Magnetic Freepoint Indicator Tool for Stuck Pipe Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
During downhole drilling operations, identifying the stuck point of a drill string is challenging, leading to inefficient recovery processes and potential loss of costly drill pipe, as existing methods are either costly or inaccurate.
Innovation Solution
A magnetic freepoint indicator tool (MFIT) is used to write a magnetic profile along the pipe by applying magnetic pulses and measuring flux changes before and after applying a force, allowing for precise determination of the stuck point through the use of ferromagnetic collectors and flux concentrators to intensify and measure magnetic flux.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional methods are used to determine the stuck point, then operators can identify the sticking point, but it requires several costly runs and is not cost effective
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical/conventional detection methods with a magnetic field-based measurement system. The tool uses magnetic sources to generate magnetic fields and sensors to detect flux changes in the pipe, enabling non-contact, high-precision stuck point identification without requiring multiple mechanical retrieval runs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the measurement parameter from mechanical properties (requiring physical retrieval and analysis) to magnetic flux properties. By measuring changes in magnetic flux density through the pipe wall, the system can identify stuck points without moving the pipe or requiring multiple operational runs.
2Measurement precision
If conventional methods are used to determine the stuck point, then operators can identify the sticking point, but large portions of pipe must be left in the formation
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetic measurement system eliminates the need for mechanical pipe retrieval operations. By detecting stuck points through magnetic flux changes, operators can precisely identify where to cut or retrieve pipe without having to pull the entire string, thereby minimizing drill pipe loss.
3Measurement precision
If magnetic flux is measured directly on the pipe, then stuck point can be identified, but the magnetic flux signal is weak and difficult to detect
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces ferromagnetic materials (flux concentrators) as intermediaries between the magnetic field source and the sensor. These concentrators channel and amplify the magnetic flux lines, transforming the weak direct flux signal into a stronger, more detectable signal that clearly indicates stuck points.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the magnetic field distribution parameter by using ferromagnetic concentrators to concentrate and amplify the flux density in specific regions. This transforms the spatial distribution of the magnetic field to enhance the signal strength at detection points without changing the fundamental measurement approach.
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
The MFIT effectively identifies the stuck point with improved accuracy and efficiency, enabling cost-effective recovery of drill pipe by measuring significant changes in magnetic flux, reducing the need for multiple runs and minimizing pipe loss.
Implementation Method 1
applying a plurality of magnetic pulses to the pipe
Implementation Method 2
one or more magnetic sources that pulse a magnetic field onto a pipe
Implementation Method 3
measuring a magnetic flux of the pipe
Implementation Method 4
measuring significant changes in magnetic flux
Implementation Method 5
situated between two ferromagnetic flux collectors
Implementation Method 6
the flux collectors collect the magnetic flux that has been written to a pipe
Implementation Method 7
the flux concentrators intensify the flux to improve measurements of the flux
Implementation Method 8
A force is applied to the pipe and the magnetic flux is remeasured. Based on the difference between the measured fluxes, the stuck point of the pipe may be determined
Data Source
AI summary
A system for determining a stuck point of a pipe positioned within a wellbore includes a tubular housing and a sensor array positioned within the tubular housing. The system also includes ferromagnetic flux collectors and flux concentrators on either side of the sensor array. The flux collectors collect a magnetic flux that has been written to a portion of pipe. The flux concentrators intensify the flux to improve measurements of the flux that are acquired by the sensor array.