Eccentricity Detection in Multi-Pipe EM Inspection Tools
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current corrosion inspection tools in oil and gas exploration assume perfect concentricity between pipes and tools, leading to inaccurate characterization due to potential eccentricity, which affects the precision of inversion results and reduces the capability for precise pipe characterization.
Innovation Solution
A tool with azimuthally distributed receivers is used to detect and evaluate eccentricity in multiple pipe inspection scenarios, employing time-domain and frequency-domain techniques to differentiate responses and correct inversion algorithms, providing more accurate characterization of tubular components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional EM inversion algorithms assume perfect concentricity between pipes and tools, then the inversion process is simplified and computation is faster, but the characterization accuracy deteriorates due to unaccounted eccentricity effects
Solution Approach 1:
The invention segments the pipe inspection problem into two distinct stages: first, detecting and evaluating eccentricity using azimuthally distributed receivers, and second, correcting the inversion algorithm based on the detected eccentricity parameters. This segmentation allows the system to maintain computational efficiency while improving accuracy by applying corrections only when eccentricity is present.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention performs preliminary eccentricity detection and evaluation before executing the main inversion process. By using azimuthally distributed receivers to detect eccentricity first, the system prepares correction parameters in advance, allowing the subsequent inversion to account for eccentricity effects without significantly increasing overall computation time.
2Measurement precision
If azimuthally distributed receivers are added to detect and evaluate eccentricity, then pipe characterization accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The azimuthally distributed receivers serve multiple functions: they detect eccentricity, evaluate its extent, and provide data for correcting inversion algorithms. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated eccentricity detection devices, thereby limiting the increase in overall device complexity while achieving improved measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces eccentricity parameters as an intermediary element that mediates between the raw EM signals and the final pipe characterization. By detecting and evaluating eccentricity as an intermediate step, the system creates a bridge that allows standard inversion algorithms to produce more accurate results without requiring fundamental changes to their structure.
3Measurement precision
If eccentricity detection and evaluation is performed using multiple receiver pairs, then detection precision is improved, but the number of receivers and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the functions of eccentricity detection and pipe characterization into a single integrated process using the same azimuthally distributed receivers. By combining these functions, the system achieves improved detection precision without requiring separate dedicated receiver sets, thereby limiting the increase in the number of receivers.
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 solution enables precise detection and evaluation of eccentricity, leading to improved characterization of pipes and reduced characterization errors, enhancing the accuracy of pipe inspection and maintenance processes.
Implementation Method 1
One major EM technique operates based on producing and sensing eddy current (EC) in these metallic components. In EC technique, a transmitting coil emits primary field into the pipes. These fields produce eddy currents in the pipes. These currents, in turn, produce secondary fields.
Implementation Method 2
a transmitting coil emits primary field into the pipes. These fields produce eddy currents in the pipes. These currents, in turn, produce secondary fields.
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatus and methods can be conducted in a multi-pipe structure to determine eccentricity of one or more pipes of the multi-pipe structure. A tool having a center axis as a symmetry axis of the tool can be used in which receivers are arranged as a number of pairs of receivers around the center axis of the tool. Each receiver of a pair can be disposed opposite the other receiver of the pair with respect to the center axis such that each pair is symmetrical with respect to the center axis of the tool. Eccentricity of one or more pipes of the multi-pipe structure can be determined based on the received responses at the receivers of the pairs.