Eddy Current Sensor Array Between Opposite Transmitters
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current electromagnetic techniques for monitoring tubular integrity in the oil and gas industry face challenges such as limited tool size due to innermost tubular diameter, difficulty in effectively monitoring outermost tubulars, and lack of consideration for specific tubular configurations, leading to inaccurate defect detection and costly remediation.
Innovation Solution
The use of an array of sensors positioned between two transmitters in an eddy current logging environment, which improves inversion results and allows for more accurate evaluation of downhole tubulars by adjusting transmitter strengths based on sensor feedback and employing a mesh of spatially distributed sensors with multiple windings for enhanced resolution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a single transmitter and receiver coil configuration is used, then the tool size can be minimized, but the ability to effectively monitor outermost tubulars through multiple tubular layers is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the electromagnetic measurement function into multiple transmitters and multiple sensor arrays positioned at different locations. This segmentation allows each component to contribute to monitoring different tubular layers, improving overall measurement precision while distributing the complexity across modular elements
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a single-line transmitter-receiver configuration to a two-dimensional array of sensors positioned between two transmitters. This dimensional change enables simultaneous measurement of multiple tubular layers, enhancing the ability to monitor outermost tubulars while maintaining manageable device complexity through systematic arrangement
2Measurement precision
If the tool is designed to fit within the innermost tubular, then the tool can be deployed, but the diameter constraint limits the sensor array size and measurement resolution
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor array is designed with flexible positioning capabilities, allowing it to dynamically adjust its configuration and spacing. This enables the system to optimize measurement resolution for different defect types while adapting to the diameter constraints of the innermost tubular, achieving high precision without requiring a permanently large tool diameter
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters such as transmitter frequency, power levels, and sensor spacing to optimize measurement precision within the constrained tool diameter. By adjusting these parameters, the system achieves high-resolution defect detection despite the limited physical space available in the innermost tubular
3Measurement precision
If electromagnetic field application is used without regard to specific tubular configuration, then the measurement process is simplified, but the accuracy of defect detection decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms where sensor measurements from the array between two transmitters are used to adjust and optimize the electromagnetic field application. This feedback loop enables the system to adapt to specific tubular configurations encountered downhole, improving defect detection accuracy while maintaining a relatively streamlined measurement process through automated adjustment
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 configuration enables more accurate tubular evaluation, improved decision-making for equipment life estimation and defect repair, and precise measurement of tubular characteristics, including corrosion and alignment, with increased resolution and ability to detect small features.
Implementation Method 1
when a transmitter coil emits a primary electromagnetic field, or signal, eddy currents are produced in the tubulars. The eddy currents produce secondary fields or signals.
Implementation Method 2
The eddy currents produce secondary fields or signals. Next, the secondary signals, sometimes called eddy current responses, are received by the receiver coil.
Data Source
AI summary
A magnetic imaging tool includes a body including at least two transmitters to transmit signals. The tool further includes an array of sensors coupled to the body to obtain eddy current responses to the signals from downhole tubulars. The array is located axially between two transmitters that produce magnetic fields with opposite orientations.