Azimuthal Cable Localization via Electromagnetic Induction
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Solution Overview
Problem
The accidental breakage of distributed sensing cables during wellbore operations due to the inability to accurately determine the profile of fiber optic cables as they traverse down the wellbore, primarily because of their limited shear strength and the lack of effective methods for non-destructive location detection behind casing.
Innovation Solution
The use of active-source, multi-component induction technology with triaxial or tilted coil antennas to detect induced secondary currents in conductors, allowing for the determination of the location and deployment profile of fiber optic cables by analyzing asymmetric and symmetric secondary currents, enabling accurate positioning and corrosion detection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If fiber optic cables are disposed behind casing in wellbores, then distributed sensing capability is improved, but the risk of cable breakage increases due to inability to accurately determine cable profile
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary location detection of the fiber optic cable profile before wellbore operations that could cause breakage. By using electromagnetic induction tools to map the cable's azimuthal and radial position in advance, operators can identify potential hazard zones and adjust operations to prevent cable breakage during subsequent drilling or intervention activities.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides continuous feedback about the cable's location and profile throughout the wellbore. The electromagnetic induction tool detects changes in the cable's position and generates real-time data that feeds back to operators, enabling them to monitor cable integrity and adjust operations dynamically to prevent breakage during wellbore activities.
2Strength
If fiber optic cables are bundled with conductor wires in cement, then protection and coupling with formation is improved, but measurement precision is worsened due to difficulty in detecting cable location
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses electromagnetic induction as an intermediary method to detect the cable's location through the cement and casing. The electromagnetic fields penetrate the cement barrier and interact with the conductive elements of the cable assembly, allowing precise location determination without direct physical contact or visual access, thus maintaining both protection and detectability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the detection parameters by using electromagnetic induction at specific frequencies and analyzing the resulting secondary currents. By varying the electromagnetic field characteristics and analyzing the asymmetric and symmetric current patterns, the system achieves precise measurement of the cable's azimuthal and radial position even when bundled with conductor wires in cement.
3Reliability
If non-destructive detection methods are used to locate cables, then cable integrity is improved, but device complexity increases due to need for multi-component induction technology
Solution Approach 1:
The electromagnetic induction tool is designed with multi-functionality to handle various detection scenarios. The same tool can detect cables in different positions, orientations, and configurations within the wellbore, providing universal applicability across different wellbore conditions and cable deployment scenarios without requiring multiple specialized devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The detection system is segmented into multiple independent components including transmitter coils, receiver coils, and signal processing units. Each component performs a specific function in the detection process, allowing the system to be modular and adaptable. The segmentation enables complex detection capabilities while maintaining manageable system architecture and facilitating easier implementation.
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 method provides a non-destructive means to accurately determine the azimuthal and radial position of fiber optic cables, enhancing the reliability of wellbore operations and reducing the risk of cable breakage by allowing for precise monitoring and management of conductive materials within the wellbore.
Implementation Method 1
use a principle of active-source, multi-component induction to sense induced secondary currents in conductors inside a conveyance
Data Source
AI summary
A method and system for azimuthal direction detection of a cable. The method may comprise disposing an electromagnetic logging tool into a wellbore, transmitting a primary electromagnetic field from the one or more transmitters, recording one or more secondary electromagnetic fields at the one or more receivers, and identifying a direction to the cable from the one or more secondary electromagnetic fields. The system may comprise one or more transmitters disposed on the electromagnetic logging tool and configured to transmit a primary electromagnetic field. The system may further comprise one or more receivers disposed on the electromagnetic logging tool and configured to record one or more secondary electromagnetic fields. Additionally, the system may further comprise an information handling system configured to identify a direction to an azimuthally localized reduction in metal of the conductor or increase in the metal of the conductor from the secondary electromagnetic fields.