Magnetometer Bend Measurement for Adjustable Motor Assemblies
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Measuring the bend of adjustable motor assemblies in well systems is challenging due to the difficulty in accurately determining the angle of inclination and bend direction, which affects the performance and efficiency of directional wellbores.
Innovation Solution
The use of magnetometers to detect the strength of a magnetic field emitted by a magnet positioned on one motor housing assembly member, with a sensor on the other member, allows for the determination of bend measurements by measuring changes in magnetic field strength as the assembly bends, enabling accurate calculation of bend amount and direction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If magnetometers are used to detect magnetic field strength changes, then measurement precision of bend is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical bend measurement systems with a magnetic field-based detection system using magnetometers. Instead of using mechanical sensors or complex instrumentation to measure bend, the system uses magnets attached to motor housing members and magnetometers to detect changes in magnetic field strength, thereby substituting a mechanical measurement approach with a magnetic field-based approach that achieves high precision while simplifying the overall measurement system.
2Adaptability or versatility
If adjustable housing assemblies are used to change inclination, then adaptability of wellbore drilling is improved, but difficulty of detecting and measuring bend increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces magnets as intermediary elements attached to the adjustable housing members. These magnets serve as mediators that translate the mechanical bend of the adjustable housing into detectable magnetic field strength changes. The magnetometers detect these magnetic field variations, which indirectly reveal the bend amount and direction, thereby solving the difficulty of directly measuring bend in adjustable housing assemblies.
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
This method provides precise bend measurements and direction, allowing drill operators to confirm assembly functionality and predict bottom hole assembly performance, enhancing drilling efficiency and accuracy.
Implementation Method 1
a sensor positioned on the second motor housing assembly member for detecting a strength of the magnetic field emitted by the magnet
Data Source
AI summary
A wellbore assembly is provided that can include a first motor housing assembly member and a second motor housing assembly member that can bend relative to the first motor housing assembly at a bend location. The assembly can also include a magnet positioned to emit a magnetic field. A sensor can be magnetically coupled with the magnet and positioned to detect the strength of the magnetic field emitted by the magnet. Based on the strength of the magnetic field detected by the sensor, the amount of bend or bend direction of the second motor housing assembly member relative to the first motor housing assembly member can be determined.