Hookload Measurement via Magnetic Field Elongation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Accurate measurement of hookload and weight on bit (WOB) in hydrocarbon drilling operations is challenging due to the complexity of forces acting on the drill line, leading to potential inefficiencies and reduced drill bit lifespan.
Innovation Solution
A hookload measurement device is coupled to the drill line, using a combination of mechanical, optical, and electromagnetic components to measure elongation, which is then processed to calculate hookload and WOB, ensuring accurate and stress-free measurement without deforming the drill line.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional force sensors are used to measure hookload, then measurement capability is provided, but the drill line is deformed and measurement accuracy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a magnetic field as an intermediary measurement medium. Magnetic field generators are attached to the drill line, and magnetic field sensors mounted on the measuring wheel detect changes in the magnetic field as the drill line elongates under load. This indirect magnetic field-based measurement approach avoids direct physical contact and deformation of the drill line by traditional force sensors, thereby maintaining measurement accuracy while preventing harmful deformation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical force sensors with an electromagnetic measurement system. Instead of using mechanical elements that directly contact and deform the drill line to measure force, the system uses magnetic field generators and sensors to detect drill line elongation indirectly through magnetic field changes. This substitution of mechanical measurement with electromagnetic measurement eliminates the deformation problem while maintaining measurement capability.
2Loss of information
If the drill line is instrumented with sensors, then measurement data is obtained, but the drill line structure becomes complex and reliability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the measurement system into separate functional components: magnetic field generators are attached to the drill line at specific intervals, while magnetic field sensors are mounted on the measuring wheel. This segmentation allows the drill line to remain relatively simple while the measurement function is distributed across multiple discrete magnetic field elements, reducing overall system complexity compared to instrumenting the entire drill line with traditional sensors.
Solution Approach 2:
The measuring wheel serves multiple functions: it guides the drill line through the pulley system and simultaneously houses the magnetic field sensors that detect drill line elongation. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated sensor mounting structures, thereby simplifying the overall drill line structure while maintaining comprehensive measurement capability.
3Measurement precision
If traditional measurement methods are used, then hookload is measured, but the system cannot distinguish between elastic and plastic elongation leading to measurement inaccuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the measuring wheel continuously monitors magnetic field changes corresponding to drill line elongation and provides real-time measurement data. By continuously tracking the magnetic field position changes as the drill line undergoes loading cycles, the system can distinguish between reversible elastic elongation and permanent plastic elongation based on whether the magnetic field position returns to its original state after load removal, thereby improving measurement accuracy through adaptive discrimination of elongation types.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus includes a first cable clamp and a first apparatus section coupled to the first cable clamp. The apparatus includes a second cable clamp and a second apparatus section coupled to the second cable clamp. The second apparatus section is slidably coupled to the second apparatus section. The apparatus includes a first measuring device portion coupled to the first apparatus section, a second measuring device portion coupled to the second apparatus section, wherein the first measuring device portion and the second measuring device portion are in at least one of mechanical, optical, and electromagnetic communication.