Instrumented Core Barrel with Electromagnetic Antenna
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current core cutting operations in subterranean wells face challenges in monitoring the cutting speed and displacement of cores into the core barrel assembly, determining the exact depth of core cutting, and identifying potential jams or issues during the coring process.
Innovation Solution
A formation core analysis system that includes a core barrel assembly with a toroidal electromagnetic antenna and longitudinally spaced electrodes to measure the resistivity of the core as it is cut, allowing for real-time monitoring of core displacement and cutting speed by inducing current in the core and transmitting measurements through inductive coupling or other telemetry methods.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional core cutting monitoring methods are used, then the equipment complexity is low, but the measurement precision and reliability of core displacement and cutting speed are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical measurement systems with electromagnetic induction technology. Electromagnetic sensors and antennas induce currents in the conductive core material to measure displacement and cutting speed, eliminating complex mechanical linkages and contact-based measurement devices while achieving high precision monitoring.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces electromagnetic fields as an intermediary between the coring bit and the core material. The electromagnetic field serves as a non-contact mediator to detect core properties, displacement, and cutting parameters, avoiding direct mechanical contact and reducing system complexity while improving measurement accuracy.
2Reliability
If real-time monitoring of core cutting operations is implemented, then the reliability of detecting jams and issues is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements continuous feedback monitoring by measuring electromagnetic properties of the core in real-time during cutting operations. The system provides immediate feedback on core displacement, cutting speed, and potential jams, allowing operators to detect and respond to issues promptly without complex manual monitoring systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical sensing systems with electromagnetic measurement technology. By inducing and detecting electromagnetic signals in the core, the system achieves reliable real-time monitoring of cutting operations with simpler device architecture compared to traditional mechanical sensors and linkages.
3Measurement precision
If electromagnetic induction technology is used to measure core resistivity, then the measurement precision is improved, but the use of energy increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs periodic electromagnetic signal transmission from the antenna rather than continuous transmission. By pulsing the electromagnetic field at appropriate intervals during core cutting, the system achieves accurate resistivity measurements while minimizing energy consumption compared to continuous electromagnetic field generation.
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 continuous monitoring of core cutting operations, allowing for accurate determination of core displacement speed and depth, and immediate detection of potential jams or issues, enhancing the efficiency and reliability of coring operations.
Implementation Method 1
A formation core analysis system is provided which includes a core barrel assembly and a toroidal electromagnetic antenna which transmits electromagnetic signals into a formation core when the formation core is received in the inner barrel
Implementation Method 2
The core barrel assembly can include multiple longitudinally spaced apart instrumented sections. Each instrumented section can include multiple electrodes which electrically contact the formation core
Data Source
AI summary
A formation core analysis system can include an inner barrel and a toroidal electromagnetic antenna which transmits electromagnetic signals into a formation core when the core is received in the inner barrel. Another formation core analysis system can include an inner barrel and multiple longitudinally spaced apart electrodes which electrically contact a formation core when the core is received in the inner barrel. A speed of displacement of the core into the inner barrel may be indicated by differences between measurements taken via the electrodes as the core displaces into the inner barrel. A method of measuring resistivity of a formation core as the core is being cut can include transmitting electromagnetic signals into the core from a toroidal electromagnetic antenna as the core is being cut by a coring bit.