Adaptive Eddy-Current Boundary Optimization for Nested Pipe Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing Eddy-current techniques for monitoring casing strings in oil and gas wells face challenges in accurately determining dimensional and material parameters due to fixed time or frequency boundaries, which can lead to inefficiencies in casing condition analysis, especially in offshore platforms where casing removal is costly and time-consuming.
Innovation Solution
Adaptive determination of time or frequency boundaries within Eddy-current response signals based on input response signals specific to the configuration of nested pipes, using iterative methods and numerical inversion techniques to optimize pipe evaluations and improve accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If fixed time or frequency boundaries are used in Eddy-current response signal analysis, then the analysis process is simplified and faster, but the accuracy of pipe parameter determination deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by transitioning from fixed, static time/frequency boundaries to adaptive, dynamic boundaries that are determined through iterative optimization. The boundary values are adjusted based on the actual signal characteristics and pipe configuration, allowing the analysis to adapt to varying conditions while maintaining both speed and accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the boundary parameters from fixed predetermined values to optimized values determined through iterative procedures. The optimization process adjusts time or frequency boundary parameters to maximize the information content in each time slot or frequency slot, thereby improving parameter determination accuracy without sacrificing analysis efficiency.
2Measurement precision
If adaptive determination of time or frequency boundaries is used, then the accuracy of pipe parameter determination is improved, but the complexity of the analysis process increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service by enabling the analysis system to automatically determine optimal boundaries through iterative optimization without requiring manual intervention or external calibration. The system uses the measured signal itself to determine the boundary parameters, making the process self-adjusting and reducing operational complexity despite the increased computational steps.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses feedback mechanisms where the optimization process iteratively adjusts boundary parameters based on the quality of parameter determination. The system evaluates the information content or signal characteristics and feeds this back into the boundary selection process, continuously refining the boundaries to achieve optimal accuracy while managing complexity through systematic iteration.
3Measurement precision
If iterative optimization methods are applied to determine boundaries, then the evaluation accuracy of nested pipes is improved, but the processing time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by performing initial boundary estimates or using prior knowledge of typical signal characteristics to start the iterative optimization process closer to the optimal solution. This reduces the number of iterations required to achieve convergence, thereby maintaining high accuracy while minimizing the additional processing time incurred by iterative methods.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach enhances the accuracy of pipe parameter determination by optimizing boundary placement, allowing for more precise evaluation of casing conditions without prior knowledge of boundaries, thereby improving the efficiency of well operations and reducing costs associated with casing removal.
Implementation Method 1
inducing Eddy currents in the casing strings and measuring the resulting electromagnetic response signals
Implementation Method 2
inducing Eddy currents in the nested pipes and measuring one or more respective time- or frequency-dependent electromagnetic response signals
Data Source
AI summary
Described are systems, devices, and methods for processing Eddy-current response signals acquired in a set of multiple nested pipes, such as, e.g., nested casing strings within a completed wellbore. In various embodiments, time boundaries between time slots within the Eddy-current response signals are determined adaptively based on an input response signal specific to the nested pipes (e.g., one of the measured signals itself). Additional embodiments are disclosed.