Downhole Electromagnetic Assembly Status Sensing via DC Power Change
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing downhole devices, such as safety valves, face challenges in efficiently determining the coupling and decoupling status of electromagnetic assemblies without the need for downhole sensors, which is crucial for maintaining operational reliability and safety.
Innovation Solution
The solution involves measuring the change in counter-electromotive force (CEMF) generated by the electromagnetic assembly when it couples or decouples with a magnetic target, using sensors to detect changes in DC power parameters or AC signal parameters, allowing estimation of the device's status or health without requiring downhole electronics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If downhole sensors are installed to monitor electromagnetic assembly status, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and reliability are worsened due to additional failure points in harsh environments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses surface-based sensors to detect electromagnetic signals (voltage, current, impedance, frequency) that propagate from the downhole electromagnetic assembly through the earth formation. This intermediary approach allows monitoring without installing sensors in the harsh downhole environment, eliminating the reliability issues associated with downhole electronics while maintaining measurement precision through surface detection of electromagnetic field changes
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces physical mechanical sensors that would need to be installed downhole with electromagnetic field-based detection. By monitoring changes in electrical parameters (voltage, current, impedance, frequency) of the power supply system, the system substitutes direct mechanical contact sensing with remote electromagnetic sensing, thereby avoiding the need for complex downhole sensor installations
2Measurement precision
If downhole sensors are installed to monitor electromagnetic assembly status, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity is worsened due to additional components required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses surface-based sensors to detect electromagnetic signals (voltage, current, impedance, frequency) that propagate from the downhole electromagnetic assembly through the earth formation. This intermediary approach allows monitoring without installing sensors in the harsh downhole environment, eliminating the reliability issues associated with downhole electronics while maintaining measurement precision through surface detection of electromagnetic field changes
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the existing power supply system serve multiple functions: it not only powers the electromagnetic assembly but also acts as the sensing mechanism. By monitoring electrical parameters (voltage, current, impedance, frequency) of the power supply, the system simultaneously performs power delivery and status detection, eliminating the need for separate sensor systems and reducing overall device complexity
3Productivity
If electromagnetic assembly is used to control valve operation, then productivity is improved, but reliability is worsened due to inability to detect coupling status
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism by continuously monitoring electrical parameters (voltage, current, impedance, frequency) of the power supply system and using these signals to determine the coupling status of the electromagnetic assembly with the valve stem. This feedback loop provides real-time information about the electromagnetic assembly's operational state, enabling reliable control of valve operations while maintaining high productivity through efficient electromagnetic actuation
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 enables accurate monitoring of the electromagnetic assembly's coupling and decoupling, providing real-time health assessment and enhancing the reliability and safety of downhole devices by detecting changes in impedance or current without the need for downhole sensors.
Implementation Method 1
measuring the change in counter-electromotive force (CEMF) generated by the electromagnetic assembly when it couples or decouples with a magnetic target
Implementation Method 2
an electromagnetic assembly; a magnetic target positioned proximate the electromagnetic assembly
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a downhole device, a well system, and a method. The downhole device, in one aspect, includes an electromagnetic assembly, as well as a magnetic target positioned proximate the electromagnetic assembly, wherein one of the magnetic target or the electromagnetic assembly is coupled with a movable feature of the downhole device, the movable feature configured to move to physically couple or physically decouple the electromagnetic assembly and the magnetic target. The downhole device, according to this aspect, further includes a sensor electrically coupled to the electromagnetic assembly, the sensor configured to sense for a change in a DC power parameter powering the electromagnetic assembly as the electromagnetic assembly and magnetic target physically couple to or physically decouple from one another, the sensed change representative of a change of impedance within a coil of the electromagnetic assembly and employable to estimate the status or health of the downhole device.