Laser Pipe Joint Measurement with Pressurized Gas Sealing

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Solution Overview

Problem

There is a need for an automated, remote-controlled laser measuring system that can accurately measure and calculate the length of pipes being inserted into or pulled out of a wellbore, capable of operating in hostile environments and minimizing the release of toxic fumes.

Innovation Solution

A laser measuring system with a laser surface velocimeter that projects a laser beam to measure pipe length, using a dual sealing system with rubber pipe wipers and a pressurized gas port to maintain a clear beam path, and communicates with a computer processor for real-time calculations, while being supported off the ground and capable of withstanding harsh conditions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If a laser measuring system is used to measure pipe length, then measurement precision is improved, but the system becomes vulnerable to debris and toxic fumes in hostile environments

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepipe length measurementVSAvoiddebris and toxic fumes interference

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

A clear gas (nitrogen or air) is introduced as an intermediary substance between the laser beam and the harmful environment. The gas flows through a tube containing the laser beam path, creating a protected corridor that prevents debris and toxic fumes from interfering with the measurement while allowing the laser to accurately measure pipe length.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The laser measuring system is extracted from the direct hostile environment by housing it within a protected tube through which clean gas flows. This separates the sensitive measurement device from the harmful external conditions (debris, toxic fumes, heat) while maintaining measurement capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Reliability

If the laser housing is supported off the ground, then reliability in hostile environments is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperation in hostile environmentsVSAvoidsupport structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The support structure transitions from ground-level operation to aerial suspension through a derrick or rig structure. By moving the laser housing to a different spatial dimension (elevated position), the system achieves reliable operation in hostile environments by positioning it where it can measure pipes being inserted or removed from wellbores without ground-level contamination.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Productivity

If real-time measurement is implemented, then productivity is improved, but use of energy increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontinuous measurement capabilityVSAvoidlaser and processing energy

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

Traditional mechanical measurement methods are replaced with optical laser measurement. The laser system provides continuous, real-time measurement of pipe length without physical contact, enabling high productivity through automated data collection and processing while reducing the energy-intensive mechanical operations associated with conventional measurement systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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, accurate measurement of pipe joints in real-time, ensuring a clean and debris-free surface for the laser beam, reducing toxic fume release, and providing data on pipe length and velocity, even in challenging environments like heat, corrosives, and acidic conditions.

Implementation Method 1

A laser surface velocimeter can project a laser beam at each joint of pipe to measure a length of pipe and calculate a total length of connected joints of pipe

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLaser Doppler Velocimetry: Laser Doppler Velocimetry

Implementation Method 2

A pressurized gas port can pressurize the laser housing and/or laser arm above ambient pressure to keep the laser beam clear of particulate and well fluids

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPressurisation: Pressurisation

Implementation Method 3

The laser beam can be used to detect and calculate length and quantity of joints of pipe moving past the laser beam

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight reflection: Reflection

Data Source

PatentUS9534886B1Laser measuring system for joints of pipes

Publication Date: 2017.01.03 HICKS JR BOBBY FRANK

AI summary

A laser measuring system for continuous measurement of at least one join of pipe being inserted into or removed from a wellbore. The laser measuring system can have a laser housing with a laser surface velocimeter. The laser housing with a laser arm can be connected to a support member with an upper mounting member and an upper rubber pipe wiper and a lower plate with a lower rubber pipe wiper. The laser surface velocimeter can communicate via a network to a computer processor and data storage for measuring pipe joint length in real time. A pressurized gas port can pressurize the laser housing above ambient pressure to keep a laser beam clear of particulate and well fluids. The laser beam used to detect and calculate length and quantity of joints of pipe moving past the laser beam transmitting the information to the computer processor real time.