Circumferential Magnetic Coupling for Downhole Position Sensor Accuracy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing position sensors in wellbore operations experience delays in movement due to magnetic hysteresis and friction, leading to inaccurate indications of fluid valve opening positions, which can negatively impact wellbore development and production.
Innovation Solution
A downhole tool with a position sensor assembly that features a valve magnet assembly circumferentially arranged around the position sensor, reducing magnetic hysteresis and improving magnetic coupling efficiency, thereby enhancing the accuracy of position sensing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a conventional position sensor assembly is used, then the structure is simple, but magnetic hysteresis and friction cause delays in movement and inaccurate position indications
Solution Approach 1:
The magnet assembly is divided into multiple discrete magnets arranged circumferentially around the position sensor, with spacing between adjacent magnets. This segmentation allows the magnetic field to more effectively couple with the sensor while reducing magnetic hysteresis effects that cause lag and inaccurate position indications.
Solution Approach 2:
The magnets are arranged in a circumferential dimension around the position sensor rather than in a linear or radial configuration. This dimensional arrangement optimizes the magnetic field distribution to reduce hysteresis and improve the responsiveness and accuracy of position detection.
2Measurement precision
If magnets are arranged circumferentially around the position sensor, then magnetic coupling efficiency is improved and hysteresis is reduced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The magnet assembly is divided into multiple discrete magnets arranged circumferentially around the position sensor, with spacing between adjacent magnets. This segmentation allows the magnetic field to more effectively couple with the sensor while reducing magnetic hysteresis effects that cause lag and inaccurate position indications.
Solution Approach 2:
The spacing between adjacent magnets is optimized to balance magnetic coupling strength with hysteresis reduction. By adjusting this geometric parameter, the system achieves improved position sensing accuracy while controlling the complexity of the multi-magnet arrangement.
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
The improved magnetic coupling reduces lag time between the movement of the valve magnet assembly and the position sensor, providing more accurate monitoring of fluid valve positions and enhancing the efficiency and accuracy of wellbore operations.
Implementation Method 1
a valve magnet assembly that is magnetically coupled to the position sensor
Implementation Method 2
delays in movement due to magnetic hysteresis and friction
Data Source
AI summary
A downhole tool can include a position sensor comprising a first set of magnets and an internal slider. The downhole tool can also include a valve magnet assembly comprising a second set of magnets magnetically couplable to the first set of magnets. The second set of magnets can be positionable circumferentially around an outer diameter of the position sensor. The valve magnet assembly can be configured to move in response to a fluid valve. The valve magnet assembly can be configured to cause the internal slider of the position sensor to move in response to movement of the valve magnet assembly.