Magnetic shielding, magnetic enclosure inhibitor assembly, and, method

Description

36 Magnetic shielding, magnetic fouling inhibitor assembly, and method. FIELD

[001] This disclosure relates generally to the field of mitigating fouling in hydrocarbon production from a well. More specifically, this disclosure relates to the field of inhibiting fouling production with a magnet. Even more specifically, this disclosure relates to inhibiting fouling production with a magnetic fouling inhibitor assembly comprising a removable / temporary shield. BACKGROUND

[002] Fluids produced by an underground formation may contain water. Ions dissolved in the water can come out of solution and form scale on downhole equipment (such as tubing, flow control devices, etc.) as water flows from the underground formation into the wellbore and ultimately to the surface. As scale forms on downhole equipment, it can restrict and / or obstruct the flow path of fluids flowing to the surface. Scale can also damage downhole equipment, leading to potential intervention operations. It is often desirable to inhibit scale production to avoid restricting the flow of fluid produced by the underground formation and damaging downhole equipment. A magnetic scale inhibitor can be used to inhibit scale formation during well fluid production.However, during startup or cleaning operations, it is undesirable to collect ferromagnetic material (e.g., metal shavings) on the magnets of the magnetic fouling inhibitor. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[003] The methods of dissemination can be better Petition 870250085547, dated 09 / 22 / 2025, page 12 / 62 / 36, understood by reference to the attached drawings.

[004] Figure 1A is a schematic of a magnetic fouling inhibitor assembly, according to the embodiments of this disclosure; Figure 1B is a schematic of a magnetic fouling inhibitor assembly of this disclosure after an initial period of time, according to the embodiments of this disclosure; Figure 1C is a schematic of a magnetic fouling inhibitor assembly after an initial period of time, according to other embodiments of this disclosure; Figure 2 is a schematic of an example well system, with a production pipeline connected to at least one production assembly, in which a magnetic fouling inhibitor assembly of this disclosure can be used to inhibit fouling production, according to the embodiments of this disclosure; Figure 3 is a schematic of an exemplary production assembly, in which a magnetic fouling inhibitor assembly of this disclosure can be used to inhibit fouling production, according to the embodiments of this disclosure; Figure 4A is a schematic of an exemplary inlet flow control valve (ICV) in which a magnetic fouling inhibitor assembly of this disclosure may be positioned, according to the embodiments of this disclosure; Figure 4B is a cross-sectional view of the ICV from Figure 4A; Figure 5 is a schematic of an exemplary magnetic fouling inhibitor positioned in a flux restrictor, according to the embodiments of this disclosure; and Figure 6 is a schematic illustration of an exemplary arrangement of magnets in a Halbach array, according to several embodiments. Petition 870250085547, dated 09 / 22 / 2025, page 13 / 62 / 36 DESCRIPTION

[005] The following description includes exemplary systems, methods, techniques, and program flows that incorporate aspects of the disclosure. However, it is understood that this disclosure can be practiced without these specific details. For example, this disclosure provides a magnetic fouling inhibitor assembly that can be positioned inside or upstream of a production pipeline (e.g., in an inlet pipe or flow control device path).Although specific sets of magnetic fouling inhibitors comprising various magnet arrangements are used to describe embodiments of this disclosure, it should be understood that aspects of this disclosure include other configurations of a magnetic fouling inhibitor (e.g., other magnet arrangements and / or positioning thereof), provided that the magnetic fouling inhibitor set is adapted to utilize a shield (e.g., degradable and / or displaceable), as detailed below. To summarize, well-known steps, protocols, structures, and techniques have not been shown in detail so as not to obscure the description.

[006] Examples of embodiments relate to inhibiting fouling production in a tubular string positioned in a wellbore formed in an underground formation. In some embodiments, a flow control device may be positioned in the tubular string so that fluid produced by the underground formation flows into the tubular string through the flow control device. In some embodiments, the flow control device may be configured with a flow restrictor that restricts fluid flow in the tubular string, thereby increasing the flow velocity as the fluid flows through the flow control device. For example, the flow restrictor of a flow control device may include an inflow tube, a vortex, a fluidic diode, a nozzle, a Tesla valve, a fluidic oscillator, a Petition 870250085547, dated 09 / 22 / 2025, page 14 / 62 / 36 static mixer, a steam valve, a disc, etc. In some embodiments, a magnetic fouling inhibitor assembly of this disclosure may be positioned close to (e.g., a flow restrictor) flow control device to inhibit fouling production as fluid flows into the tubular column. For example, the magnetic fouling inhibitor assembly may be positioned close to a flow restrictor within an inlet control device (ICD), an autonomous inlet control device (AICD), an inlet control valve (ICV), or the like, so that the fluid flow restriction provided by the flow restrictor may result in an increase in fluid velocity.A fast flow rate may have the potential to better inhibit scale formation as the fluid flows near one or more magnets of the magnetic scale inhibitor assembly, in a second configuration (described later). The flow rate can be increased to achieve greater scale inhibition without interfering with fluid production.

[007] Magnetic fouling inhibitors can use a magnetic field to inhibit fouling production. However, this magnetic field can become obstructed by metal particles, for example, during well installation and / or cleaning. This document presents a magnetic shield and a magnetic fouling inhibitor assembly that uses this magnetic shield to protect one or more magnets of the magnetic fouling inhibitor assembly against ferromagnetic particles during the early well life.

[008] As noted above, a magnetic shield for use with a magnetic fouling inhibitor is also disclosed in this document. The magnetic shield and a magnetic fouling inhibitor assembly comprising the magnetic shield and an inhibitor Petition 870250085547, dated 09 / 22 / 2025, page 15 / 62 / 36 of magnetic shielding will now be described with reference to Figures 1A and 1C. Figure 1A is a schematic of a magnetic fouling inhibitor assembly 10, according to the embodiments of this disclosure; Figure 1B is a schematic of a magnetic fouling inhibitor assembly 10 of this disclosure after an initial period of time, according to the embodiments of this disclosure; and Figure 1C is another schematic of a magnetic fouling inhibitor assembly 10 after the initial period of time, according to the embodiments of this disclosure. As described further below, after the first time period t1, the magnetic fouling inhibitor assembly 10 comprises a magnetic fouling inhibitor 40 without the magnetic shield 20 positioned between one or more magnets 12 and a fluid flow orifice 30, since the magnetic shield 20, after the time period t1, has degraded or become displaced.

[009] The magnetic shielding 20 of this disclosure may include a barrier 25 configured for positioning, for at least an initial period of time, at a location (or “position”) generally represented in Figure 1A as L1 between a magnetic fouling inhibitor 40 and a fluid flow orifice 30 (also referred to herein simply as “flow orifice” 30). The fluid flow orifice 30 is configured for the flow of a fluid (indicated in Figure 1A as fluid 26). As illustrated in Figure 1B, in some embodiments, the barrier 25 is degradable in the fluid 26, so that after the initial period of time, the barrier 25 is no longer present at location L1. In modes such as the one illustrated in Figure 1C, barrier 25 is mobile / movable, so that, after the first period of time, barrier 25 can be moved from location (or “position”) L1 to a second location (or “position”), usually represented in Figure 1C as L2.In some cases, barrier 25 can be both degradable and displaceable, so that if barrier 25 does not degrade properly during the time period t1, barrier 25 can be displaced from its position. Petition 870250085547, dated 09 / 22 / 2025, p. 16 / 62 / 36 or from location L1. During the first time period t1, the barrier 25 reduces or eliminates the attraction of ferromagnetic particles 27 in the flowing fluid 26 to (for example, an array 11 of) magnets 12 of the magnetic fouling inhibitor 40.

[0010] In some cases, the magnetic shield 20 (for example, its barrier 25) does not create a pressure barrier (for example, it is not a dissolvable pressure jacket). For example, in certain embodiments, the magnetic shield 20 does not include seals (for example, as would normally be used in a pressure barrier). Alternatively, the magnet shield 20 may, in some cases, include seals and / or serve as a pressure barrier.

[0011] For simplicity, magnetic field / flux lines are generically represented as M lines in the figures. Effective fouling reduction can be provided by strong magnetic fields M in the fluid 26. However, as noted above, these strong magnetic fields M can also attract ferromagnetic particles 27 in the fluid 26, for example, during installation, cleaning, and start-up. Ferromagnetic particles 27 can be ferromagnetic metal particles (e.g., coating wear filings, drilling burrs, drill side joint debris, side tracking chips, and / or hydraulic fracturing zonal isolation drilling residues or similar), ferromagnetic metal oxide particles, such as rust, and / or other ferromagnetic contaminant particles 27 in the fluid 26.

[0012] The intensity of the magnetic field M decreases with the distance from the magnet(s) 12. Experiments in flux loops with ferromagnetic powder 27 indicate that a distance as small as %” can be sufficient for the friction of the flux to overcome the attractive force of the magnet(s) 12 and prevent the accumulation of ferromagnetic particles 27 on the surfaces (for example, the inner surface 32 of the flux hole wall 31 that provides the hole). Petition 870250085547, dated 09 / 22 / 2025, page 17 / 62 / 36 of flux 30) near the permanent magnet(s) 12. The magnetic field decreases with the square of the distance between the permanent magnet(s) 12 and the particles 27. The magnetic force, on the other hand, decreases with distance up to the fourth power. Thus, the additional distance between the magnet(s) and the ferromagnetic particles 27 can drastically decrease the magnetic force and allow the viscous forces of the flow fluid 26 to eliminate the ferromagnetic particles 27 from the inner surface 32 of the wall 31 of the flow orifice. Thus, the barrier 25 (e.g., its thickness, etc.) can be designed to provide a desirable minimum possible distance D between the ferromagnetic particles 27 in the fluid 26 and one or more magnets 12 of the magnetic fouling inhibitor 40.In some cases, the distance D between the ferromagnetic particles 27 in the fluid 26 and the inner surface 32 of the flow orifice wall 31 is greater than or equal to about %”, %”, ^', %” or 1 inch (3, 6, 12, 19 or 25 mm).

[0013] The barrier 25 is positioned between one or more (e.g., one or a plurality of) magnets 12 of the magnetic fouling inhibitor 40 and the flow orifice 30. The barrier 25 may be positioned within the wall 31 of the flow orifice that defines the interior of the fluid flow orifice 30. The flow orifice wall 31 may be the wall of a production tube (e.g., tube 206, described in more detail below with reference to Figure 3) of a tubular string (e.g., tubular string 106, as described below with reference to Figure 2; also referred to herein as “production string” 106) or the wall of an inlet tube upstream of the tubular string 106 (e.g., inlet tube 306 of Figures 4A / 4B or 402 of Figure 5, described in more detail below).As detailed further below, barrier 25 may comprise a cylindrical sleeve 28 positioned on the inner surface / inner diameter 32 of the production tubing (e.g., 206 of Figure 3) of a tubing string (e.g., tubing string 106 of Figure 2) or a surface. Petition 870250085547, dated 09 / 22 / 2025, page 18 / 62 / 36 internal / internal diameter 32 of an inlet pipe upstream of the tubular column (e.g., inlet flow pipe 306 of Figure 3 or 402 of Figures 4A / 4B).

[0014] The magnetic shielding 20 may additionally include an operable fastening component 21 to hold the barrier 25 (for example, a cylindrical sleeve 28 that holds the barrier 25 in place (for example, on the wall 31 of the production tube or on the inlet flow tube)). The fastening component 21 may be selected from pressure rings, clamps, adjusting screws, adhesives, shear pins, coatings that provide the cylindrical sleeve on the flow orifice wall 31 or a combination thereof. Other suitable fastening components 21 will be apparent to those skilled in the art and with the aid of this disclosure.For example, a snap ring fastening component 21 may be positioned in a cavity 21' along the inner surface 32 of the flow hole wall 31 and / or a magnetic shield extension 22'' may be positioned in a cavity 22' along the inner surface 32 of the flow hole wall 31 to hold the magnetic shield 20 in position at location L1. The fastening component(s) 21 may also degrade and / or be removed after a period of time t1. For example, after the magnetic shield 20 has degraded, the fastening component 21 may be washed with the flow of fluid 26, as illustrated in Figure 1B. Alternatively or additionally, displacement of the magnetic shield 20 may also displace, break, or otherwise remove the fastening component(s) 21. Alternatively, as illustrated in Figure 1C, the fastening component 21 may remain when the remainder of the magnetic shield 20 is washed away or moves away from location L1.In some embodiments, the fastening component(s) 21 remain(s) in position after the time period t1, provided that their presence at location L1 does not interfere with the fouling inhibition performance of the magnetic inhibitor. Petition 870250085547, dated 09 / 22 / 2025, page 19 / 62 / 36 encrustation 40.

[0015] As noted above, in some embodiments, barrier 25 is degradable. The barrier can be degraded by several ways. For example, in some embodiments, barrier 25 can be degraded by dissolution, hydrolysis, (e.g., cracking and) breaking into pieces and flowing with fluid 26 (e.g., in direction A, so that the pieces are removed from location L1), by chemical reaction, or a combination thereof.

[0016] In some cases, the barrier 25 may include a material 29 selected from polymers, metals, ionic compounds, or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, the material 29 comprises a polymer (e.g., degradable). Suitable degradable polymers may include, for example, degradable plastics (e.g., aliphatic polyesters such as polyglycolic acid (PGA) and polylactic acid (PLA), acetate, polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), polyvinyl alcohol (PVOH), polylactic acid (PLLA)), degradable elastomers (e.g., polyurethane, thermoplastic urethane, thiol, natural rubber), sugars, or a combination thereof.

[0017] In some embodiments, as noted above, material 29 comprises a metal. In some embodiments, material 29 comprises a metal selected from magnesium alloys, aluminum alloys, or a combination thereof. The metal may be doped with another metal to accelerate the rate of barrier degradation.

[0018] In some embodiments, as noted above, material 29 comprises an ionic compound, such as one or more ionic compounds selected from salts (for example, sodium chloride (NaCl), sodium sulfate (NiSO4), barium nitrate (BaNO3), borate compounds, etc.).

[0019] In some modalities, material 29 consists of one or Petition 870250085547, dated 09 / 22 / 2025, page 20 / 62 / 36 plus polylactic acid (PLA), polyglycolic acid (PGA), polycaprolactone (PCL), polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), carboxymethylcellulose (CMC), xanthan gum, hydroxypropyl guar (HPG), a starch-based material, a magnesium alloy, a zinc alloy, calcium carbonate, sodium bicarbonate, citric acid, hydrochloric acid, potassium chloride, or a combination thereof.

[0020] As noted above, in the embodiments, the barrier 25 can be displaced or moved in another way, so that, after the first time period t1, the barrier 25 can be moved out of position / location L1 and moved to a second position or location L2, in which, at the second position or location L2, the barrier 25 is no longer positioned (e.g., directly) between one or more magnets 12 of the magnetic fouling inhibitor 40 and the flux orifice 30. The barrier 25 can be displaceable by means of a displacement device (generically represented as 50 in Figure 1A) selected from a dart, a ball, a displacement tool, or a combination thereof. Thus, the change can be effected by dropping a ball, activating a change tool, or similar means.

[0021] Thus, as an alternative or in addition to degradation, the protective magnetic shield 20 can, in some cases, be removed by moving it away from the permanent magnet(s) 12 of the magnetic fouling inhibitor 40. In some of these embodiments, the protective magnetic shield 20 can be constructed from a ferromagnetic material, so that virtually all the magnetic flux M passes through the magnetic shield 20 and no magnetic flux M passes into the flux hole 30 (e.g., of the production tube 206 or the inlet tube 306 (Figures 4A / 4B) / 402 (Figure 5)). “All the flux” may indicate that more than 90% of the total magnetic flux that is external to the magnet 12 will pass through the shield of the magnet 20. “No magnetic flux” may indicate that less than 10% of the Petition 870250085547, dated 09 / 22 / 2025, page 21 / 62 / 36 magnetic flux is in the flux area (e.g., flux hole 30). In some cases, barrier 25 is displaceable and material 29 may be doped with a ferromagnetic material.

[0022] As noted above, in some modalities, barrier 25 may be degradable and movable.

[0023] In some cases, the magnetic shield 20 is shaped to improve the prevention of ferromagnetic particles 27 adhering to the wall of the flow orifice 31. For example, the magnetic shield 20 may be designed to stimulate turbulence in the flow of fluid 26 in the vicinity, may promote acceleration of the flow of fluid 26 passing through it (e.g., to dislodge any adhering particles 27), may promote pushing / directing ferromagnetic particles 27 in the fluid 26 away from the wall of the flow orifice 31, or a combination thereof. For example, in some embodiments, a leading edge 23 of the magnetic shield 20 may be shaped to push particles 27 in the fluid 26 towards a centerline 24 of the flow orifice 30.

[0024] In some cases, the barrier 25 is movable and can be moved back to location L1 for a second period of time t2. In these embodiments, the barrier 25 can be used, for example, to clean fouling / debris from the wall of the flux orifice 30 near the magnetic fouling inhibitor 40 and / or during a cleaning operation that produces filings or other ferromagnetic particles 27 that may be attracted to the wall of the flux orifice 31).

[0025] The first time period t1 can be any time period during which ferromagnetic particles 27 are expected in the fluid 26. For example, in some embodiments, the first time period t1 is from approximately 1 hour to approximately 1 year (e.g., approximately 1 month).

[0026] A set is also provided in this document. Petition 870250085547, dated 09 / 22 / 2025, page. 22 / 62 / 36 Magnetic fouling inhibitor 10 comprising: a magnetic fouling inhibitor 40 comprising: one or a plurality of magnets 12 (for example, one or more sets of magnets 11, each with one or more magnets 12) positioned close to the fluid flow orifice 30. One or more magnets 12 may be configured so that a magnetic flux / magnetic field (for example, exemplary field lines labeled M in Figure 6 and described further below) produced by one or more magnets 12 may be directed to (for example, when the magnetic shield is not between the flow orifice 30 and one or more magnets 12) or towards the fluid flow orifice 30. The magnetic flux and / or field M may be referred to herein as “magnetic flux / magnetic field M” or simply “magnetic flux M”. As noted above, the fluid flow orifice 30 is configured for the flow of fluid 26.In a first configuration (for example, as illustrated in Figure 1A) of the magnetic fouling inhibitor assembly 10, the magnetic shield 20, which includes the barrier 25, can be positioned at a location / position L1 between one or more magnets 12 of the magnetic fouling inhibitor 40 and the fluid flow orifice 30 for at least a first time period t1, such that, during the first time period t1, the barrier 25 reduces or eliminates the attraction of ferromagnetic particles 27 towards one or more magnets 12 / location L1, reducing or eliminating a quantity of the magnetic flux M that extends to the flow orifice 30. That is, during the first time period t1, the barrier 25 / magnetic shield 20 blocks the magnetic flux M produced by one or more magnets 12 of the magnetic fouling inhibitor 40, preventing it from entering the flow orifice 30 and attracting any particles. ferromagnetic 27 in fluid 26.

[0027] Barrier 25 is described in this document and can be degradable in fluid 26, so that, after the first time period t1, barrier 25 is no longer present at location L1 in a second Petition 870250085547, dated 09 / 22 / 2025, p. 23 / 62 / 36 configuration (e.g., Figure 1B) of the magnetic fouling inhibitor assembly 10; and / or the barrier 25 may be displaceable / movable, so that, after the first time period t1, the barrier 25 may be displaced from location L1 in the second configuration (e.g., Figure 1C) of the magnetic fouling inhibitor assembly 10.

[0028] As mentioned above, and detailed below with reference to Figures 3-6, in embodiments of the magnetic fouling inhibitor assembly 10, the fluid flow orifice 30 may comprise at least a portion of a flow orifice 30 of a production tube 206 (Figure 3) of a tubular string 106 (Figure 2) or a flow orifice 30 of an inlet tube 306 (Figures 4A / 4B) / 402 (Figure 5) upstream of a tubular string 106.

[0029] In some cases, the inflow tube 306 / 402 is part of a flow control device 108' (for example, of a production assembly 108, as described with reference to Figure 2 below) upstream of the tubular column 106. The fluid flow orifice 30 may include a fluid flow orifice 30 of a restrictor of the flow control device 108'. The flow control device 108' may be configured to increase the fluid flow velocity 26 as the fluid 26 passes through the flow control device 108'. For example, in some embodiments, the flow control device 108' may include a nozzle, a vortex, a Tesla valve, a fluidic oscillator, a disc, a static mixer, or a steam valve.

[0030] The magnetic fouling inhibitor 40 is configured to create a magnetic field M through which the fluid 26 must flow along the flow orifice 30 when the magnetic fouling inhibitor assembly 10 is in the second configuration of Figure 1B or 1C (for example, when the magnetic shield 20 has degraded and / or shifted from location L1 and no longer blocks the magnetic field M from flowing). Petition 870250085547, dated 09 / 22 / 2025, page 24 / 62 / 36 extend to flow orifice 30).

[0031] As discussed further below with reference to Figures 5 and 6, the magnetic field M may include an alternating magnetic field. The magnetic fouling inhibitor assembly 10 may include one or more magnets 12 (and / or magnet assemblies 11). The plurality of magnets 12 (and / or magnet assemblies 11) may be positioned near at least a portion of a production pipe 206 of a tubular string 106 or of a flow tube 306 / 402 (e.g., a flow restrictor) of a flow control device 108' upstream of the tubular string 106, as described further below with reference to Figures 2 to 6.

[0032] As described in more detail in Figure 6 below, in some embodiments, the plurality of magnets 12 can be positioned around a circumference (e.g., an outer circumference 33) of at least part of the production tube 206 or the flow tube 306 / 402 of the flow control device 108' in at least a partial Halbach array.

[0033] The magnetic fouling inhibitor 40 is configured to generate a magnetohydrodynamic force on the fluid 26 as the fluid 26 flows through the flow orifice 30 when the magnetic fouling inhibitor assembly 10 is in the second configuration (e.g., from Figure 1B, 1C). The fluid 26 may contain dissolved ions which, in response to the magnetohydrodynamic force, are grouped / aggregated in the flow of fluid 26 (e.g., in the direction indicated by arrow A in Figure 1A) and therefore do not accumulate along the wall of the flow orifice 31 that defines the flow orifice 30.

[0034] As noted above, the magnetic fouling inhibitor 40 may include one or more magnets 12. In some cases, the magnetic fouling inhibitor 40 may be configured to create an alternating magnetic field M. The alternating magnetic field M created by the inhibitor Petition 870250085547, dated 09 / 22 / 2025, page 25 / 62 / 36 of magnetic fouling 40 can, when the magnetic fouling inhibitor is in the second configuration, inhibit dissolved ions from leaving the solution (i.e., subsurface formation water 101) to form fouling on well equipment (such as a flow control device, the inner wall of the tubing string 106, etc.). For example, the ions dissolved in the fluid may have a charge. The charged, dissolved ions may encounter a magnetohydrodynamic force (e.g., a Lorentz force), generated by the alternating magnetic field, as the ions pass through the magnet array via the fluid flow. As a result, the dissolved ions may clump together in the fluid flow 26 instead of attaching to the well equipment, thus inhibiting fouling production.For example, magnetohydrodynamic force can encourage calcium carbonate (CaCO3) to form aragonite, which may not adhere to the equipment or may adhere with sufficiently low adhesion force, so that flow friction can remove the aragonite. In some cases, a similar effect can occur when the precipitate includes calcium sulfate (CaSO4), barium sulfate (BaSO4), etc. In some embodiments, an increase in velocity and / or an increase in the alternating magnetic field can result in an increase in magnetohydrodynamic force, thus improving the inhibition of fouling production. Therefore, the magnetic fouling inhibitor 40 can be positioned within a flow control device 108', in some embodiments, to utilize the high flow velocity of the fluid 26 and increase the inhibition of fouling production without interfering with the production of the fluid 26.By positioning the magnetic fouling inhibitor 40 within a flow control device 108', the inhibition of fouling production can occur near the underground formation 101, which can limit the locations where fouling can form.

[0035] Figure 2 shows an exemplary well system that has a Petition 870250085547, dated 09 / 22 / 2025, page 26 / 62 / 36 production piping and at least one flow control device, in which a magnetic fouling inhibitor assembly 10 can be positioned (for example, inside a tubular section of the piping string 106 or a flow tube 306 / 402 of a flow control device 108') to inhibit fouling production, according to some embodiments. In particular, Figure 2 is a schematic of a well system 100 that includes a well 102 in an underground formation 101. Well 102 includes casing 104 and several boreholes 114 made in casing 104. Each set of boreholes 114 is located in a respective reservoir 130, 132 to allow reservoir fluids (i.e., oil, water, and gas) from the respective reservoirs 130, 132 to flow into well 102 and into the tubing string 106 (the production tubing).Tubular string 106 includes a packer 112 that can prevent the mixing of fluids produced by reservoirs 130, 132 in wellbore 102. A production assembly 108 can allow the influx of produced fluid from reservoir 130 to tubular string 106 and may include one or more influx control devices 108'. Similarly, a production assembly 108 can allow the flow of produced fluid from reservoir 132 to tubular string 106.

[0036] As noted in this document, the production assemblies 108 may include flow control devices 108'. A magnetic fouling inhibitor assembly 10 of this disclosure may be positioned on one or more (e.g., each) of the flow control devices 108' and / or on one or more tubulars 206 (Figure 3) of the tubular column 106 to inhibit fouling of the produced water from reservoirs 130, 132 (as described in more detail below). The flow control devices 108' may be configured with flow limiters, such as an inlet tube, a vortex, a fluidic diode, a nozzle, a Tesla valve, a fluidic oscillator, a static mixer, a steam valve, a disc, etc. to restrict the flow accordingly. Petition 870250085547, dated 09 / 22 / 2025, page 27 / 62 / 36 the fluid 26 flows to the tubular column 106. In some embodiments, the production assemblies 108 may also include a screen (e.g., screen 208, Figure 3).

[0037] A flowline 120 coupled to the wellhead 118 of wellbore 102 and a separator 122 can allow the fluid produced by the tubular string 106 to flow to the separator 122. The separator 122 can be designed to separate the phases of the fluid produced in wellbore 102. For example, oil, water, and gas can be separated from each other after passing through the separator 122. The fluid aggregate (e.g., fluid 26) produced from well 102 can then flow to a battery of tanks, via the flowline 124, which may include components such as the storage tank 126, to store the produced fluid.

[0038] Figure 3 illustrates an exemplary production assembly system, according to some embodiments. In particular, Figure 3 is a schematic of a production assembly 200 (like the production assemblies 108 of Figure 2) positioned in a tubular string 206 in a well 204 in a subsurface formation 202. The formation fluid (e.g., 26) produced by the subsurface formation 202 can flow into the well 204. To flow into the inner bore 214 of the tubular string 206, the fluid can first flow through a screen 208 (i.e., a wire mesh screen encased in a perforated cover). The fluid can then flow through an annular region 210 formed between the outer diameter of the tubular string 206 and a cover 212, and into the inner bore 214 of the tubular string 206 through ports 216 in the tubular string 206.The annular region 210 may include a flow restrictor to increase the fluid flow velocity as it flows through the annular region 210. A magnetic fouling inhibitor assembly 10 of this disclosure may, in certain embodiments, be positioned between the screen 208 and the flow control device 108' (e.g., between the screen 208 and a flow restrictor). Petition 870250085547, dated 09 / 22 / 2025, page 28 / 62 / 36 flow control device 108'). For example, in some embodiments, a magnetic fouling inhibitor assembly 10 of this disclosure may be positioned near the annular region 210 to utilize the high flow velocity to inhibit fouling production as the fluid 26 passes through the annular region 210. In some embodiments, the magnetic fouling inhibitor assembly 10 of this disclosure may be positioned in the annular region 210 in a position that is upstream or downstream of the flow limiter. A packer 220 may be positioned in the tubular column 206 to isolate the produced fluids from a separate reservoir, as described in Figure 2.

[0039] As mentioned above, in certain embodiments, a magnetic fouling inhibitor 10 of this assembly may be positioned in a flow control device 108' (for example, in a flow restrictor, such as the ICV 300 of Figures 4A / 4B, described below) of a flow control device 108'. For example, the flow control device 108' may be part of the production assemblies 108 of Figure 2.

[0040] Figure 4A shows an example of an influx control valve (ICV), according to some embodiments, and Figure 4B is a cross-sectional view of the ICV of Figure 4A. In particular, Figure 4A includes a schematic of an ICV 300 and Figure 4B provides a cross-sectional view 301 of the ICV 300. The ICV 300 includes a base tube 302 with an internal bore 303. The ICV 300 can be positioned on a base tube 302. A cover 305 can be positioned externally to the base tube 302 to form influx tubes 306 (i.e., a flow restrictor). Ports 308 can allow hydraulic communication between inflow pipes 306 and internal bore 303, so that fluid can flow from inflow pipes 306 to internal bore 303. Inflow pipes 306 can be configured so that fluid flow is restricted to flowing from the underground formation to ICV 300, therefore the flow velocity can increase as the Petition 870250085547, dated 09 / 22 / 2025, page 29 / 62 / 36 fluid flows from the wellbore to the influx tubes 306. For example, the cross-sectional area of ​​the influx tube 306 may be smaller than the cross-sectional area upstream of the influx tubes 306 (i.e., from where the fluid is flowing, such as the wellbore), resulting in a restriction of fluid flow and an increase in flow velocity when the fluid enters the influx tubes 306. A magnetic fouling inhibitor assembly 10 of this disclosure may be positioned near (e.g., along an inner surface 32 of) one or more inlet tubes 306, where there may be an increase in flow velocity to maximize the magnetohydrodynamic force applied to the ions dissolved in the fluid, thus inhibiting fouling production.In the embodiments shown in Figures 4A / 4B, the magnetic flux generated by the magnetic fouling inhibitor assembly 10 (in its second configuration) may be contained within the inlet tube 306 and may not extend beyond the metal of the base tube 302 and the cover 305. For example, approximately all (i.e., at least 90%) of the magnetic flux may be contained within the walls of the ICV 300, between the cover 305 and the base tube 302 (e.g., a flux restrictor, such as the inlet tube 306). For example, approximately no magnetic flux M generated by the magnetic fouling inhibitor assembly 10 (less than 10%) may extend into the inner bore 303 and / or out of the cover 305 and into the well 102.

[0041] To help illustrate, Figure 5 shows an example of a magnetic fouling inhibitor assembly 10 (in the second configuration) positioned in a flow restrictor, according to the embodiments of this disclosure. In particular, Figure 5 includes a flow restrictor 400 that includes an inlet flow tube 402. The inlet flow tube 402 may be similar to the inlet flow tubes 306 of Figures 4A / 4B. In these embodiments, the wall of the flow orifice 31 may comprise the walls of the inlet tube 402 (or inlet tube 306 of Figures 4A / 4B). In Petition 870250085547, dated 09 / 22 / 2025, page 30 / 62 / 36 in some embodiments, the inlet flow tube 402 may be a component of an inlet control device (ICD) 108', such as a nozzle, which may create a pressure drop to balance production. The magnets 404A,B, 406A,B, and 408A,B of the magnetic fouling inhibitor assembly 10 can be positioned around the circumference (e.g., outer surface 33) of the inlet flux tube 402. In some embodiments, the magnets (12, Figure 1A-1C) can be positioned upstream or downstream of the inlet flux tube 402. Figure 5 illustrates two rows of magnets, wherein the azimuthal position of magnets 404A, 406A, and 408A in the inlet flux tube 402 is approximately 180 degrees around the longitudinal axis of the inlet flux tube 402 of magnets 404B, 406B, and 408B. In some embodiments, the respective pairs of magnets may have a relative azimuthal position greater or less than 180 degrees.In some embodiments, the magnets along the flux path can reverse the magnetic field M, as shown in Figure 5, where the magnetic field direction of magnets 404A,B may be approximately opposite to the field direction of magnets 406A,B. In some embodiments, the magnets along the flux path can rotate the magnetic field M, as if the field line of magnets 404A,B were approximately 90 degrees from the field lines of magnets 406A,B. In some embodiments, there may be only one row of magnets (for example, the magnetic fouling inhibitor 40 of the magnetic fouling inhibitor assembly 10 may include only magnets 404A, 406A, and 408A) that can be positioned approximately parallel to the longitudinal axis of the inlet flux tube 402. In some embodiments, there may be more than two rows of magnets.In some embodiments, there may be only one row of magnets positioned approximately parallel to the longitudinal axis of the 402 inlet flux tube and a ferromagnetic component with an azimuthal position of approximately 180 degrees longitudinal to the row of magnets. In some... Petition 870250085547, dated 09 / 22 / 2025, page 31 / 62 / 36 modalities, the subsets of magnets (i.e., magnets 404A and 404B) can be arranged around the circumference of the inlet tube 402 in various arrangements, as described below in Figure 5. Magnets 404A,B, 406A,B and 408A,B can be configured to generate an alternating magnetic field M. For example, the configuration of the subset of magnets 404 A,B can be opposite to the configuration of the subset of magnets 406 A,B, so that the magnetic fields generated by each respective subset of magnets are opposite to each other. As the fluid flows through the inlet tube 402 and the alternating magnetic field M, the ions dissolved in the fluid can experience a Lorentz force (magnetohydrodynamic force) from the alternating magnetic field M. In some embodiments, the magnetic field lines M may be approximately perpendicular to the flow direction.In another embodiment, the magnetic field lines M may be approximately parallel to the direction of the flux (for example, indicated by arrow A in Figures 1A-1C).

[0042] To better illustrate a magnetic fouling inhibitor assembly 10 of this disclosure, Figure 6 shows an exemplary illustration of a plurality of magnets 12 (comprising magnets 502, 504, 506, 508, 510, 512, 514, 516, in Figure 6) in a Halbach array, according to some embodiments. A subset of magnets 500 (such as magnets 404A,B of Figure 5) may include magnets 502-516 arranged in a Halbach array. The magnets 502-516 may be arranged in a Halbach array around the circumference of a flux orifice wall 31, such as a wall of a (e.g., flux restrictor) flux control device 108' or a wall of a tubular 206 (Figure 3) of tubular column 106 (Figure 2). The arrows for each respective magnet 502-516 indicate the direction of the magnetic field M for each magnet 502-516. The Halbach array can create an approximately uniform magnetic field within the inner area 520 (i.e., the flux restrictor).In some modalities, there may be restrictions. Petition 870250085547, dated 09 / 22 / 2025, page 32 / 62 / 36 radial (e.g., within the inlet path of a flow restrictor) which may allow only a partial Halbach array. For example, the magnets 12 may not be placed around the entire circumference 33 of the wall of the flow orifice 31 (e.g., of a flow tube 306 (Figures 4A / 4B) or 402 (Figure 5) or tubular (106, Figure 2, 208, Figure 3)). In some embodiments, the Halbach array configuration may not be at least partially circular. For example, the Halbach array may be configured to be rectangular, in two parallel planes, etc.

[0043] Also provided in this document is a method for inhibiting fouling in a fluid flow 26. The method comprises flowing, for a first time period t1, a fluid 26 from a subsurface formation 101 to a pipe string 106 positioned in a well 102 with a magnetic fouling inhibitor assembly 10 configured in a first configuration (e.g., Figure 1A). The method also includes, after the first time period t1, flowing the fluid 26 from the subsurface formation 101 to the pipe string 106 positioned in the well 102 with the magnetic fouling inhibitor assembly 10 configured in a second configuration (e.g., Figure 1B or 1C). During the first time period t1, it is possible to predict that the fluid 26 will contain more ferromagnetic particles 27 than after the first time period t1.

[0044] The magnetic fouling inhibitor assembly 10 is as described above. For example, the magnetic fouling inhibitor assembly 10 comprises: a magnetic fouling inhibitor 40 comprising: one or a plurality of magnets 12 positioned close to a fluid flow orifice 30 and configured such that a magnetic flux / magnetic field M produced by one or more magnets 12 is directed to the fluid flow orifice 30. The fluid flow orifice 30 comprises a flow orifice 30 of at least a portion of a production tube. Petition 870250085547, dated 09 / 22 / 2025, page 33 / 62 / 36 206 of the tubular column 106 or a flow orifice 30 of a flow control device 108' upstream of the tubular column 106 and configured to restrict the flow (indicated by arrow A in Figure 1A) of fluid 26 from the subsurface formation 101 to the tubular column 106. In the first configuration (e.g., Figure 1A) of the magnetic fouling inhibitor assembly 10, the magnetic shield 20, composed of the barrier 25, is positioned at location L1 between one or a plurality of magnets 12 of the magnetic fouling inhibitor 40 and the fluid flow orifice 30 for at least the first time period t1, so that, at least during the first time period t1, the barrier 25 reduces or eliminates the passage of magnetic flux / magnetic field M to the fluid flow orifice 30 and the attraction of ferromagnetic particles 27 to one or a plurality of magnets. 12 / local L1. As described above: barrier 25 is degradable in fluid 26, so that,After the first time period t1, the barrier 20 has degraded and is no longer present at location L1 in a second configuration of the magnetic fouling inhibitor assembly 10 (this second configuration is shown and described above with reference to Figure 1B); and / or the barrier 25 can be displaced, so that, after the first time period t1, the barrier 25 is displaced away from location L1 in the second configuration of the magnetic fouling inhibitor assembly 10 (this second configuration is shown and described above with reference to Figure 1C), so that, in the second configuration, the magnetic flux / magnetic field M produced by one or more magnets 12 is directed towards the fluid flow orifice 30, so that any dissolved ions clump / agglomerate within the flow (indicated by arrow A1 in Figure 1A) of fluid 26 and do not clump together along a wall of the flow orifice 31 that defines the flow orifice 30.

[0045] In the second configuration of the magnetic fouling inhibitor assembly 10 (as illustrated in Figures 1B and 1C), the inhibitor of Petition 870250085547, dated 09 / 22 / 2025, page 34 / 62 / 36 magnetic fouling 40 produces the magnetic field M that extends to the flow orifice 30, through which the fluid 26 passes. The magnetic fouling inhibitor 40 may be as described above in this document. For example, in embodiments, the magnetic field M may include an alternating magnetic field. One or a plurality of magnets 12 may be positioned close to (e.g., around an outer circumference 33) the walls of the flow orifice 31 that define the flow orifice 30.For example, one or a plurality of magnets 12 may be positioned close to (e.g., around an outer circumference 33 of) (e.g., at least a part of) a production tube 206 of the tubular column 106, and / or one or a plurality of magnets 12 may be positioned close to the walls of the flow hole 31 of an inlet flow tube 306 / 402 of (e.g., a flow restrictor of) a flow control device 108'. In embodiments, the magnetic fouling inhibitor 40 comprises the plurality of magnets 12, and the plurality of magnets 12 is positioned around a circumference 33 of a wall of the flow hole 31 that defines the flow hole 30 in at least a partial Halbach array.

[0046] The removable magnetic shielding (e.g., degradable and / or displaceable) 20 of this disclosure can be used to protect one or more magnets (e.g., permanent) 12 of a magnetic fouling inhibitor 40, for example, during well installation and startup. The fouling inhibitor magnets 12 can direct the magnetic flux M to the inner diameter (e.g., the flow hole 30) of a pipe (e.g., a portion of a tubular 206 of a tubular string 106) or can direct the magnetic flux M to the inlet flow in the production pipe (e.g., to an inlet flow tube 306 (Figures 4A / 4B) / 402 (Figure 5) of an inflow control device 108').

[0047] The removable magnetic shield 20 prevents ferromagnetic particles 27 in the fluid 26 from sticking to section 31' of the borehole wall. Petition 870250085547, dated 09 / 22 / 2025, page 35 / 62 / 36 flux 31 that has the permanent magnet(s) 12 in it during an initial time period t1, when ferromagnetic particles 27 can be expected in the fluid 26. During production, the magnet shielding 20 may disappear (e.g., dissolve or degrade and / or otherwise shift), allowing the magnetic flux M of the magnet(s) 12 to flow through the flux paths in the flux orifice 30 and minimizing fouling production. In some cases, the magnetic shielding 20 may disappear by dissolving into the fluid 26 or may be removed by sliding (e.g., shifting) out of the way (e.g., out of the path of the magnetic field M).

[0048] By means of this disclosure, one or a plurality of magnets 12 (e.g., an array 11 of magnets 12) can be used to minimize the probability of producing scale that may adhere to the inner diameter 32 of a flow hole wall 31 (e.g., an inner surface 32 of a production tube 206). Scale is generally formed by dissolved ions that come out of solution. These ions have a charge that is influenced by a magnetic field M. The operating principle of the magnetic scale inhibitor 40 of the magnetic scale inhibitor assembly 10 of this disclosure is that magnetohydrodynamic forces help encourage CaCO3 to form aragonite, which does not adhere to the flow hole wall 31, instead of calcite and vaterite, which do adhere to the flow hole wall 31. Similar protection can be provided with CaSO4, BaSO4 and asphaltenes.

[0049] By means of this disclosure, a degradable or displaceable magnetic shield 20 is employed to prevent iron particles from accumulating around the magnet(s) 12 of a magnetic fouling inhibitor 40. The additional distance from the magnet(s) 12 allows the chips to be carried away by the production fluid 26, instead of sticking to section 31' of the flow hole wall 31 near the magnet(s) 12. As described in Petition 870250085547, dated 09 / 22 / 2025, p. 36 / 62 / 36 present document, the magnetic shield 20 can be held in place with a fastening component 21, such as a clamp, a pressure ring, a fastening screw, adhesive, shear pin, as a coating on the pipe, etc. As ferromagnetic filings / particles 27 can be expected in the fluid 26 only at the beginning of the well life 101, there will no longer be filings 27 of concern at the time (e.g., at the end of the first time period t1) when the magnetic shield has degraded (e.g., dissolved) and / or moved from location L1. The degradable and / or displaceable magnetic shielding 20 provides sufficient distance (e.g., a distance of at least D between one or more magnets 12 and the ferromagnetic particles 27 in the fluid 26), so that few particles 27 of steel filings will accumulate near the permanent magnet(s) 12.The set of magnets 11 (for example, the arrangement of one or the plurality of magnets 12) can be linear or cylindrical. ADDITIONAL DISCLOSURE

[0050] Specific and non-limiting options are set out below in accordance with this disclosure: In a first embodiment, a magnetic shield for use with a magnetic fouling inhibitor comprises: a barrier configured for placement at a location between the magnetic fouling inhibitor and a fluid flow hole for at least an initial period of time, wherein the flow hole is configured for fluid flow, and wherein the barrier is: degradable in the fluid, such that after the initial period of time the barrier is no longer present at the location; and / or displaceable, such that after the initial period of time the barrier can be displaced away from the location, wherein, during the initial period of time, the barrier reduces or eliminates the attraction of ferromagnetic particles to magnets of the magnetic fouling inhibitor.

[0051] A second option may include magnetic shielding. Petition 870250085547, dated 09 / 22 / 2025, page 37 / 62 / 36 of the first embodiment, in which the barrier comprises a cylindrical jacket positioned in a production tube of a tubular string (also referred to in this document as a “production string”) or an inlet tube upstream of the tubular string.

[0052] A third embodiment may include magnetic shielding of the second embodiment, which further comprises an operable fastening component for holding the cylindrical sleeve in place on a flow hole wall of the production pipeline or inlet flow pipe, wherein the fastening component is selected from among snap rings, clamps, fastening screws, adhesives, shear pins, liners that provide the cylindrical sleeve to the flow hole wall or a combination thereof.

[0053] A fourth embodiment may include magnetic shielding of the third embodiment, in which the barrier is degradable by dissolution, by hydrolysis, by (e.g., cracking and) breaking into pieces and flowing with the fluid, by chemical reaction, or a combination thereof.

[0054] A fifth embodiment may include the magnetic shielding of the fourth embodiment, wherein the barrier comprises a material selected from polymers, metals, ionic compounds or a combination thereof.

[0055] A sixth embodiment may include the magnetic shielding of the fifth embodiment, wherein the material comprises a polymer (e.g., degradable).

[0056] A seventh embodiment may include magnetic shielding of either of the fifth or sixth embodiments, wherein the degradable polymer comprises a degradable plastic (e.g., aliphatic polyesters such as polyglycolic acid (PGA) and polylactic acid (PLA), acetate, polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), polyvinyl alcohol (PVOH), polylactic acid (PLLA)), a degradable elastomer (e.g., polyurethane, Petition 870250085547, dated 09 / 22 / 2025, p. 38 / 62 / 36 thermoplastic urethane, thiol, natural rubber), sugar or a combination thereof.

[0057] An eighth embodiment may include magnetic shielding of any of the fifth to seventh embodiments, wherein the material comprises a metal selected from magnesium alloys, aluminum alloys, or a combination thereof.

[0058] A ninth embodiment may include the magnetic shielding of the eighth embodiment, in which the metal is doped with another metal to accelerate the degradation rate of the magnetic barrier / shielding.

[0059] A tenth embodiment may include magnetic shielding of any of the fifth to ninth embodiments, wherein the material comprises an ionic compound selected from salts (e.g., sodium chloride (NaCl), sodium sulfate (N2SO4), barium nitrate (Ba(NO3)2), borate compounds, etc.).

[0060] An eleventh embodiment may include magnetic shielding of any of the first through tenth embodiments, in which the barrier may be movable.

[0061] A twelfth embodiment may include the magnetic shielding of the eleventh embodiment, wherein the barrier may be displaceable by means of a displacement device selected from a dart, a ball, a displacement tool or a combination thereof.

[0062] A thirteenth embodiment may include magnetic shielding of any of the first to twelfth embodiments, in which the barrier is degradable and displaceable.

[0063] A fourteenth embodiment may include magnetic shielding of any of the first to thirteenth embodiments, wherein the barrier is displaceable and can be moved back into place for a second period of time (e.g., for cleaning of Petition 870250085547, dated 09 / 22 / 2025, p. 39 / 62 / 36 (incrustations / debris from the magnetic incrustation inhibitor or during a cleaning operation that produces metal shavings).

[0064] A fifteenth modality may include magnetic shielding of any of the first to fourteenth modalities, wherein the first time period is from about 1 hour to about 1 year (e.g., about 1 month).

[0065] In a sixteenth embodiment, a magnetic fouling inhibitor assembly comprises: a magnetic fouling inhibitor comprising: one or a plurality of magnets positioned near a fluid flow hole and configured so that a magnetic flux produced by the one or plurality of magnets is directed to the fluid flow hole, wherein the fluid flow hole is configured for the flow of a fluid;and in a first configuration of the magnetic fouling inhibitor assembly, a magnetic shield comprising a barrier positioned at a location between one or more magnets of the magnetic fouling inhibitor and the fluid flow hole for at least a first period of time, such that, during the first period of time, the barrier reduces or eliminates the attraction of ferromagnetic particles to the one or more magnets / location L1, reducing or eliminating an amount of the magnetic flux extending to the flow hole, wherein the barrier is: degradable in the fluid, such that, after the first period of time, the barrier is no longer present at the location in a second configuration of the magnetic fouling inhibitor assembly; and / or displaceable, such that, after the first period of time, the barrier can be displaced away from the location in the second configuration of the magnetic fouling inhibitor assembly.

[0066] A seventeenth embodiment may include the magnetic fouling inhibitor assembly of the sixteenth embodiment, wherein the fluid flow hole comprises at least a portion of a flow hole. Petition 870250085547, dated 09 / 22 / 2025, page 40 / 62 / 36 of a production pipe of a tubular string or a flow hole of an inlet pipe upstream of the tubular string.

[0067] An eighteenth embodiment may include the magnetic fouling inhibitor assembly of the seventeenth embodiment, wherein the inlet flow tube is part of a flow control device upstream of the tubular string.

[0068] A nineteenth embodiment may include the magnetic fouling inhibitor assembly of the eighteenth embodiment, wherein the fluid flow hole comprises a fluid flow hole of a flow control device restrictor.

[0069] A twentieth embodiment may include the magnetic fouling inhibitor assembly of either the eighteenth or nineteenth embodiment, wherein the flow control device is configured to increase the fluid flow velocity as the fluid flows through the flow control device, and wherein the flow control device comprises a nozzle, a vortex, a Tesla valve, a fluidic oscillator, a disc, a static mixer, or a steam valve.

[0070] A twenty-first embodiment may include the magnetic fouling inhibitor assembly of any of the sixteenth to twentieth embodiments, wherein the magnetic fouling inhibitor is configured to create a magnetic field through which the fluid must flow along the flow hole when the magnetic fouling inhibitor assembly is in the second configuration.

[0071] A twenty-second embodiment may include the magnetic fouling inhibitor assembly of the twenty-first embodiment, wherein the magnetic field comprises an alternating magnetic field.

[0072] A twenty-third embodiment may include the magnetic fouling inhibitor assembly of any of the sixteenth to twenty-second embodiments, which comprises a plurality of magnets. Petition 870250085547, dated 09 / 22 / 2025, page 41 / 62 / 36

[0073] A twenty-fourth embodiment may include the magnetic fouling inhibitor assembly of the twenty-third embodiment, wherein the plurality of magnets is positioned close to at least a portion of a production pipe of a tubular string or a flow tube (e.g., a flow restrictor) of a flow control device upstream of the tubular string.

[0074] A twenty-fifth embodiment may include the magnetic fouling inhibitor assembly of any of the sixteenth to twenty-fourth embodiments, wherein the plurality of magnets is positioned around a circumference of at least a portion of the production piping or flow tube of the flow control device in at least a partial Halbach array.

[0075] A twenty-sixth embodiment may include the magnetic fouling inhibitor assembly of any of the sixteenth to twenty-fifth embodiments, wherein the magnetic fouling inhibitor is configured to generate a magnetohydrodynamic force on the fluid as the fluid flows through the flow hole when the magnetic fouling inhibitor assembly is in the second configuration.

[0076] A twenty-seventh embodiment may include the magnetic fouling inhibitor assembly of the twenty-sixth embodiment, wherein the fluid comprises dissolved ions which, in response to magnetohydrodynamic force, are grouped / aggregated in the fluid flow and do not gather along a wall of the flow hole that defines the flow hole.

[0077] In a twenty-eighth embodiment, a method comprises: flowing, for a first period of time, a stream of fluid from an underground formation to a tubular string positioned in a well with a magnetic fouling inhibitor assembly configured in a first configuration; and subsequent to the first period of time, flowing the fluid from the underground formation to the tubular string positioned in Petition 870250085547, dated 09 / 22 / 2025, page 42 / 62 / 36 well with the magnetic fouling inhibitor assembly configured in a second configuration, wherein during the first time period the fluid is expected to comprise more ferromagnetic particles than subsequently to the first time period, wherein the magnetic fouling inhibitor assembly comprises: a magnetic fouling inhibitor comprising: one or a plurality of magnets positioned close to a fluid flow well and configured so that a magnetic flux / magnetic field produced by one or more magnets is directed to the fluid flow well, wherein the fluid flow well comprises a flow well of at least a portion of a production tubing of the tubing string or a flow well of a flow control device upstream of the tubing string and configured to restrict the flow of fluid from the subsurface formation to the tubing string;and in the first configuration of the magnetic fouling inhibitor assembly, a magnetic shield comprising a barrier positioned at a location between one or more magnets of the magnetic fouling inhibitor and the fluid flow hole for at least the first time period, such that, during at least the first time period, the barrier reduces or eliminates the passage of magnetic flux / magnetic field to the fluid flow hole and the attraction of ferromagnetic particles to one or more magnets / location, wherein the barrier is: degradable in the fluid, such that, after the first time period, the barrier is no longer present at the location in a second configuration of the magnetic fouling inhibitor assembly;and / or movable, so that, after the first period of time, the barrier is moved away from the location in the second configuration of the magnetic fouling inhibitor, so that, in the second configuration, the magnetic flux / magnetic field produced by one or more magnets is directed to the fluid flow hole, through which the dissolved ions clump together within the fluid flow and do not gather along; Petition 870250085547, dated 09 / 22 / 2025, page 43 / 62 / 36 a wall of the flow hole that defines the flow hole.

[0078] A twenty-ninth embodiment may include the twenty-eighth embodiment method, in which, in the second configuration of the magnetic fouling inhibitor assembly, the magnetic fouling inhibitor produces the magnetic field through which the fluid flows.

[0079] A thirtieth embodiment may include the twenty-eighth or twenty-ninth embodiment method, in which the magnetic field comprises an alternating magnetic field.

[0080] A thirty-first embodiment may include the method of any of the twenty-eighth to thirty embodiments, in which one or a plurality of magnets are positioned close to (e.g., around an outer circumference) the flow hole of the tubular production column.

[0081] A thirty-second embodiment may include the method of any of the twenty-eighth to thirty-first embodiments, in which one or a plurality of magnets are positioned close to the flux hole of a flux restrictor of the flux control device.

[0082] A thirty-third embodiment may include the method of any of the twenty-eighth to thirty-second embodiments, wherein the magnetic fouling inhibitor comprises a plurality of magnets, and wherein the plurality of magnets is positioned around a circumference of a flux hole wall that defines the flux hole in at least one partial Halbach array.

[0083] In a thirty-fourth embodiment, a method comprises: (a) shielding (e.g., with a shield) a magnetic field produced by magnets arranged within a fouling-inhibiting tool for an initial period of time (e.g., during a start-up time when a pronounced or increased presence of ferromagnetic particles, e.g., particles resulting from a Petition 870250085547, dated 09 / 22 / 2025, page 44 / 62 / 36 well operation, such as milling an opening for a side well in a casing or other piping, is expected in the fluid flowing through the fouling inhibitor tool); and (b) after the first time period, remove the magnetic field shielding produced by the fouling inhibitor tool (e.g., removing all or part of the shielding positioned adjacent to / between the magnets and an internal flow hole of the fouling inhibitor tool, axially displacing / moving all or part of the shielding from a position adjacent to / between the magnets and the internal flow hole of the fouling inhibitor tool, or both).

[0084] Although some embodiments have been shown and described, modifications thereto may be made by one skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and teachings of this disclosure. The embodiments described in this document are merely exemplary and are not intended to be limiting. Many variations and modifications of the embodiments disclosed in this document are possible and are within the scope of this disclosure. When ranges or numerical limitations are expressly stated, such ranges or limitations are to be understood as including iterative well locations or limitations of equal magnitude within the explicitly expressed ranges or limitations (e.g., from about 1 to about 10 includes 2, 3, 4, etc., greater than 0.10 includes 0.11, 0.12, 0.13, etc.). For example, whenever a numerical range with a lower limit, Rl, and an upper limit, Ru, is disclosed, any number falling within the range will be specifically disclosed.In particular, the following numbers within the range are specifically disclosed: R=Rl + k* (Ru-Rl), where k is a variable ranging from 1 percent to 100 percent in increments of 1 percent, that is, k is 1 percent, 2 percent, 3 percent, 4 percent, 5 percent, ... 50 percent, 51 percent, 52 percent, ...., 95 percent, 96 percent, 97 percent, 98 percent, 99 percent or 100 percent. Furthermore, any numerical range defined by two R numbers, as defined. Petition 870250085547, dated 09 / 22 / 2025, pp. 45 / 62 / 36 above, is also specifically disclosed. The use of broader terms, such as comprise, include, have, etc., should be understood as supporting more restricted terms, such as consist of, consist essentially of, substantially composed of, etc. When a feature is described as “optional,” both modalities with that feature and modalities without that feature are disclosed. Similarly, this disclosure contemplates modalities where this “optional” characteristic is required and modalities where this characteristic is specifically excluded.

[0085] Therefore, the scope of protection is not limited by the description set forth above, but is limited only by the following claims, the scope of which includes all equivalents of the subject matter of the claims. Each and every claim is incorporated into the descriptive report as some embodiments of this disclosure. Thus, the claims are a further description and are an addition to the embodiments of this disclosure. The discussion of a reference in this document is not an admission that it is prior art, especially any reference that may have a publication date after the priority date of this patent application. Disclosures of all patents, applications and patent publications cited in this document are incorporated herein by reference to the extent that they provide exemplary, procedural or otherwise supplementary details to those presented in this document.

[0086] The use of the expression “at least one of” preceding a list with the conjunction “and” should not be treated as an exclusive list and should not be interpreted as a list of categories with one item from each category, unless specifically indicated otherwise. A clause that quotes “at least one of A, B, and C” may be infringed with only one of the listed items, several of the listed items, and one or more of the items in the list and another unlisted item. Petition 870250085547, dated 09 / 22 / 2025, p. 46 / 62 / 36

[0087] As used in this document, the term “or” is inclusive unless explicitly stated otherwise. Thus, the expression “at least one of A, B, or C” is satisfied by any element of the set {A, B, C} or any combination thereof, including multiples of any element. Petition 870250085547, dated 09 / 22 / 2025, pp. 47 / 62

Claims

1 / 6 CLAIMS 1. Magnetic shielding for use with a magnetic fouling inhibitor, the magnetic shielding being characterized in that it comprises: a barrier configured to be positioned at a location between the magnetic fouling inhibitor and a fluid flow orifice for at least an initial period of time, wherein the flow orifice is configured for the flow of a fluid and wherein the barrier is: degradable in the fluid, so that after the initial period of time the barrier is no longer present at the location; and / or displaceable, so that after the initial period of time the barrier can be displaced away from the location, wherein, during the initial period of time, the barrier reduces or eliminates the attraction of ferromagnetic particles by the magnets of the magnetic fouling inhibitor.

2. Magnetic shielding according to claim 1, characterized in that the barrier comprises a cylindrical jacket positioned in a production tube of a tubular string or in an inlet flow tube upstream of the tubular string.

3. Magnetic shielding according to claim 2, characterized in that it further comprises an operable fastening component for holding the cylindrical sleeve in place on a wall of the flow orifice of the production tube or inflow tube, wherein the fastening component is selected from among snap rings, clamps, adjusting screws, adhesives, shear pins, coatings that provide the cylindrical sleeve to the wall of the flow orifice or a combination thereof.

4. Magnetic shielding according to claim 3, characterized in that the barrier is degradable by means of dissolution, hydrolysis, breaking into pieces and flowing with the fluid, chemical reaction or a combination thereof.

5. Magnetic shielding according to claim 1, characterized in that the barrier is movable.

6. Magnetic shielding according to claim 5, characterized in that the barrier is movable by means of a displacement device selected from a dart, a ball, a displacement tool or a combination thereof.

7. Magnetic shielding according to claim 1, characterized in that the barrier is degradable and displaceable.

8. Magnetic shielding according to claim 1, characterized in that the barrier is displaceable and can be moved back to its original location for a second period of time.

9. Magnetic fouling inhibitor assembly, characterized in that it comprises: a magnetic fouling inhibitor comprising: one or a plurality of magnets positioned close to a fluid flow hole and configured so that a magnetic flux / magnetic field produced by one or the plurality of magnets is directed towards the fluid flow hole, wherein the fluid flow hole is configured for the flow of a fluid;and in a first configuration of the magnetic fouling inhibitor assembly, a magnetic shield comprising a barrier positioned at a location between one or more magnets of the magnetic fouling inhibitor and the fluid flow hole for at least a first period of time, such that, during the first period of time, the barrier reduces or eliminates the attraction of ferromagnetic particles towards one or more magnets, reducing or eliminating an amount of the magnetic flux / magnetic field extending into the flow hole, wherein the barrier is: degradable in the fluid, such that, after the first period of time, the barrier is no longer present at the location in a second configuration of the magnetic fouling inhibitor assembly;and / or movable, so that, after the first period of time, the barrier can be moved out of place in the second configuration of the magnetic fouling inhibitor assembly.

10. Magnetic fouling inhibitor assembly according to claim 9, characterized in that the fluid flow hole comprises at least a portion of a flow hole of a production pipe of a tubular string or a flow hole of an inlet flow tube upstream of the tubular string.

11. Magnetic fouling inhibitor assembly according to claim 10, characterized in that the inlet flow tube is part of a flow control device upstream of the tubular column.

12. Magnetic fouling inhibitor assembly according to claim 11, characterized in that the fluid flow hole comprises a fluid flow hole of a flow control device restrictor.

13. Magnetic fouling inhibitor assembly according to claim 11, characterized in that the flow control device is configured to increase the flow velocity of the fluid as the fluid flows through the flow control device, and wherein the flow control device comprises a nozzle, a vortex, a Tesla valve, a fluidic oscillator, a disc, a static mixer or a steam valve.

14. Magnetic fouling inhibitor assembly according to claim 9, characterized in that the magnetic fouling inhibitor is configured to create a magnetic field through which the fluid must flow along the flow hole when the magnetic fouling inhibitor assembly is in the second configuration.

15. Magnetic fouling inhibitor assembly according to claim 14, characterized in that the magnetic field comprises an alternating magnetic field.

16. Magnetic fouling inhibitor assembly according to claim 9, characterized in that it comprises a plurality of magnets.

17. Magnetic fouling inhibitor assembly according to claim 16, characterized in that the plurality of magnets is positioned near at least a portion of a production pipe of a tubular string or a flow tube of a flow control device upstream of the tubular string.

18. Method, characterized in that it comprises: flowing, for a first period of time, a flow of fluid from an underground formation into a tubular string positioned in a well with a magnetic fouling inhibitor assembly configured in a first configuration; and subsequent to the first period of time, flowing the fluid from the underground formation into the tubular string positioned in the well with the magnetic fouling inhibitor assembly configured in a second configuration, wherein it is anticipated that, during the first period of time, the fluid comprises more ferromagnetic particles than subsequent to the first period of time, wherein the magnetic fouling inhibitor assembly comprises: a magnetic fouling inhibitor comprising: one or a plurality of magnets positioned close to a fluid flow hole. Petition 870250085547, dated 22 / 09 / 2025.pg. 51 / 62 5 / 6 and configured so that a magnetic flux / magnetic field produced by one or more magnets is directed to the fluid flow hole, wherein the fluid flow hole comprises a flow hole of at least a portion of a production tubing of the tubing string or a flow hole of a flow control device upstream of the tubing string and configured to restrict the flow of fluid from the underground formation to the tubing string; and in the first configuration of the magnetic fouling inhibitor assembly, a magnetic shield comprising a barrier positioned at a location between one or more magnets of the magnetic fouling inhibitor and the fluid flow hole for at least the first time period, such that, during at least the first time period,The barrier reduces or eliminates the passage of magnetic flux / magnetic field to the fluid flow hole and the attraction of ferromagnetic particles to one or more magnets / location, wherein the barrier is: degradable in the fluid, so that after the first period of time the barrier is no longer present at the location in a second configuration of the magnetic fouling inhibitor assembly; and / or displaceable, so that after the first period of time the barrier is displaced away from the location in the second configuration of the magnetic fouling inhibitor, so that in the second configuration the magnetic flux / magnetic field produced by one or more magnets is directed to the fluid flow hole, so that dissolved ions clump / cluster within the fluid flow and do not clump together along a wall of the flow hole that defines the flow hole.

19. Method according to claim 18, characterized in that, in the second configuration of the magnetic fouling inhibitor assembly, the magnetic fouling inhibitor produces the magnetic field through which the fluid flows.

20. Method according to claim 18, characterized in that the magnetic field comprises an alternating magnetic field. Petition 870250085547, dated 09 / 22 / 2025, pp. 53 / 62

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