Downhole Shock Sensor Using Magnetic Field Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current technologies fail to accurately measure strains, pressures, and accelerations caused by perforating in well systems, leading to unreliable estimations for perforating string designs and a lack of real-time feedback on perforation status, resulting in potential damage and efficiency losses.

Innovation Solution

A shock sensor system using a coil and magnet assembly with a magnetic member that measures changes in the magnetic field caused by perforation shocks, providing real-time feedback without requiring additional downhole circuitry, and is connected to a conveyance system for data transmission to the surface for processing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If simple electromechanical components are used without additional downhole circuitry, then device complexity is reduced and reliability is improved, but measurement precision of strains, pressures, and accelerations deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice complexityVSAvoidmeasurement precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces complex electronic measurement systems with a simplified electromechanical system. A magnetic member coupled to the perforating string moves in response to shock, and this mechanical displacement is detected by a magnetic sensor (such as a Hall effect sensor or magnetoresistive sensor) to generate an electrical signal. This substitution achieves accurate measurement of shock events while avoiding the need for additional downhole circuitry, thus resolving the contradiction between device complexity and measurement precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Productivity

If real-time feedback of perforation status is implemented, then productivity is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional sensing and communication requirements

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveproductivityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The magnetic member serves multiple functions: it is mechanically coupled to the perforating string to move with shock, acts as a mechanical transducer converting mechanical displacement to magnetic field changes, and enables real-time detection of perforation events. This multi-functionality allows real-time feedback without adding separate sensing and communication systems, thus improving productivity while maintaining acceptable device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Reliability

If accurate measurement of shock events is achieved, then reliability of perforating string designs is improved, but device complexity increases due to sophisticated sensing requirements

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovereliabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The magnetic member acts as an intermediary element that translates mechanical shock events into magnetic field variations. This intermediary approach allows accurate measurement of shock events using simple magnetic sensors rather than requiring complex accelerometers or strain gauges, thus improving reliability while keeping device complexity low.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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

Enables accurate real-time validation of perforation events, reducing the risk of damage to well components and improving the reliability of perforating string designs by providing immediate feedback on shock events.

Implementation Method 1

sense the perforation shock

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectShock wave: Shock Wave

Implementation Method 2

measuring a change in a magnetic field produced by the shock from the perforation event

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic field: Magnetic Field

Data Source

PatentUS11215042B2Downhole shock sensor
Publication Date: 2022.01.04 HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES INC
  • US11215042B2 patent drawing
  • US11215042B2 patent drawing
  • US11215042B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A shock sensor, comprising: a housing, wherein the housing is cylindrical, wherein the housing comprises: a first end; a second end; a central bore that traverses a length of the housing; and an internal cavity; a coil, wherein the coil is disposed about the central bore; at least two magnets, wherein the at least two magnets are disposed about the central bore; a spring, wherein the spring is a compression spring, wherein the spring is disposed within the housing, wherein the spring comprises a first end and a second end; and a metallic member, wherein the metallic member is disposed at the second end of the spring.