACHINES
- H02K7/00—Arrangements for handling mechanical energy structurally associated with dynamo-electric machines, e.g. structural association with mechanical driving motors or auxiliary dynamo-electric machines
- H02K7/18—Structural association of electric generators with mechanical driving motors, e.g. with turbines
- H02K7/1869—Linear generators; sectional generators
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H02—GENERATION; CONVERSION OR DISTRIBUTION OF ELECTRIC POWER
- H02K—DYNAMO-ELECTRIC MACHINES
- H02K7/00—Arrangements for handling mechanical energy structurally associated with dynamo-electric machines, e.g. structural association with mechanical driving motors or auxiliary dynamo-electric machines
- H02K7/18—Structural association of electric generators with mechanical driving motors, e.g. with turbines
- H02K7/1807—Rotary generators
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H02—GENERATION; CONVERSION OR DISTRIBUTION OF ELECTRIC POWER
- H02K—DYNAMO-ELECTRIC MACHINES
- H02K7/00—Arrangements for handling mechanical energy structurally associated with dynamo-electric machines, e.g. structural association with mechanical driving motors or auxiliary dynamo-electric machines
- H02K7/18—Structural association of electric generators with mechanical driving motors, e.g. with turbines
- H02K7/1807—Rotary generators
- H02K7/1823—Rotary generators structurally associated with turbines or similar engines
Definitions
- This disclosure relates generally to equipment utilized and operations performed in conjunction with a well and, in one example described below, more particularly provides a way of generating electricity due to rotation of a drill pipe.
- Rotation of a drill string is one way to drill a wellbore into the earth.
- a rotating control device is used to seal off an annulus formed between the drill string and the wellbore at or near the earth's surface.
- FIG. 1 is a representative partially cross-sectional view of a well system and associated method which can embody principles of this disclosure.
- FIG. 2 is an enlarged scale partially cross-sectional view of a rotating control device which can embody principles of this disclosure.
- FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the rotating control device, taken along line 3 - 3 of FIG. 2 .
- FIG. 4 is a schematic view of an electrical generation and utilization system which can embody the principles of this disclosure.
- FIG. 1 Representatively illustrated in FIG. 1 is a system 10 for use with a subterranean well, and an associated method, which system and method can embody principles of this disclosure.
- system 10 and method are merely one example of an application of the principles of this disclosure in practice, and a wide variety of other examples are possible. Therefore, the scope of this disclosure is not limited at all to the details of the system 10 and method described herein and/or depicted in the drawings.
- a wellbore 12 is drilled by rotating a drill pipe 14 , such as, by utilizing a drilling rig (not shown) at or near the earth's surface.
- the drill pipe 14 can be rotated by any means, e.g., a rotary table, a top drive, a positive displacement or turbine drilling motor, etc.
- a rotary table e.g., a rotary table, a top drive, a positive displacement or turbine drilling motor, etc.
- the drill pipe 14 is part of an overall drill string 16 , which can include a variety of different components.
- a drill bit 18 is connected at a distal end of the drill string 16 , so that the drill bit cuts into the earth when the drill string rotates and weight is applied to the drill bit.
- An annulus 20 is formed radially between the drill string 16 and the wellbore 12 .
- a drilling fluid 22 (commonly known as “mud,” although other fluids, such as brine water, may be used) is circulated downward through the drill string 16 , exits the drill bit 18 , and flows back to the surface via the annulus 20 .
- the drilling fluid 22 serves several purposes, including cooling and lubricating the drill bit 18 , removing cuttings, maintaining a desired balance of pressures between the wellbore 12 and the surrounding earth, etc.
- it may be desirable to seal off the annulus 20 at or near the earth's surface for example, at a land or sea-based drilling rig, a subsea facility, a jack-up rig, etc.), so that communication between the annulus 20 and the earth's atmosphere or sea is prevented.
- a rotating control device 24 can be used to seal about the drill string 16 during a drilling operation.
- the rotating control device 24 is connected to a blowout preventer stack 26 on a wellhead 28 , but in other examples the rotating control device could be positioned in or on a riser string, in a subsea wellhead, in a wellbore, etc.
- the scope of this disclosure is not limited to any particular location of the rotating control device 24 .
- FIG. 2 an enlarged scale partially cross-sectional view of one example of the rotating control device 24 is representatively illustrated.
- the rotating control device 24 includes two “passive” seals 30 , 32 which seal against an exterior surface of the drill pipe 14 as the drill pipe rotates within an outer housing assembly 34 of the rotating control device.
- the FIG. 2 rotating control device 24 may be used with the system 10 and method of FIG. 1 , or it may be used with other systems and methods.
- the outer housing assembly 34 is provided with a flange 36 at a lower end thereof for connection to the blowout preventer stack 26 .
- the outer housing assembly 34 could be provided with suitable connectors for installing the rotating control device 24 in or on a riser string, to a subsea wellhead, or at any other location.
- the lower seal 30 is positioned in the outer housing assembly 34
- the upper seal 32 is positioned in an upper “pot” or enclosure 38 .
- either or both of the seals 30 , 32 could be positioned inside or outside of the outer housing assembly 34 , and other numbers of seals (including one) may be used. The scope of this disclosure is not limited to any particular number or positions of seals.
- the seals 30 , 32 are passive, in that they sealingly engage the drill pipe 14 whenever the drill pipe is positioned in the rotating control device 24 , without any need of actuating the seals to effect such sealing.
- the seals 30 , 32 (or either of them) could be “active” seals, so that they sealingly engage the drill pipe 14 in response to an applied stimulus.
- one or both of the seals 30 , 32 could be inflated by introducing pressure into the seals, an actuator could be used to displace the seals inward into contact with the drill pipe, etc.
- the scope of this disclosure is not limited to any particular manner of causing the seals 30 , 32 to sealingly engage the drill pipe 14 .
- the seals 30 , 32 are mounted to a bearing assembly 40 , which is secured to the outer housing assembly 34 by a clamp 42 .
- the bearing assembly 40 includes bearings 44 , which permit an inner generally tubular mandrel 46 to rotate relative to the outer housing assembly 34 .
- a latch mechanism or other device could be used in place of the clamp 42 .
- the bearing assembly 40 and both seals 30 , 32 could be positioned entirely within the outer housing assembly 34 .
- the scope of this disclosure is not limited to any particular arrangement or configuration of the various components of the rotating control device 24 .
- the seals 30 , 32 rotate with the enclosure 38 and mandrel 46 relative to the outer housing assembly 34 when the drill pipe 14 rotates in the rotating control device 24 .
- the drill pipe 14 is grippingly engaged by the seals 30 , 32 , so that the seals transfer torque from the drill pipe to the mandrel 46 .
- Rotation of the mandrel 46 by the drill pipe 14 (via the seals 30 , 32 ) operates an electrical generator 48 , so that electricity is generated in response to the drill pipe rotation.
- This can be very beneficial in circumstances where electrical power may not otherwise be available at or near the rotating control device 24 , there is a desire to reduce or eliminate the use of power cables extending to the area about the rotating control device, etc.
- the generator 48 is located in the bearing assembly 40 , which is desirably sealed off from well fluids and the atmosphere, and is provided with a lubricant.
- the generator 48 could be otherwise located, the generator could be exposed to well fluids or the atmosphere, etc.
- the scope of this disclosure is not limited to any particular placement, configuration or environment of the generator 48 .
- the generator 48 includes multiple permanent magnets 50 affixed to, and circumferentially distributed on, the mandrel 46 .
- the mandrel 46 and magnets 50 thus, comprise a rotor 66 of the generator 48 , and the coil 52 and outer bearing assembly 40 comprise a stator 68 of the generator 48 .
- the electrical current generated by the generator 48 can be used to supply electrical power to any of a variety of different types of electrical devices.
- electrical power could be supplied from the generator 48 to electronic circuitry, sensors, actuators, latching devices, interlocks, etc.
- the electrical power can be stored in one or more batteries for use, for example, when the drill pipe 14 is not rotating in the rotating control device 24 .
- the generator 48 is depicted in FIG. 3 as including the magnets 50 and coil 52 , in other examples, other means of producing electrical power could be used.
- magneto- or electro-strictive devices could be used to produce electricity in response to rotation of the drill pipe 14 .
- the scope of this disclosure is not limited to any particular way of producing electricity from rotation of the drill pipe 14 .
- the single coil 52 remains stationary while the magnets 50 secured to the mandrel 46 displace by the coil.
- multiple coils 52 could be used, and/or the coil(s) could be secured to the mandrel 46 or otherwise made to displace by one or more of the magnets 50 .
- the system 54 may be used with the rotating control device 24 described above, or it may be used with other rotating control devices, or with other types of well tools.
- the generator 48 generates electrical power in response to rotation of the drill pipe 14 .
- This electrical power is supplied to a battery 56 , sensors 58 , electronic circuitry 60 , an actuator 62 , and an alerting or indicating device 64 .
- these components of the system 54 are merely examples of a wide variety of different types of devices which can be supplied with electrical power, and thus, the scope of this disclosure is not limited to use of the electrical power by any particular device(s).
- the sensors 58 could include any type of sensors, such as pressure, temperature, proximity, etc., sensors.
- the sensors 58 could measure pressure and/or temperature of lubricant in the bearing assembly 40 , pressure and/or temperature of a coolant, pressure and/or temperature of well fluid in the annulus 20 below the seal 30 , whether or not the clamp 42 is completely opened or closed, etc.
- the scope of this disclosure is not limited to use of any particular type of sensor.
- the electronic circuitry 60 could include at least one processor and other electronic components for monitoring outputs of the sensors 58 , controlling operation of the actuator 62 , activating the device 64 , communicating with external control systems, etc.
- the scope of this disclosure is not limited to any particular use of the electronic circuitry 60 .
- the actuator 62 may be used to operate the clamp 42 (or a latching or interlock mechanism), to actuate “active” seals, etc.
- the scope of this disclosure is not limited to any particular manner of operating the actuator 62 .
- the device 64 may be used to indicate whether the clamp 42 is open or closed, whether temperature in the bearing assembly 40 is excessive, whether the seal 30 is leaking, etc.
- the scope of this disclosure is not limited to any particular use of the device 64 .
- the battery 56 can be used to store electrical power generated by the generator 48 , to condition such power, etc. In this manner, the electrical power can be available to the sensors 58 , circuitry 60 , actuator 62 and device 64 whether or not the drill pipe 14 is rotating at a particular moment.
- the scope of this disclosure is not limited to use of the battery 56 for storing electrical power generated by the generator 48 .
- Other electrical storage devices could include relatively large capacity capacitors (e.g., “super capacitors,” etc.).
- the rotating control device 24 can include at least one seal 30 , 32 which can sealingly engage the drill pipe 14 , and a generator 48 which generates electricity in response to rotation of the drill pipe 14 while the seal 30 , 32 sealingly engages the drill pipe 14 .
- the seal 30 , 32 may rotate with the drill pipe 14 . In other examples, the seal 30 , 32 may not rotate with the drill pipe 14 .
- the generator 48 can be mechanically coupled to the drill pipe 14 via the seal 30 , 32 . In other examples, there may be no mechanical coupling between the drill pipe 14 and the seal 30 , 32
- the seal 30 , 32 may grippingly engage the drill pipe 14 and thereby transfer torque to the generator 48 .
- torque could be transferred directly from the drill pipe 14 to the generator 48 , or via the mandrel 46 , etc.
- the seal 30 may be contained in an outer housing assembly 34 , and the seal 30 may rotate relative to the outer housing assembly 34 in response to rotation of the drill pipe 14 .
- the seal 30 may not be contained in the outer housing assembly, and/or may not rotate relative to the outer housing assembly 34 .
- the generator 48 may be contained in a bearing assembly 40 . In other examples, the generator 48 is not necessarily in a bearing assembly.
- the generator 48 can comprise a rotor 66 which rotates relative to a stator 68 of the generator 48 in response to rotation of the seal 30 , 32 .
- electricity could be generated by other means, such as, electro- or magneto-strictive devices, etc.
- the rotating control device 24 may include an actuator 62 , and the generator 48 may supply electrical power to the actuator 62 . In other examples, an actuator may not be supplied with electrical power by the generator 48 .
- the rotating control device 24 may include a sensor 58 , and the generator 48 may supply electrical power to the sensor 58 . In other examples, a sensor may not be supplied with electrical power by the generator 48 .
- the rotating control device 24 may include a battery 56 , and the generator 48 may charge the battery 56 . In other examples, the generator 48 may not charge a battery.
- the rotating control device 24 may include electronic circuitry 60 , and the generator 48 may supply electrical power to the electronic circuitry. In other examples, the generator 48 may not supply electrical power to electronic circuitry.
- a method of generating electricity from rotation of a drill pipe 14 is also described above.
- the method can comprise: sealingly engaging the drill pipe 14 with a seal 30 , 32 of a rotating control device 24 ; and generating electricity in response to the rotation of the drill pipe 14 .
- the system 54 can include a rotating control device 24 which seals about a drill pipe 14 while the drill pipe 14 rotates.
- the rotating control device 24 can include a seal 30 , 32 and a generator 48 which generates electricity in response to rotation of the drill pipe 14 .
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- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Geology (AREA)
- Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
- Mining & Mineral Resources (AREA)
- Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- Environmental & Geological Engineering (AREA)
- Fluid Mechanics (AREA)
- General Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
- Geochemistry & Mineralogy (AREA)
- Power Engineering (AREA)
- Connection Of Motors, Electrical Generators, Mechanical Devices, And The Like (AREA)
- Earth Drilling (AREA)
- Other Liquid Machine Or Engine Such As Wave Power Use (AREA)
Abstract
A rotating control device for sealing about a drill pipe can include a seal which can sealingly engage the drill pipe, and a generator which generates electricity in response to rotation of the drill pipe while the seal sealingly engages the drill pipe. A method of generating electricity from rotation of a drill pipe can include sealingly engaging the drill pipe with a seal of a rotating control device, and generating electricity in response to the rotation of the drill pipe. A system for generating electricity can include a rotating control device which seals about a drill pipe while the drill pipe rotates, the rotating control device comprising a seal and a generator which generates electricity in response to rotation of the drill pipe.
Description
- This disclosure relates generally to equipment utilized and operations performed in conjunction with a well and, in one example described below, more particularly provides a way of generating electricity due to rotation of a drill pipe.
- Rotation of a drill string is one way to drill a wellbore into the earth. In some situations, a rotating control device is used to seal off an annulus formed between the drill string and the wellbore at or near the earth's surface.
- It will be appreciated that improvements are continually needed in the arts of drilling wellbores and supplying electrical power to components, such as, sensors, actuators, electronic devices, etc.
-
FIG. 1 is a representative partially cross-sectional view of a well system and associated method which can embody principles of this disclosure. -
FIG. 2 is an enlarged scale partially cross-sectional view of a rotating control device which can embody principles of this disclosure. -
FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the rotating control device, taken along line 3-3 ofFIG. 2 . -
FIG. 4 is a schematic view of an electrical generation and utilization system which can embody the principles of this disclosure. - Representatively illustrated in
FIG. 1 is asystem 10 for use with a subterranean well, and an associated method, which system and method can embody principles of this disclosure. However, it should be clearly understood that thesystem 10 and method are merely one example of an application of the principles of this disclosure in practice, and a wide variety of other examples are possible. Therefore, the scope of this disclosure is not limited at all to the details of thesystem 10 and method described herein and/or depicted in the drawings. - In the
FIG. 1 example, awellbore 12 is drilled by rotating adrill pipe 14, such as, by utilizing a drilling rig (not shown) at or near the earth's surface. Thedrill pipe 14 can be rotated by any means, e.g., a rotary table, a top drive, a positive displacement or turbine drilling motor, etc. Thus, it should be understood that the scope of this disclosure is not limited to any particular way of rotating thedrill pipe 14. - The
drill pipe 14 is part of anoverall drill string 16, which can include a variety of different components. Preferably, adrill bit 18 is connected at a distal end of thedrill string 16, so that the drill bit cuts into the earth when the drill string rotates and weight is applied to the drill bit. - An
annulus 20 is formed radially between thedrill string 16 and thewellbore 12. A drilling fluid 22 (commonly known as “mud,” although other fluids, such as brine water, may be used) is circulated downward through thedrill string 16, exits thedrill bit 18, and flows back to the surface via theannulus 20. - The
drilling fluid 22 serves several purposes, including cooling and lubricating thedrill bit 18, removing cuttings, maintaining a desired balance of pressures between thewellbore 12 and the surrounding earth, etc. In some situations (e.g., in managed pressure drilling or underbalanced drilling, or even in conventional overbalanced drilling), it may be desirable to seal off theannulus 20 at or near the earth's surface (for example, at a land or sea-based drilling rig, a subsea facility, a jack-up rig, etc.), so that communication between theannulus 20 and the earth's atmosphere or sea is prevented. - For this purpose, a rotating
control device 24 can be used to seal about thedrill string 16 during a drilling operation. In the example depicted inFIG. 1 , therotating control device 24 is connected to ablowout preventer stack 26 on awellhead 28, but in other examples the rotating control device could be positioned in or on a riser string, in a subsea wellhead, in a wellbore, etc. The scope of this disclosure is not limited to any particular location of the rotatingcontrol device 24. - Referring additionally now to
FIG. 2 , an enlarged scale partially cross-sectional view of one example of therotating control device 24 is representatively illustrated. In this view, it may be clearly seen that the rotatingcontrol device 24 includes two “passive”seals drill pipe 14 as the drill pipe rotates within anouter housing assembly 34 of the rotating control device. TheFIG. 2 rotating control device 24 may be used with thesystem 10 and method ofFIG. 1 , or it may be used with other systems and methods. - In the
FIG. 2 example, theouter housing assembly 34 is provided with aflange 36 at a lower end thereof for connection to theblowout preventer stack 26. However, in other examples, theouter housing assembly 34 could be provided with suitable connectors for installing the rotatingcontrol device 24 in or on a riser string, to a subsea wellhead, or at any other location. - As depicted in
FIG. 2 , thelower seal 30 is positioned in theouter housing assembly 34, whereas theupper seal 32 is positioned in an upper “pot” orenclosure 38. In other examples, either or both of theseals outer housing assembly 34, and other numbers of seals (including one) may be used. The scope of this disclosure is not limited to any particular number or positions of seals. - As mentioned above, the
seals drill pipe 14 whenever the drill pipe is positioned in the rotatingcontrol device 24, without any need of actuating the seals to effect such sealing. In other examples, theseals 30, 32 (or either of them) could be “active” seals, so that they sealingly engage thedrill pipe 14 in response to an applied stimulus. - For example, one or both of the
seals seals drill pipe 14. - In the
FIG. 2 example, theseals bearing assembly 40, which is secured to theouter housing assembly 34 by aclamp 42. Thebearing assembly 40 includesbearings 44, which permit an inner generallytubular mandrel 46 to rotate relative to theouter housing assembly 34. - In other examples, a latch mechanism or other device could be used in place of the
clamp 42. Thebearing assembly 40 and bothseals outer housing assembly 34. Thus, the scope of this disclosure is not limited to any particular arrangement or configuration of the various components of therotating control device 24. - Note that, as depicted in
FIG. 2 , theseals enclosure 38 andmandrel 46 relative to theouter housing assembly 34 when thedrill pipe 14 rotates in therotating control device 24. Preferably, thedrill pipe 14 is grippingly engaged by theseals mandrel 46. - Rotation of the
mandrel 46 by the drill pipe 14 (via theseals 30, 32) operates anelectrical generator 48, so that electricity is generated in response to the drill pipe rotation. This can be very beneficial in circumstances where electrical power may not otherwise be available at or near therotating control device 24, there is a desire to reduce or eliminate the use of power cables extending to the area about the rotating control device, etc. - In this example, the
generator 48 is located in thebearing assembly 40, which is desirably sealed off from well fluids and the atmosphere, and is provided with a lubricant. However, in other examples, thegenerator 48 could be otherwise located, the generator could be exposed to well fluids or the atmosphere, etc. The scope of this disclosure is not limited to any particular placement, configuration or environment of thegenerator 48. - Referring additionally now to
FIG. 3 , a cross-sectional view of the rotatingcontrol device 24 is representatively illustrated. In this example, thegenerator 48 includes multiplepermanent magnets 50 affixed to, and circumferentially distributed on, themandrel 46. - As the
mandrel 46 rotates, themagnets 50 displace by acoil 52. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, a changing magnetic field about the coil 52 (due to the displacement of themagnets 50 by the coil) will cause electrical current to flow in the coil. Themandrel 46 andmagnets 50, thus, comprise arotor 66 of thegenerator 48, and thecoil 52 andouter bearing assembly 40 comprise astator 68 of thegenerator 48. - The electrical current generated by the
generator 48 can be used to supply electrical power to any of a variety of different types of electrical devices. For example, electrical power could be supplied from thegenerator 48 to electronic circuitry, sensors, actuators, latching devices, interlocks, etc. The electrical power can be stored in one or more batteries for use, for example, when thedrill pipe 14 is not rotating in therotating control device 24. - Although the
generator 48 is depicted inFIG. 3 as including themagnets 50 andcoil 52, in other examples, other means of producing electrical power could be used. For example, magneto- or electro-strictive devices could be used to produce electricity in response to rotation of thedrill pipe 14. The scope of this disclosure is not limited to any particular way of producing electricity from rotation of thedrill pipe 14. - In the
FIG. 3 example, thesingle coil 52 remains stationary while themagnets 50 secured to themandrel 46 displace by the coil. However, in other examples,multiple coils 52 could be used, and/or the coil(s) could be secured to themandrel 46 or otherwise made to displace by one or more of themagnets 50. - It may be desired to have the
coil 52 displace, for example, if a component supplied with electrical power by thegenerator 48 also displaces. Thus, it should be understood that the scope of this disclosure is not limited to any particular location, arrangement or configuration of the elements of thegenerator 48. - Referring additionally now to
FIG. 4 , asystem 54 for generating and utilizing electrical power is representatively illustrated. Thesystem 54 may be used with therotating control device 24 described above, or it may be used with other rotating control devices, or with other types of well tools. - In the
system 54, thegenerator 48 generates electrical power in response to rotation of thedrill pipe 14. This electrical power is supplied to abattery 56,sensors 58,electronic circuitry 60, anactuator 62, and an alerting or indicatingdevice 64. However, note that these components of thesystem 54 are merely examples of a wide variety of different types of devices which can be supplied with electrical power, and thus, the scope of this disclosure is not limited to use of the electrical power by any particular device(s). - In the
FIG. 4 example, thesensors 58 could include any type of sensors, such as pressure, temperature, proximity, etc., sensors. For example, thesensors 58 could measure pressure and/or temperature of lubricant in the bearingassembly 40, pressure and/or temperature of a coolant, pressure and/or temperature of well fluid in theannulus 20 below theseal 30, whether or not theclamp 42 is completely opened or closed, etc. The scope of this disclosure is not limited to use of any particular type of sensor. - The
electronic circuitry 60 could include at least one processor and other electronic components for monitoring outputs of thesensors 58, controlling operation of theactuator 62, activating thedevice 64, communicating with external control systems, etc. The scope of this disclosure is not limited to any particular use of theelectronic circuitry 60. - The
actuator 62 may be used to operate the clamp 42 (or a latching or interlock mechanism), to actuate “active” seals, etc. The scope of this disclosure is not limited to any particular manner of operating theactuator 62. - The
device 64 may be used to indicate whether theclamp 42 is open or closed, whether temperature in the bearingassembly 40 is excessive, whether theseal 30 is leaking, etc. The scope of this disclosure is not limited to any particular use of thedevice 64. - The
battery 56 can be used to store electrical power generated by thegenerator 48, to condition such power, etc. In this manner, the electrical power can be available to thesensors 58,circuitry 60,actuator 62 anddevice 64 whether or not thedrill pipe 14 is rotating at a particular moment. - However, the scope of this disclosure is not limited to use of the
battery 56 for storing electrical power generated by thegenerator 48. Other electrical storage devices could include relatively large capacity capacitors (e.g., “super capacitors,” etc.). - It may now be fully appreciated that the disclosure above provides significant advancements to the art. In an example described above, electrical power is generated in response to rotation of the
drill pipe 14. Torque is transferred from thedrill pipe 14 to theelectrical generator 48 via theseals - The above disclosure provides to the art a
rotating control device 24 for sealing about adrill pipe 14. In one example, therotating control device 24 can include at least oneseal drill pipe 14, and agenerator 48 which generates electricity in response to rotation of thedrill pipe 14 while theseal drill pipe 14. - The
seal drill pipe 14. In other examples, theseal drill pipe 14. - The
generator 48 can be mechanically coupled to thedrill pipe 14 via theseal drill pipe 14 and theseal - The
seal drill pipe 14 and thereby transfer torque to thegenerator 48. In other examples, torque could be transferred directly from thedrill pipe 14 to thegenerator 48, or via themandrel 46, etc. - The
seal 30 may be contained in anouter housing assembly 34, and theseal 30 may rotate relative to theouter housing assembly 34 in response to rotation of thedrill pipe 14. In other examples, theseal 30 may not be contained in the outer housing assembly, and/or may not rotate relative to theouter housing assembly 34. - The
generator 48 may be contained in a bearingassembly 40. In other examples, thegenerator 48 is not necessarily in a bearing assembly. - The
generator 48 can comprise arotor 66 which rotates relative to astator 68 of thegenerator 48 in response to rotation of theseal - The
rotating control device 24 may include anactuator 62, and thegenerator 48 may supply electrical power to theactuator 62. In other examples, an actuator may not be supplied with electrical power by thegenerator 48. - The
rotating control device 24 may include asensor 58, and thegenerator 48 may supply electrical power to thesensor 58. In other examples, a sensor may not be supplied with electrical power by thegenerator 48. - The
rotating control device 24 may include abattery 56, and thegenerator 48 may charge thebattery 56. In other examples, thegenerator 48 may not charge a battery. - The
rotating control device 24 may includeelectronic circuitry 60, and thegenerator 48 may supply electrical power to the electronic circuitry. In other examples, thegenerator 48 may not supply electrical power to electronic circuitry. - A method of generating electricity from rotation of a
drill pipe 14 is also described above. In one example, the method can comprise: sealingly engaging thedrill pipe 14 with aseal rotating control device 24; and generating electricity in response to the rotation of thedrill pipe 14. - Also described above is a
system 54 for generating electricity. In one example, thesystem 54 can include arotating control device 24 which seals about adrill pipe 14 while thedrill pipe 14 rotates. Therotating control device 24 can include aseal generator 48 which generates electricity in response to rotation of thedrill pipe 14. - Although various examples have been described above, with each example having certain features, it should be understood that it is not necessary for a particular feature of one example to be used exclusively with that example. Instead, any of the features described above and/or depicted in the drawings can be combined with any of the examples, in addition to or in substitution for any of the other features of those examples. One example's features are not mutually exclusive to another example's features. Instead, the scope of this disclosure encompasses any combination of any of the features.
- Although each example described above includes a certain combination of features, it should be understood that it is not necessary for all features of an example to be used. Instead, any of the features described above can be used, without any other particular feature or features also being used.
- It should be understood that the various embodiments described herein may be utilized in various orientations, such as inclined, inverted, horizontal, vertical, etc., and in various configurations, without departing from the principles of this disclosure. The embodiments are described merely as examples of useful applications of the principles of the disclosure, which is not limited to any specific details of these embodiments.
- In the above description of the representative examples, directional terms (such as “above,” “below,” “upper,” “lower,” etc.) are used for convenience in referring to the accompanying drawings. However, it should be clearly understood that the scope of this disclosure is not limited to any particular directions described herein.
- The terms “including,” “includes,” “comprising,” “comprises,” and similar terms are used in a non-limiting sense in this specification. For example, if a system, method, apparatus, device, etc., is described as “including” a certain feature or element, the system, method, apparatus, device, etc., can include that feature or element, and can also include other features or elements. Similarly, the term “comprises” is considered to mean “comprises, but is not limited to.”
- Of course, a person skilled in the art would, upon a careful consideration of the above description of representative embodiments of the disclosure, readily appreciate that many modifications, additions, substitutions, deletions, and other changes may be made to the specific embodiments, and such changes are contemplated by the principles of this disclosure. For example, structures disclosed as being separately formed can, in other examples, be integrally formed and vice versa. Accordingly, the foregoing detailed description is to be clearly understood as being given by way of illustration and example only, the spirit and scope of the invention being limited solely by the appended claims and their equivalents.
Claims (34)
1. A rotating control device for sealing about a drill pipe, comprising:
at least one seal which can sealingly engage the drill pipe; and
a generator which generates electricity in response to rotation of the drill pipe while the seal sealingly engages the drill pipe.
2. The rotating control device of claim 1 , wherein the seal rotates with the drill pipe.
3. The rotating control device of claim 1 , wherein the generator is mechanically coupled to the drill pipe via the seal.
4. The rotating control device of claim 1 , wherein the seal grippingly engages the drill pipe and thereby transfers torque to the generator.
5. The rotating control device of claim 1 , wherein the seal is contained in an outer housing assembly, and wherein the seal rotates relative to the outer housing assembly in response to rotation of the drill pipe.
6. The rotating control device of claim 1 , wherein the generator is positioned in a bearing assembly.
7. The rotating control device of claim 1 , wherein the generator comprises a rotor which rotates relative to a stator of the generator in response to rotation of the seal.
8. The rotating control device of claim 1 , further comprising an actuator, and wherein the generator supplies electrical power to the actuator.
9. The rotating control device of claim 1 , further comprising a sensor, and wherein the generator supplies electrical power to the sensor.
10. The rotating control device of claim 1 , further comprising a battery, and wherein the generator charges the battery.
11. The rotating control device of claim 1 , further comprising electronic circuitry, and wherein the generator supplies electrical power to the electronic circuitry.
12. A method of generating electricity from rotation of a drill pipe, the method comprising:
sealingly engaging the drill pipe with at least one seal of a rotating control device; and
generating electricity in response to the rotation of the drill pipe.
13. The method of claim 12 , wherein the seal and generator are components of a rotating control device which seals about the drill pipe as the drill pipe rotates.
14. The method of claim 12 , wherein the generating further comprises rotating the seal with the drill pipe.
15. The method of claim 12 , further comprising mechanically coupling the generator to the drill pipe via the seal.
16. The method of claim 12 , further comprising the seal grippingly engaging the drill pipe and thereby transferring torque to the generator.
17. The method of claim 12 , wherein the seal is contained in an outer housing assembly, and wherein the seal rotates relative to the outer housing assembly in response to rotation of the drill pipe.
18. The method of claim 12 , wherein the generator is positioned in a bearing assembly.
19. The method of claim 12 , wherein the generator comprises a rotor which rotates relative to a stator of the generator in response to rotation of the seal.
20. The method of claim 12 , wherein the generating further comprises the generator supplying electrical power to an actuator.
21. The method of claim 12 , wherein the generating further comprises the generator supplying electrical power to a sensor.
22. The method of claim 12 , wherein the generating further comprises the generator charging a battery.
23. The method of claim 12 , wherein the generating further comprises the generator supplying electrical power to electronic circuitry.
24. A system for generating electricity, comprising:
a rotating control device which seals about a drill pipe while the drill pipe rotates, the rotating control device comprising at least one seal and a generator which generates electricity in response to rotation of the drill pipe.
25. The system of claim 24 , wherein the seal rotates with the drill pipe.
26. The system of claim 24 , wherein the generator is mechanically coupled to the drill pipe via the seal.
27. The system of claim 24 , wherein the seal grippingly engages the drill pipe and thereby transfers torque to the generator.
28. The system of claim 24 , wherein the seal is contained in an outer housing assembly, and wherein the seal rotates relative to the outer housing assembly in response to rotation of the drill pipe.
29. The system of claim 24 , wherein the generator is positioned in a bearing assembly.
30. The system of claim 24 , wherein the generator comprises a rotor which rotates relative to a stator of the generator in response to rotation of the seal.
31. The system of claim 24 , further comprising an actuator, and wherein the generator supplies electrical power to the actuator.
32. The system of claim 24 , further comprising a sensor, and wherein the generator supplies electrical power to the sensor.
33. The system of claim 24 , further comprising a battery, and wherein the generator charges the battery.
34. The system of claim 24 , further comprising electronic circuitry, and wherein the generator supplies electrical power to the electronic circuitry.
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
PCT/US2012/057344 WO2014051575A1 (en) | 2012-09-26 | 2012-09-26 | Generator driven by drill pipe |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
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US20140311806A1 true US20140311806A1 (en) | 2014-10-23 |
Family
ID=50388773
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
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US14/356,790 Abandoned US20140311806A1 (en) | 2012-09-26 | 2012-09-26 | Generator driven by drill pipe |
Country Status (8)
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US (1) | US20140311806A1 (en) |
EP (1) | EP2900912A4 (en) |
AU (1) | AU2012391070B2 (en) |
BR (1) | BR112015004158A2 (en) |
CA (1) | CA2881771A1 (en) |
MX (1) | MX2015003601A (en) |
RU (1) | RU2015108411A (en) |
WO (1) | WO2014051575A1 (en) |
Cited By (5)
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US20160276900A1 (en) * | 2014-09-11 | 2016-09-22 | Halliburton Energy Services, Inc. | Electricity generation within a downhole drilling motor |
US10753169B2 (en) * | 2017-03-21 | 2020-08-25 | Schlumberger Technology Corporation | Intelligent pressure control devices and methods of use thereof |
US20210301630A1 (en) * | 2020-03-31 | 2021-09-30 | Schlumberger Technology Corporation | Power Management at a Wellsite |
US11454094B2 (en) * | 2017-04-24 | 2022-09-27 | Baker Hughes, A Ge Company, Llc | Downhole power generation system and optimized power control method thereof |
US20230198295A1 (en) * | 2021-12-20 | 2023-06-22 | Schlumberger Technology Corporation | Power Management at a Wellsite |
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- 2012-09-26 WO PCT/US2012/057344 patent/WO2014051575A1/en active Application Filing
- 2012-09-26 RU RU2015108411A patent/RU2015108411A/en not_active Application Discontinuation
- 2012-09-26 MX MX2015003601A patent/MX2015003601A/en unknown
- 2012-09-26 EP EP12885407.2A patent/EP2900912A4/en not_active Withdrawn
- 2012-09-26 US US14/356,790 patent/US20140311806A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 2012-09-26 AU AU2012391070A patent/AU2012391070B2/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 2012-09-26 BR BR112015004158A patent/BR112015004158A2/en not_active Application Discontinuation
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Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
AU2012391070A1 (en) | 2015-03-19 |
BR112015004158A2 (en) | 2017-07-04 |
EP2900912A1 (en) | 2015-08-05 |
RU2015108411A (en) | 2016-11-20 |
EP2900912A4 (en) | 2016-06-15 |
CA2881771A1 (en) | 2014-04-03 |
WO2014051575A1 (en) | 2014-04-03 |
MX2015003601A (en) | 2015-06-05 |
AU2012391070B2 (en) | 2016-11-17 |
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