Magnetic Locator for Oilfield Deployment Bar Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing magnetic locator systems are inadequate for accurately locating deployment bars within oilfield pressure control components, such as BOPs and lubricators, which can lead to safety incidents and operational inefficiencies due to the limited visibility of these components inside thick-walled pipes.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of magnetic locator systems that include a magnetic field generator attached to oilfield tool components, such as deployment bars, and a magnetic field sensor to detect the position of these components within pressure control components like BOPs, lubricators, and riser pipes, using magnetometers or Hall effect sensors to provide real-time location feedback.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If deployment bars are placed inside thick-walled BOP pipes for safety and operational control, then pressure control reliability is improved, but the ability to locate and detect deployment bar position deteriorates due to limited visibility
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical/visual detection methods with magnetic field-based detection. Magnetic field generators attached to deployment bars create detectable magnetic signatures that can be sensed through the thick-walled BOP pipes, eliminating the need for direct visual inspection while maintaining reliable position detection capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces magnetic field generators and magnetic sensors as intermediary elements between the deployment bars and the detection system. These intermediaries enable indirect detection of deployment bar position through the BOP pipe walls, solving the visibility problem while maintaining reliable pressure control
2Object-affected harmful factors
If deployment bars are positioned correctly inside BOP for sealing operations, then safety is improved, but operational efficiency deteriorates due to time-consuming manual location and positioning
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback system where magnetic sensors continuously monitor the position of deployment bars and provide real-time position information. This feedback enables operators to quickly verify correct positioning without manual inspection, reducing operational time while maintaining safety through accurate position knowledge
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual location and positioning operations with automated magnetic field-based detection and control. The magnetic locator system provides automated position verification, eliminating time-consuming manual procedures while maintaining safety through precise position monitoring
3Length of moving object
If lubricator length is increased to accommodate longer tool assemblies, then tool deployment capability is improved, but the complexity of locating components within the lubricator deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual component location procedures with magnetic field-based detection. Magnetic field generators attached to key components (deployment bars, lubricator elements) create detectable signatures that simplify location verification, reducing operational complexity even as lubricator and tool assembly lengths increase
Solution Approach 2:
The magnetic locator system serves multiple functions simultaneously: it locates deployment bars, verifies lubricator component positions, and provides real-time position feedback. This multi-functional capability handles the increased complexity of longer tool assemblies through a single integrated detection 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
Enhances safety and operational efficiency by ensuring accurate positioning of deployment bars, reducing the risk of safety incidents and tool damage, and allowing for longer tool assemblies to be deployed without compromising pressure control.
Implementation Method 1
a magnetic field generator attached to the oilfield tool component and a magnetic field sensor to detect the magnetic field
Implementation Method 2
using magnetometers or Hall effect sensors to provide real-time location feedback
Data Source
AI summary
Magnetic locator systems and methods of using same at a wellhead are described. The magnetic locator systems include a magnetic field generator on an oilfield tool component, such as a deployment bar, adapted to be moved through an oilfield pressure control component, such as a blow-out preventer, lubricator, riser pipe, or wellhead, and a magnetic field sensor located outside of the pressure control component adapted to detect the magnetic field and thus the position of the tool component in the pressure control component. The systems and methods of the invention provide safer and more efficient operation of oil and gas well pressure control systems. This abstract allows a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the disclosure. It will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims. 37 CFR 1.72(b).