Infrared Beam Deflection for Contactless Wellhead Displacement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Wellheads in hydrocarbon production systems experience structural changes and damage due to complex forces and thermal gradients, leading to potential integrity failure and safety risks, which are not effectively monitored with conventional manual and sporadic measurements.
Innovation Solution
A beam deflection system using infrared light to project a pattern onto the wellhead, capture reflected light with imaging sensors, and determine displacement, enabling continuous, real-time monitoring and triggering corrective actions when thresholds are exceeded.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual measurement methods are used for wellhead displacement, then the system complexity is low, but the measurement precision and monitoring reliability are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical measurement methods with an optical measurement system using laser beams and imaging sensors. The laser beam projects a pattern onto the wellhead, and imaging sensors capture the reflected light to calculate displacement through coordinate transformation, achieving automated high-precision measurement without direct mechanical contact.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an optical intermediary system consisting of laser beams and imaging sensors that mediate between the wellhead and the measurement device. The laser pattern serves as an intermediary reference frame, and the imaging sensor captures intermediate optical images that are then processed to determine wellhead displacement, enabling indirect but precise measurement.
2Reliability
If continuous real-time monitoring is implemented, then the reliability and safety are improved, but the energy consumption and system complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic monitoring by capturing images at regular time intervals rather than continuous monitoring. The imaging sensor takes snapshots of the laser pattern reflected from the wellhead at predetermined intervals, and the processor calculates displacement from these periodic measurements, reducing energy consumption while maintaining effective monitoring.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent maintains continuous monitoring capability through automated operation. Once the laser is projected and the imaging sensor is positioned, the system automatically captures images and processes data without requiring continuous manual intervention, enabling uninterrupted monitoring with minimal energy input after initial setup.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the measurement system operates in harsh environmental conditions, then the adaptability is improved, but the measurement precision and system stability deteriorate due to thermal expansion and environmental occlusions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent compensates for thermal expansion effects by dynamically adjusting measurement parameters. The processor calculates displacement based on changes in coordinate positions of laser pattern features in successive images, and the system can recalibrate using a predefined light pattern projected onto a flat surface to account for thermal dilations of the optical system itself.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses contactless optical measurement to avoid mechanical contact with the wellhead, eliminating the need for physical sensors that would be directly exposed to harsh conditions. The laser beam and imaging sensor operate remotely, allowing the measurement system to be positioned away from the wellhead and reducing requirements for explosion-proofing and temperature shielding.
4Measurement precision
If the optical system is positioned close to the wellhead for accurate measurement, then the measurement precision is improved, but the safety risks and equipment damage potential increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses the laser beam as an intermediary that can traverse the space between the imaging sensor and the wellhead. The laser pattern serves as a virtual reference frame that bridges the gap, allowing the imaging sensor to be positioned at a safe distance while still achieving accurate measurements through optical triangulation and coordinate transformation of the laser pattern features.
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 submillimeter tracking of wellhead features, resilient to environmental occlusions and deformations, allowing for preventive maintenance and integrity monitoring, reducing the risk of catastrophic failures.
Implementation Method 1
The infrared light can be reflected from features of the wellhead, and the reflected light can be captured by an imaging sensor
Implementation Method 2
Displacement of the wellhead can be determined based on the projected pattern of light and the captured reflected light
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for performing contactless wellhead displacement measurements in a desert environment include adjusting an alignment of optical components in an optical system based on a temperature of the optical system. A pattern of infrared light is projected from the optical system onto a portion of a wellhead, the infrared light having a wavelength away from water absorption wavelengths and solar maxima wavelengths. Reflections of the pattern of infrared light from the portion of the wellhead are captured using an imaging sensor of the optical system. A displacement of the wellhead is measured based on the projected pattern of infrared light and the reflections.