Magnetic Sensor Barrier for Well Tool Signal Isolation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Reliable transmission and reception of magnetic signals in a wellbore environment are challenging, hindering the selective actuation of well tools and fluid management in subterranean wells.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a magnetic sensor, a magnetic device that propagates a magnetic field, and a barrier with low magnetic permeability material positioned between the sensor and device, allowing for the isolation and effective detection of magnetic signals to actuate well tools, such as valves, in a subterranean well.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a magnetic sensor and magnetic device are positioned close together for effective signal detection, then the magnetic signal transmission is improved, but the sensor becomes vulnerable to magnetic interference and damage from the wellbore environment
Solution Approach 1:
A barrier component made of low magnetic permeability material is positioned between the magnetic sensor and the magnetic device. This intermediary barrier allows the magnetic field to pass through while protecting the sensor from direct exposure to strong magnetic fields and wellbore environmental factors, thus maintaining signal transmission reliability while reducing harmful magnetic interference
Solution Approach 2:
The barrier material is specifically selected to have low magnetic permeability, which changes the magnetic field parameters by allowing controlled passage of magnetic flux while blocking direct magnetic coupling. This parameter change enables the sensor to detect magnetic signals without being overwhelmed by strong magnetic fields from the device
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a barrier with low magnetic permeability is introduced between the sensor and magnetic device, then the sensor is protected from magnetic interference, but the magnetic signal transmission may be attenuated
Solution Approach 1:
The barrier material is specifically engineered with low magnetic permeability parameters that allow sufficient magnetic flux passage. By carefully selecting materials with appropriate magnetic properties, the barrier provides protection while maintaining signal transmission above the detection threshold of the magnetic sensor
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using complex mechanical shielding or magnetic shielding materials that would block signals, the invention substitutes with a simple low magnetic permeability barrier that passively allows magnetic field penetration while providing environmental protection, thus maintaining signal transmission
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 reliable and selective actuation of well tools and fluid management by ensuring clear magnetic signal transmission and reception, enhancing control over fluid injection and production operations in subterranean wells.
Implementation Method 1
a magnetic device which propagates a magnetic field to the magnetic sensor
Implementation Method 2
the barrier comprising a relatively low magnetic permeability material
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A system for use with a subterranean well can include a magnetic sensor, a magnetic device which propagates a magnetic field to the magnetic sensor, and a barrier positioned between the magnetic sensor and the magnetic device. The barrier can comprise a relatively low magnetic permeability material. A method of isolating a magnetic sensor from a magnetic device in a subterranean well can include separating the magnetic sensor from the magnetic device with a barrier interposed between the magnetic sensor and the magnetic device, the barrier comprising a relatively low magnetic permeability material. A well tool can include a housing having a flow passage formed through the housing, a magnetic sensor in the housing, and a barrier which separates the magnetic sensor from the flow passage, the barrier having a lower magnetic permeability as compared to the housing.