Directional Sensor Calibration Using Helmholtz Coil Alignment
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current calibration methods for directional sensors in the petroleum industry require separate calibration of magnetic and acceleration sensors due to differing environmental magnetic and gravity fields, leading to inefficient data collection and verification of key measurement data.
Innovation Solution
A calibration and verification system utilizing a triaxial Helmholtz coil and heating calibration turntable, controlled by an industrial computer, generates a magnetic field aligned with the geomagnetic and gravity fields, allowing simultaneous data acquisition and calibration of both sensors at different attitudes, using the total field calibration method.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate calibration of magnetic sensor and acceleration sensor is performed using total field calibration method, then calibration completeness is achieved, but calibration time and operational complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the calibration processes of magnetic sensors and acceleration sensors into a single unified operation. By aligning the geomagnetic field direction with the gravity field direction, both sensor types can be calibrated simultaneously using the same spatial attitudes, eliminating the need for separate calibration procedures and reducing overall calibration time while maintaining complete calibration coverage
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the magnetic field environment parameter by using a Helmholtz coil to generate an artificial geomagnetic field that is aligned with the gravity field. This parameter change allows the magnetic sensor calibration to be performed under conditions where the magnetic field and gravity field are parallel, enabling simultaneous calibration with acceleration sensors and reducing the number of required spatial attitudes
2Reliability
If separate calibration of magnetic sensor and acceleration sensor is performed, then comprehensive calibration is achieved, but procedure complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the calibration procedures for magnetic sensors and acceleration sensors into a single integrated process. By aligning the geomagnetic field with the gravity field through Helmholtz coil adjustment, both sensor types undergo calibration using the same set of spatial attitudes and data collection procedures, significantly simplifying the overall calibration workflow while ensuring comprehensive calibration coverage
Solution Approach 2:
The calibration system achieves multi-functionality by using a unified calibration approach that serves both magnetic sensor and acceleration sensor calibration needs. The same Helmholtz coil configuration, spatial attitude settings, and data processing procedures universally apply to both sensor types, eliminating the need for separate specialized procedures and reducing operational complexity
3Measurement precision
If environmental magnetic field is used for tracing, then field calibration is achieved, but magnetic field environment requirements become strict
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a Helmholtz coil as an intermediary device to generate an artificial geomagnetic field for calibration purposes. This intermediary magnetic field source allows calibration to be performed in environments where the natural geomagnetic field may be insufficient or contaminated, providing a controlled and predictable magnetic field environment that improves calibration accuracy while increasing adaptability to various calibration locations
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the magnetic field parameters by using a Helmholtz coil to generate an artificial magnetic field with controlled intensity and direction. This parameter change allows the magnetic field to be adjusted to match the gravity field orientation, enabling consistent calibration results across different environmental conditions and locations while maintaining high measurement precision
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 simplifies the calibration process, improves efficiency, and ensures accurate measurement data by aligning the magnetic and gravity fields, enabling simultaneous calibration of magnetic and acceleration sensors, thereby enhancing the precision of borehole trajectory measurements.
Implementation Method 1
a first triaxial Helmholtz coil configured to generate an additional magnetic field after offsetting a static environmental magnetic field by adjustment
Implementation Method 2
a heating calibration turntable configured to adjust a temperature and triaxial angles under the additional magnetic field
Data Source
AI summary
A calibration and verification system for a directional sensor, including an industrial control computer and a directional sensor, wherein the industrial control computer is connected to a sensor signal acquisition system, a first triaxial Helmholtz coil and a second triaxial Helmholtz coil, respectively, wherein a heating calibration turntable is disposed in the first triaxial Helmholtz coil and configured to heat and calibrate the directional sensor, and wherein a high-precision inclination and azimuth test turntable is disposed in the second triaxial Helmholtz coil and configured to verify the directional sensor.