Magnetic Probe for Drilling Rod Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing drilling rod and pipe casing measurement technologies are complex and costly due to the need for high current to energize coils at great depths and are affected by interference from intense current pulses, which complicates the detection of sticking points, joint positions, perforations, and stress conditions in drilling operations.
Innovation Solution
A probe with a permanent magnet and magnetometers sensitive to transverse magnetic fields is used to detect variations in magnetization, allowing for the localization of sticking points, joint counting, and stress analysis without requiring alternating or pulsed signals, and is designed to operate effectively in high-temperature environments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If coils are used to generate magnetic fields at great depths, then magnetic field generation capability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase due to high current requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the electrical coil system with a permanent magnet system. Instead of using coils that require high currents to generate magnetic fields at depth, the invention uses permanent magnets embedded in the drill string. This substitution eliminates the need for complex electrical insulation, current delivery systems, and shielding, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining magnetic field generation capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs permanent magnets as simple, inexpensive components that can be directly embedded in the drill string. These permanent magnets serve as the magnetic field source without requiring the complex, expensive coil assemblies. The permanent magnets are integrated directly into the drill string structure, providing a cost-effective solution that eliminates the need for sophisticated magnetic field generation systems.
2Power
If intense current pulses are applied to energize coils, then magnetic field strength is improved, but interference with detection systems increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates the source of interference by replacing the coil system with permanent magnets. Since permanent magnets do not require intense current pulses for operation, they generate magnetic fields without creating electromagnetic interference with detection systems. The magnetic field is produced continuously by the permanent magnets themselves, without the need for pulsing that would cause harmful interference.
Solution Approach 2:
The permanent magnets self-generate the magnetic field without requiring external electrical energy input. The magnetic field is produced by the magnets themselves as an intrinsic property, eliminating the need for external current pulses that would cause interference. The system is self-sustaining in terms of magnetic field generation, without requiring external power that could create harmful electromagnetic emissions.
3Measurement precision
If magnetometers sensitive to transverse magnetic fields are used, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a single permanent magnet to serve multiple functions: it generates the magnetic field for detection, provides a reference field for the magnetometers, and eliminates the need for separate field generation coils. The permanent magnet acts as both the source of the magnetic field and the reference element, allowing the magnetometers to measure variations in the field without requiring complex additional equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex electrical field generation systems with a simple permanent magnet. This substitution simplifies the overall device while enabling the use of sensitive magnetometers. The permanent magnet provides a stable, interference-free magnetic field that allows precise measurements without requiring the complex electrical insulation and current delivery systems needed for coil-based approaches.
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 probe provides a sensitive and cost-effective means to detect sticking points, joint positions, and stress conditions, offering improved precision and reduced interference, enabling efficient drilling operations with enhanced sensitivity and reduced complexity.
Implementation Method 1
a permanent magnet (6), the north-south axis of which is perpendicular to the axis of the rods (3)
Implementation Method 2
The means for measuring the magnetic field are generally means for measuring the magnetic flux
Implementation Method 3
a sticking-point of rods (3) made of a magnetostrictive material
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus comprising a probe having an elongated probe casing includes a magnetometer and a permanent magnet having a north-south magnetic axis disposed in an orientation relative to a longitudinal axis of a drill string or pipe casing when the probe is inserted into the drill string or the pipe casing. The permanent magnet is disposed in a non-vertical plane that does not contain the longitudinal axis to induce a magnetic field in the plane from the north of the magnetic axis to the south of the magnetic axis along a portion of a circumference of the drill string or the pipe casing. The magnetometer is to detect magnetization of the drill string or the pipe casing independently of movement of the permanent magnet. Additional apparatus and methods of analysis using the apparatus are disclosed.