EM Corrosion Mapping via Neural Network Calibration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current corrosion monitoring technologies for oil and gas wells, such as high-resolution corrosion tools and electromagnetic (EM) tools, face challenges in efficiently and cost-effectively inspecting multiple concentric metal pipes, as they either require costly and risky pipe removal or provide lower resolution data, making it difficult to accurately map corrosion across multiple tubulars.
Innovation Solution
Combining electromagnetic (EM) logging tools with high-resolution measurements to create a detailed map of corrosion in multiple tubulars by calibrating EM data using geometric information and high-resolution information, allowing for continuous in-situ monitoring of pipe integrity and metal loss detection without the need to remove pipes, using techniques like eddy current measurements and deep neural networks for enhanced resolution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If high-resolution corrosion tools are used to inspect multiple concentric pipes, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and operational difficulty increase due to requiring pipe removal
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses electromagnetic fields as an intermediary to indirectly measure pipe wall thickness and corrosion without direct contact. The EM tool measures electromagnetic properties of the pipe and surrounding formation, allowing corrosion detection through the pipe wall without requiring physical contact or pipe removal, thus resolving the contradiction between high resolution and ease of operation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical contact-based corrosion tools with electromagnetic measurement systems. Instead of using mechanical calipers or direct-contact sensors that require pipe removal, the system uses electromagnetic induction and dielectric property measurements to detect corrosion non-invasively, eliminating the need for mechanical intervention
2Ease of operation
If electromagnetic corrosion tools are used for multiple string analysis, then ease of operation is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the electromagnetic measurement system into multiple independent measurement channels, each targeting a specific pipe string. By using separate transmitter-receiver pairs with different spacings and configurations, the system can independently measure and resolve corrosion in each concentric pipe, maintaining high precision while analyzing multiple strings simultaneously
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds spatial dimensionality to electromagnetic measurements by using multiple transmitter-receiver spacings and angular configurations. This multi-dimensional measurement approach allows the system to differentiate between signals from different pipe strings and resolve corrosion locations with high precision in three-dimensional space, overcoming the resolution limitations of conventional EM tools
3Measurement precision
If high-resolution corrosion tools are used to inspect outer pipes, then measurement precision is improved, but loss of time increases due to pipe removal requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary electromagnetic measurements on all pipe strings simultaneously before any inspection or intervention is required. By establishing baseline EM signatures and corrosion indicators for all concentric pipes in a single operation, the system eliminates the need for sequential pipe removal and reinstallation, saving significant time while maintaining measurement precision
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables continuous monitoring of all pipe strings without interruption by using electromagnetic fields that can penetrate and measure through multiple concentric pipes simultaneously. This continuous measurement capability eliminates the downtime associated with removing and reinstalling pipes for inspection, maintaining uninterrupted production while providing high-resolution corrosion data
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 approach enables accurate, cost-effective, and non-invasive monitoring of corrosion across multiple concentric pipes, improving vertical and azimuthal resolution, allowing for timely identification and prediction of corrosion, reducing downtime and operational costs by integrating EM logging with high-resolution data for enhanced pipe condition assessment.
Implementation Method 1
transmitting an electromagnetic field from a transmitter of the EM logging tool into the one or more tubulars to energize the one or more tubulars, thereby producing an eddy current that emanates from the one or more tubulars
Implementation Method 2
producing an eddy current that emanates from the one or more tubulars
Implementation Method 3
measuring the eddy current with a receiver of the EM logging tool to obtain a plurality of electromagnetic (EM) log measurements
Data Source
AI summary
A method for estimating a pipe property for a plurality of nested tubulars. The method may comprise disposing an electromagnetic (EM) logging tool in a wellbore. The electromagnetic logging tool may comprise a transmitter disposed on the electromagnetic logging tool and a receiver disposed on the electromagnetic logging tool. The method may further comprise transmitting an electromagnetic field from the transmitter into one or more tubulars, measuring the eddy current in the pipe string with the receiver on at least one channel to obtain a plurality of measurements, forming an EM log from the plurality of measurements, extracting data and distinct features from the EM log, forming a relationship between the EM log data and a database, wherein the database is formed from one or more high-resolution measurements, and producing a mapping function between the EM log and the database.