Azimuthal Electromagnetic Pipe Inspection for Defect Localization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electromagnetic pipe inspection tools face challenges with low vertical resolution and lack of azimuthal discrimination, leading to underestimation of tubular flaws such as cracks and pitting, which can result in costly remedial actions and well shutdowns.
Innovation Solution
The tool generates measurements in both axial depth and azimuth dimensions within the well tubular, utilizing multiple oriented transmitter and receiver coils to achieve 360° coverage and precise localization of defects, with processors interpreting complex-valued voltage responses for accurate defect detection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If electromagnetic pipe inspection tools use conventional eddy current techniques with single-dimension measurements, then the device complexity is reduced, but the measurement precision and defect localization accuracy deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from single-dimension (axial depth only) measurements to multi-dimensional measurements by incorporating both axial depth and azimuth dimensions. Multiple transmitter and receiver coils are arranged to measure electromagnetic responses in different orientations, enabling 360° coverage around the tool. This dimensional expansion allows precise localization of defects in both axial and azimuthal positions, directly resolving the contradiction between measurement precision and device complexity by providing comprehensive defect characterization.
Solution Approach 2:
The inspection tool is divided into multiple transmitter stations and receiver stations, each with coils oriented in different directions (azimuthal and radial orientations). This segmentation allows independent measurement of electromagnetic responses from different spatial directions, enabling the system to capture comprehensive defect information while maintaining manageable complexity through modular station design.
2Reliability
If electromagnetic pipe inspection tools lack azimuthal discrimination capability, then the device complexity is minimized, but the reliability of defect assessment deteriorates due to underestimation of tubular flaws
Solution Approach 1:
The patent adds azimuthal dimension to the measurement capability, enabling the tool to detect and locate defects not only in axial depth but also in azimuthal position around the tubular. Multiple coils oriented in different azimuthal directions measure electromagnetic responses from different angular positions, providing comprehensive defect characterization. This eliminates the underestimation of tubular flaws by capturing the full spatial extent of defects, directly improving reliability while accepting increased device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs coils with specific local orientations (azimuthal and radial) at different stations to measure electromagnetic responses from specific directional perspectives. Each coil configuration is optimized for detecting defects in particular orientations and positions, enabling the system to assess defect severity accurately by combining measurements from multiple local perspectives, thereby improving overall defect assessment reliability.
3Loss of information
If electromagnetic pipe inspection tools use average metal loss estimation without azimuthal resolution, then the processing complexity is reduced, but the loss of information about defect severity and location increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent measures electromagnetic responses in both axial depth and azimuth dimensions, creating a two-dimensional measurement space that captures defect information throughout the tubular circumference. This multi-dimensional measurement approach preserves detailed defect information including azimuthal position, extent, and severity, eliminating the information loss inherent in average metal loss estimation while managing processing complexity through systematic data collection from multiple oriented coils.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses processors to interpret complex-valued voltage responses from multiple transmitter-receiver coil combinations, generating detailed measurements that reflect the actual defect characteristics. The system processes electromagnetic responses from different orientations and positions to reconstruct comprehensive defect information, providing feedback about defect severity and location that guides further inspection or remediation decisions, thereby minimizing information loss about tubular integrity.
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 solution enables accurate detection and localization of tubular defects, reducing the risk of underestimating damage severity and minimizing costly remedial actions by providing detailed, precise measurements of tubular integrity.
Implementation Method 1
when a transmitter coil of an electromagnetic pipe inspection tool emits primary transient electromagnetic fields, eddy currents are induced in regions, e.g. the casing, surrounding the tool
Implementation Method 2
these eddy currents produce secondary fields which are received along with the primary fields by a receiver coil of the electromagnetic pipe inspection tool
Data Source
AI summary
Aspects of the subject technology relate to systems, methods, and computer-readable media for azimuthal defect evaluation through electromagnetic pipe inspection tools. A tool for monitoring an integrity of a well tubular can comprise a transmitter station with transmitter coil(s) configured to excite eddy currents in the well tubular. The tool can comprise a receiver station with receiver coil(s) to measure electromagnetic fields generated by the eddy currents. The tool can generate tool measurements in a first dimension that is axial depth, a second dimension that is azimuth, and a third dimension that is radial depth based on the measured electromagnetic field. At least one of the transmitter and receiver coils can have a polarization axis orthogonal to an axis of the well tubular. Further, one of the transmitter station and the receiver station comprises only non-azimuthal sensors.