Magnetic Downhole Sensor Attachment via Electromagnetic Joint
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wellbore monitoring systems require rigs for deployment and retrieval, and existing sensors may not allow for efficient fluid flow or easy data transmission, limiting their effectiveness and accessibility.
Innovation Solution
A magnetic downhole monitoring system with a sensor housed in a magnetic material that attaches to an electromagnetically activated magnetic joint within a wellbore tubular, powered by a cable running through the annulus, allowing for wireless data transmission and easy deployment/retrieval using wirelines or slicklines.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If sensors are deployed within wellbores using existing systems, then well parameters can be monitored, but rigs are required for deployment and retrieval which increases operational complexity and cost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical rig-based deployment system with an electromagnetic attachment system. The sensor assembly uses a magnet to attach to the wellbore tubular, allowing deployment and retrieval via wireline or slickline without requiring a rig. This substitution of mechanical deployment with electromagnetic attachment resolves the contradiction by maintaining monitoring reliability while reducing deployment system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a magnet as an intermediary component that enables the sensor assembly to attach to the wellbore tubular. This magnetic intermediary allows the sensor to be held in position without mechanical fixtures or rig equipment, resolving the contradiction between reliable monitoring and simplified deployment by providing a simple magnetic attachment mechanism
2Reliability
If traditional sensors are installed in wellbores, then monitoring can be performed, but fluid flow efficiency is reduced due to sensor obstruction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by making the sensor body hollow and annular, allowing fluid to flow through the sensor assembly rather than around it. This localized structural modification maintains monitoring effectiveness while eliminating flow obstruction, as the sensor occupies minimal cross-sectional area and fluid can pass through its hollow interior
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor assembly is segmented into multiple functional components: a hollow annular body for fluid flow, a magnet for attachment, and a sensor element for measurement. This segmentation allows the fluid pathway to be separated from the sensing function, enabling effective monitoring without impeding fluid flow through the wellbore
3Reliability
If sensors are deployed deep in wellbores, then downhole monitoring is achieved, but power delivery and data transmission become difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The wellbore tubular serves multiple functions: it provides structural support for the wellbore completion and simultaneously acts as a conduit for power delivery and data transmission to the sensor assembly. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate power and communication cables, reducing system complexity while enabling deep downhole monitoring
Solution Approach 2:
The wellbore tubular serves itself by providing both mechanical support and electrical communication functions. The existing tubular infrastructure is utilized for power and data transmission, eliminating the need for additional dedicated transmission systems and simplifying the overall deployment architecture for deep well monitoring
4Ease of operation
If magnetic joints are electromagnetically activated to attach sensors, then easy attachment and retrieval is achieved, but additional power delivery system is required
Solution Approach 1:
The wellbore tubular is designed to serve dual purposes: providing mechanical structural support and serving as a conduit for power delivery to the electromagnetic magnet. By utilizing the existing tubular for both structural and electrical functions, the system achieves easy sensor attachment and retrieval without adding separate power delivery infrastructure, thus improving ease of operation without significantly increasing complexity
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 efficient monitoring of well parameters without the need for rigs, allows fluid flow through the sensor, and facilitates easy replacement or retrieval of components, improving operational efficiency and safety.
Implementation Method 1
The magnetic joint is configured to be electromagnetically activated to attract and attach to the sensor
Implementation Method 2
A magnetic joint is configured to be attached to an inner surface of a wellbore tubular installed within a wellbore completion
Implementation Method 3
The power cable is configured to provide power through the wellbore tubular to electromagnetically activate the magnetic joint
Data Source
AI summary
A magnetic downhole monitoring system includes a sensor configured to be lowered into a wellbore and to sense a well parameter. The sensor is housed in a magnetic material. A magnetic joint is configured to be attached to an inner surface of a wellbore tubular installed within a wellbore completion. The magnetic joint is configured to be electromagnetically activated to attract and attach to the sensor. A power cable is configured to be lowered into an annulus between the wellbore completion and the wellbore tubular. The power cable is configured to provide power through the wellbore tubular to electromagnetically activate the magnetic joint.