Magnetic Bearing Shielding in ESP Motors Against Field Interference

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Solution Overview

Problem

Intense magnetic fields generated by electric motor rotors and stators interfere with magnetic bearings in electric submersible pump (ESP) assemblies, degrading their performance and reducing the operating life of ESP components.

Innovation Solution

Magnetic shielding using high magnetic permeability materials is implemented proximate to the magnetic bearings to reroute magnetic fields away from these components, thereby reducing interference and enhancing the performance and longevity of the ESP assembly.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If magnetic shielding is implemented proximate to magnetic bearings, then the performance and operating life of magnetic bearings is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperating life of magnetic bearingsVSAvoidcomplexity of ESP assembly

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

A magnetic shielding component is introduced as an intermediary element between the electric motor and the magnetic bearing. This shield redirects magnetic field lines away from the bearing, preventing direct magnetic interference while maintaining the functional relationship between the motor and bearing. The shield acts as a mediator that protects the bearing without requiring fundamental changes to the motor or bearing design.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The magnetic shielding component is made from high magnetic permeability material, which may be a composite or specialized alloy designed to effectively redirect magnetic fields. This material property allows the shield to concentrate and redirect magnetic flux lines, providing protection to the magnetic bearing while maintaining structural integrity and magnetic field management.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Reliability

If magnetic shielding is implemented proximate to magnetic bearings, then the performance of magnetic bearings is improved, but the manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveperformance of magnetic bearingsVSAvoidease of manufacturing ESP assembly

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The magnetic shielding system is divided into separate components: the shield itself and the magnetic bearing assembly. This segmentation allows the shield to be manufactured, tested, and installed as a distinct element, simplifying the manufacturing process. The shield can be produced using standard fabrication techniques for high permeability materials and then integrated into the existing bearing assembly without requiring complete disassembly or complex multi-step manufacturing procedures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Loss of time

If magnetic shielding is implemented proximate to magnetic bearings, then maintenance downtime is reduced, but the initial device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemaintenance downtimeVSAvoidcomplexity of ESP assembly

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of timeVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The magnetic shielding component is installed in advance during the initial assembly or maintenance window, providing continuous protection against magnetic interference. This prior cushioning prevents degradation of the magnetic bearing performance over time, thereby reducing the frequency and duration of maintenance interventions. The shield is positioned to maximize its protective effect while minimizing interference with routine maintenance activities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

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 magnetic shielding improves the performance of magnetic bearings, extends the operating life of ESP components, reduces maintenance and production downtime, and increases hydrocarbon production by minimizing the impact of magnetic field interference.

Implementation Method 1

Magnetic shielding using high magnetic permeability materials is implemented proximate to the magnetic bearings to reroute magnetic fields away from these components

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic field rerouting: Magnetic Field

Implementation Method 2

Magnetic shielding using high magnetic permeability materials is implemented proximate to the magnetic bearings

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHigh magnetic permeability: Ferromagnetism

Data Source

PatentUS11739617B2Shielding for a magnetic bearing in an electric submersible pump (ESP) assembly

Publication Date: 2023.08.29 HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES INC

AI summary

An electric submersible pump (ESP) assembly. The ESP assembly comprises a centrifugal pump, an electric motor mechanically coupled by a drive shaft to the centrifugal pump, wherein the electric motor comprises a stator and a rotor, a bearing, wherein the bearing is disposed inside the electric motor, and a magnetic shield disposed in the electric motor between bearing and the rotor and stator.