Multi-Spacing Array Tool for Individual Pipe Thickness Measurement
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current corrosion detection tools in oil and gas exploration are limited in their ability to accurately assess the thickness and detect defects in multiple concentric pipes beyond the innermost pipe, often relying on approximate linear relations and failing to provide individual thickness measurements for pipes beyond the innermost.
Innovation Solution
The development of a corrosion detection tool with multiple transmitters and receivers arranged at various distances and frequencies, capable of measuring electromagnetic fields in near, transition, and far field zones, using inversion schemes and deconvolution to accurately determine the thickness and location of defects in multiple pipes, including those beyond the innermost pipe.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional EM induction tools are used, then corrosion detection in inner pipes is achieved, but individual thickness measurement of outer pipes beyond the innermost pipe cannot be obtained
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the measurement function into multiple transmitter-receiver pairs, each optimized for detecting specific pipes in the concentric structure. By segmenting the detection capability across multiple sensor pairs with different spacings, the system can individually measure thickness of each pipe (inner, middle, and outer) rather than providing only a combined measurement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extends the measurement capability from a single dimension (inner pipe only) to multiple dimensions by adding transmitters and receivers at different radial distances and orientations. This multi-dimensional sensor arrangement enables independent measurement of each concentric pipe's thickness by capturing electromagnetic field interactions at various spatial positions.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple transmitters and receivers are added to measure outer pipes, then detection capability improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs a multi-functional tool where each transmitter-receiver pair serves multiple purposes: characterizing different pipes, detecting corrosion at various depths, and providing redundant measurement paths. This universal design allows the same sensor configuration to measure inner, middle, and outer pipes simultaneously, reducing the need for separate specialized tools for each pipe layer.
3Ease of manufacture
If approximate linear relations are used for thickness estimation, then measurement process is simplified, but accuracy of individual pipe thickness determination is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces simple linear estimation methods with advanced electromagnetic field modeling and inversion algorithms. By using full electromagnetic field theory to model the interaction between multiple transmitters, receivers, and concentric pipes, the system achieves accurate individual thickness measurements while accounting for the complex coupled electromagnetic fields that simple linear relations cannot capture.
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 precise measurement of individual pipe thicknesses and defect detection in configurations with up to six or more concentric pipes, improving the accuracy and range of corrosion assessment compared to existing technologies.
Implementation Method 1
one or more transmitters generate a primary field that induces eddy currents inside metallic pipes being investigated by the induction corrosion detection tools. The induced eddy currents in the pipes produce a secondary field, which is measured by one or more receivers.
Implementation Method 2
one or more transmitters generate a primary field that induces eddy currents inside metallic pipes being investigated by the induction corrosion detection tools
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
Systems and methods to investigate multi-pipe structures for detection of corrosion and quantitative assessment of thickness in the multiple pipes can be implemented in a variety of applications. Systems can include a set of transmitters and multiple receivers arranged on a tool structure with variable distances to the transmitters of the set of transmitters, where the receivers are arranged to measure electromagnetic responses from a multi-pipe structure to excitation of the set of transmitters with the tool structure disposed in the multi-pipe structure. The electromagnetic responses may include responses correlated to a near field zone, a transition zone, and a far field zone, where the electromagnetic responses can be processed to recover individual thicknesses of each pipe of the multi-pipe structure. Additional apparatus, systems, and methods are disclosed.