Magnetic Sensing Tool for Ferric Steel Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for detecting tools made of ferric steel within pressure control equipment (PCE) are unreliable, leading to potential damage and downtime when closing PCE, as they cannot accurately determine the presence or position of tools with undetermined length and diameter.
Innovation Solution
A low power wireless magnetic tool detector (MST) is designed to create a magnetic field that is disrupted by ferric steel tools, allowing for real-time position telemetry and accurate detection of tools, including their direction and speed, within PCE.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If prior art sensors (RFID, Hall-effect) are used to detect tools in PCE, then the system can provide some detection capability, but the measurement precision and reliability are insufficient because they measure changes in electrical field rather than directly measuring voltage disturbed by the target tool
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces electrical field measurement systems (RFID, Hall-effect sensors) with electromagnetic induction sensors that directly measure voltage disturbances. This substitution of measurement principle enables direct detection of the target tool's magnetic signature, providing both precise measurement and reliable determination of tool presence and position within PCE.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the detection parameter from measuring electrical field changes to directly measuring voltage disturbances caused by the target tool. This parameter change enables the sensor to detect the tool's magnetic properties directly, improving both measurement precision and reliability of detection.
2Measurement precision
If LVDT tools are used to measure target position, then center sensing can be achieved on a solid rod, but they cannot accurately measure the movement of a target tool with undetermined length and diameter in oil and gas applications
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal detection system using electromagnetic induction sensors that can detect any ferric steel target tool regardless of its specific dimensions. Unlike LVDT tools designed for solid rods with determined geometry, this system adapts to target tools with undetermined length and diameter, providing versatile application across various oil and gas tools.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes from measuring physical displacement (LVDT method) to measuring voltage disturbances caused by magnetic field interaction. This parameter change enables the system to detect tools with varying lengths and diameters, as the detection depends on the tool's magnetic properties rather than its geometric dimensions.
3Productivity
If PCE is closed without reliable detection, then the operation can proceed quickly, but the wireline tool or equipment may be damaged causing loss of tool and downtime
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements real-time feedback through electromagnetic induction sensors that continuously monitor the position and presence of wireline tools within PCE. This feedback mechanism provides operators with reliable information about tool location, enabling them to close PCE only when appropriate, thus preventing damage while maintaining operational efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables preliminary detection and confirmation of tool position before closing PCE. The electromagnetic induction sensors provide advance warning of tool presence, allowing operators to take preliminary actions to ensure safe closure timing, thereby preventing equipment damage while maintaining productivity.
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 MST device provides reliable and accurate detection of ferric steel tools, ensuring safe operation of PCE by preventing premature closure and ensuring proper tool alignment, thereby reducing the risk of damage and downtime.
Implementation Method 1
the MST device acts as an insurance policy against a few of the most common potential hazards... by using electromagnetic induction sensors
Implementation Method 2
a target tool to be detected is a wireline tool within a PCE component... creates a magnetic field that is disrupted by ferric steel tools
Implementation Method 3
these tools measure changes in the electrical field generated by the magnets (known as Hall-effect sensors) themselves, as opposed to directly measuring voltage that is disturbed by the target tool
Data Source
AI summary
A magnetic sensing tool (“MST”) uses differentials in induced voltage to detect the approximate location of a ferric target tool within surface pressure control equipment associated with a wellhead. The MST comprises a transmitter coil and two receiver coils configured such that a voltage generated in the transmitter coil induces a baseline voltage, and a baseline voltage differential, in the receiver coils when no target tool is present. A target tool passing axially through the MST will disrupt the magnetic fields inducing the voltages, such that variations in the voltage differential can be used to detect the approximate location of the target tool. The MST can be deployed alone or in series depending on the requirements of detection of the target tool.