Electromagnetic Mud Pulser for High-Temperature Drilling

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current mud pulsers used in drilling systems deteriorate at high temperatures and are not suitable for use in wells above 300 degrees Fahrenheit due to oil fillings, elastomers, and electrical high pressure connectors.

Innovation Solution

A flow control device with an electromagnetic circuit using soft magnetic or magnetic materials to generate pressure pulses, where a closing member moves between open and closed positions to produce pulses in the fluid flow path when the coil is energized, eliminating the need for oil fillings and electrical connectors.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional mud pulsers with oil fillings, elastomers and electrical high pressure connectors are used, then pressure pulse generation is achieved, but the components deteriorate at high temperatures above 300 degrees Fahrenheit

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecomponent durabilityVSAvoidoperating temperature limit
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

The patent removes oil fillings, elastomers, and electrical high pressure connectors from the mud pulser design. These extracted components were the source of deterioration at high temperatures, and their elimination allows the device to operate reliably above 300 degrees Fahrenheit without degradation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the material parameters and construction of the mud pulser by using high-temperature-resistant materials and a simplified electromagnetic design. This parameter change enables the device to withstand and operate at temperatures exceeding 300 degrees Fahrenheit, extending the operational temperature limit.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If oil fillings and elastomers are used in the electromagnetic circuit, then the electromagnetic circuit functions, but the components deteriorate over time in high temperature environments

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectromagnetic circuit reliabilityVSAvoidcomponent lifespan
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts and removes oil fillings and elastomers from the electromagnetic circuit design. These materials were causing deterioration over time, particularly in high-temperature drilling environments. Their removal eliminates the degradation mechanism while maintaining electromagnetic functionality through alternative design approaches.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention replaces mechanical and chemical components (oil fillings, elastomers) with an electromagnetic-based system that uses magnetic fields and electromagnetic induction to achieve the same flow control function, thereby eliminating materials that deteriorate over time.

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

3Reliability

If a closing member made from soft magnetic or magnetic material is used in the electromagnetic circuit, then pressure pulses are generated without oil fillings or electrical connectors, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehigh temperature suitabilityVSAvoidelectromagnetic circuit complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the closing member with the electromagnetic circuit by making the closing member itself from soft magnetic or magnetic material. This integration eliminates the need for separate oil fillings, elastomers, and electrical high pressure connectors, simplifying the overall device while achieving high-temperature reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The closing member serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as both the electromagnetic circuit component and the flow control element. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining reliability at high temperatures.

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

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 provides reliable pressure pulse generation in high-temperature environments, extending the lifespan of drilling system components and ensuring continuous data transmission during drilling operations.

Implementation Method 1

an electromagnetic circuit that includes a closing member made from a soft magnetic or magnetic material as a part of the electromagnetic circuit, wherein the closing member moves from a first open position to a second closed position to close the fluid flow path to produce a pressure pulse in a fluid flowing through the fluid flow path when the electromagnetic circuit is formed

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentEP3298239B1Apparatus for generating pulses in fluid during drilling of wellbores
Publication Date: 2020.07.01 BAKER HUGHES CO
  • EP3298239B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3298239B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3298239B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

In one aspect, an apparatus for use in a drilling assembly is disclosed that in one embodiment includes a flow control device that further includes: a fluid flow path having an inlet and an outlet; an electromagnetic circuit that includes a closing member made from a soft magnetic or magnetic material as a part of the electromagnetic circuit, wherein the closing member moves from a first open position to a second closed position to close the fluid flow path to produce a pressure pulse in a fluid flowing through the fluid flow path when the electromagnetic circuit is formed.