Eddy Current Measurement Power Reduction via Rise Time Activation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current pulse eddy current techniques for monitoring corrosion and defects in oil and gas infrastructure are inefficient due to high power usage and delays, leading to increased costs and unproductive time during downhole tool operations.
Innovation Solution
Energy-optimized eddy current measurement systems and methods that utilize modified excitation signals and recording responses efficiently, including shaping the spectrum of transmit signals and activating receivers before the excitation signal reaches a steady state, to reduce power consumption and measurement time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional pulse eddy current techniques are used with complete fall time waiting, then measurement accuracy is improved, but power consumption increases and measurement time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The receiver coil is activated before the excitation signal reaches its steady state, during the rise time period. This preliminary action allows the receiver to capture the eddy current response signal earlier in the cycle, eliminating the need to wait for the complete fall time while still obtaining accurate measurements of tubing characteristics.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses periodic pulsed excitation signals with optimized timing. By synchronizing the receiver activation with specific phases of the excitation pulse cycle (during rise time rather than waiting for fall time), the system achieves accurate measurements with reduced power consumption and faster measurement cycles.
2Measurement precision
If conventional pulse eddy current techniques are used with complete fall time waiting, then measurement accuracy is improved, but measurement time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The receiver coil is activated before the excitation signal reaches its steady state, during the rise time period. This preliminary action allows the receiver to capture the eddy current response signal earlier in the cycle, eliminating the need to wait for the complete fall time while still obtaining accurate measurements of tubing characteristics.
Solution Approach 2:
The system skips the traditional waiting period for the excitation signal to complete its fall time. By rushing to capture the signal during the rise time period and utilizing the eddy current response that occurs during this shorter interval, the system reduces measurement time while maintaining measurement accuracy through appropriate signal processing.
3Productivity
If downhole tool performs eddy current measurements frequently along borehole, then inspection coverage is improved, but cumulative power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses periodic pulsed excitation signals with optimized timing. By synchronizing the receiver activation with specific phases of the excitation pulse cycle (during rise time rather than waiting for fall time), the system achieves accurate measurements with reduced power consumption and faster measurement cycles.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the timing parameters of the excitation and measurement cycle. By activating the receiver during the rise time period and adjusting the excitation signal characteristics, the system reduces the energy required per measurement while maintaining measurement quality, enabling more frequent measurements along the borehole.
4Productivity
If downhole tool performs eddy current measurements frequently along borehole, then inspection coverage is improved, but unproductive time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The receiver coil is activated before the excitation signal reaches its steady state, during the rise time period. This preliminary action allows the receiver to capture the eddy current response signal earlier in the cycle, eliminating the need to wait for the complete fall time while still obtaining accurate measurements of tubing characteristics.
Solution Approach 2:
The system skips the traditional waiting period for the excitation signal to complete its fall time. By rushing to capture the signal during the rise time period and utilizing the eddy current response that occurs during this shorter interval, the system reduces measurement time while maintaining measurement accuracy through appropriate signal processing.
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
Significantly reduces power consumption and measurement time, resulting in faster and cheaper inspection operations by optimizing the energy usage of downhole tools during eddy current measurements.
Implementation Method 1
when a transmitter coil emits a primary electromagnetic field, or signal, eddy currents are produced in the tubings
Implementation Method 2
The eddy currents produce secondary fields or signals
Data Source
AI summary
A method for optimizing eddy current measurements includes conveying an electromagnetic tool through a borehole. The method further includes transmitting an excitation signal from the tool. The method further includes recording an eddy current response to the excitation signal from one or more tubings and casings within the borehole before the fall time of the excitation signal.