Electromagnetic Fluid Level Sensing in Sealed Drill Pipes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for measuring fluid levels in drill pipes, such as echometers, are ineffective in scenarios where the pipe is sealed and contains a vacuum or non-conductive materials, preventing the use of sound waves for fluid level detection.
Innovation Solution
An electromagnetic system comprising a launcher to propagate electromagnetic energy along the drill pipe, a detector to receive reflected waves, and a processor to analyze the signals for fluid level determination, allowing for real-time measurement and pump control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If echometer is used to measure fluid level, then fluid level can be detected, but the pipe must be filled with gas which is not feasible in sealed vacuum pipes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the acoustic-based echometer system with an electromagnetic field-based measurement system. The electromagnetic launcher generates electromagnetic energy that propagates through the drill pipe, and the detector measures the reflected signal to determine fluid level. This substitution allows operation in vacuum conditions where acoustic waves cannot propagate.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the physical parameter used for measurement from acoustic wave propagation to electromagnetic wave propagation. By using electromagnetic fields instead of sound waves, the system can operate in environments with different gas compositions including vacuum, thereby changing the operational parameters to suit various drilling conditions.
2Adaptability or versatility
If electromagnetic energy is used to measure fluid level, then measurement can occur in vacuum conditions, but signal loss may occur in conductive pipes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a non-conductive coating as an intermediary layer between the electromagnetic launcher and the conductive drill pipe. This coating prevents direct electromagnetic energy absorption by the conductive pipe wall, reducing signal loss and allowing the electromagnetic wave to propagate further to reach the fluid interface for accurate level measurement.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention applies a non-conductive coating specifically to the regions where electromagnetic energy propagation is needed, creating localized different properties along the pipe. This allows the pipe to maintain its structural and conductive properties where needed while having non-conductive surfaces where electromagnetic propagation is required.
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
Enables accurate and continuous fluid level measurement in conductive or non-conductive drill pipes, reducing signal loss and allowing for effective pump control, even in vacuum conditions, thereby maintaining hydrostatic pressure and preventing fluid loss.
Implementation Method 1
an electromagnetic launcher positionable and operable to apply electromagnetic energy to propagate linearly along the drill pipe
Implementation Method 2
a detector, positionable and operable to detect a portion of the electromagnetic wave reflected from the surface of the fluid
Data Source
AI summary
A system, method and device may be used to monitor fluid levels in a drill pipe in borehole. The system includes an electromagnetic (EM) generator to generate a traveling wave of electromagnetic energy to propagate along a linear path through the drill pipe towards a surface of the fluid, a detector to detect a portion of the electromagnetic wave reflected from the surface of the fluid and propagated through the drill pipe towards the detector, a processor to analyze detected signals to determine a level of the surface of the fluid. In an embodiment, the system includes a pump controller to control the operation of a pump located in the wellbore or at the mudline based on the fluid surface level.