Inductive Flange for Wireless Wellhead Power and Data
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current mineral extraction systems face challenges in measuring operating parameters like temperature and pressure within wellheads without compromising the pressure barrier, as existing methods require apertures or penetrations that can disrupt pressure containment.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a flange with an inductive power and data transmission system that uses a primary and secondary transformer core for wireless energy transfer between an external data acquisition unit and sensors within the wellhead, eliminating the need for cables and maintaining pressure integrity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If cables and apertures are used to transmit power and data to sensors within the wellhead, then data collection capability is improved, but pressure containment integrity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical cable connections with inductive coupling between a primary transformer core (external to wellhead) and secondary transformer core (internal to wellhead). This electromagnetic field-based power and data transmission eliminates the need for physical apertures or penetrations through the wellhead flange, thereby maintaining pressure containment integrity while enabling sensor operation and data collection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces transformer cores as intermediary elements that enable wireless power and data transmission. The primary transformer core externally coupled to the wellhead flange and the secondary transformer core internally positioned create an inductive coupling field that serves as an intermediary medium for transmitting energy and information without compromising the pressure barrier.
2Reliability
If wireless inductive coupling is used to transmit power and data, then pressure containment integrity is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The transformer cores serve multiple functions simultaneously: they provide both power transmission and data communication through the same inductive coupling mechanism. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate systems for power and data, thereby limiting the increase in overall system complexity while maintaining pressure containment integrity.
3Measurement precision
If sensors are installed within the wellhead, then measurement precision is improved, but pressure barrier integrity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical cable penetrations required for sensor data output with wireless inductive coupling. Sensors can be installed within the wellhead to measure operating parameters without requiring cables to pass through the pressure barrier, as data is transmitted wirelessly through the inductive coupling field between transformer cores.
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 the collection of data from within the wellhead while maintaining pressure containment by transmitting power and data inductively through the flange, improving data collection and pressure isolation.
Implementation Method 1
the first core and the second core transfer energy between each other via inductive coupling
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to a system including a flange configured to couple to a component of a mineral extraction system, where the flange includes a base, an exterior annular tapered portion extending from the base, and an annular wall extending from the exterior annular tapered portion, wherein the annular wall at least partially defines a central exterior cavity and at least partially defines an interior annular cavity. The system also includes an inductive power and data transmission system mounted within the flange, wherein the inductive power and data transmission system comprises a first component and a second component, wherein the first and second components are separated by the annular wall.