Multi-zone EM Logging for Nested Pipe Corrosion
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Managing corrosion detection in multiple concentric metal pipes using electromagnetic logging tools is complex due to non-linear signal combinations, requiring advanced inversion methods and accurate data interpretation to estimate pipe thickness and properties effectively.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of an electromagnetic logging tool with multiple coils and advanced algorithms such as multi-zone correction, mu/sigma estimation, and channel selection algorithms to accurately measure and process signals from multiple concentric pipes, allowing for precise characterization of pipe integrity and properties like thickness, permeability, and conductivity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If electromagnetic logging tools are used to detect corrosion in multiple concentric pipes, then corrosion monitoring capability is improved, but data interpretation complexity increases due to non-linear signal combinations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the multi-zone log data into distinct zones based on pipe configuration changes. Each zone is processed separately with appropriate correction algorithms, breaking down the complex interpretation task into manageable segments that can be handled independently while maintaining overall system reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies parameter changes by using multi-zone correction algorithms that adjust measurement parameters based on the specific pipe configuration in each zone. This allows the system to adapt to different pipe arrangements (single pipe, double pipe, triple pipe configurations) and maintain accurate corrosion monitoring despite the non-linear signal combinations.
2Measurement precision
If advanced inversion methods are used to estimate pipe thickness from EM log data, then measurement precision is improved, but processing time and computational complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary actions by pre-processing the EM log data through multi-zone correction before inversion. This preliminary correction of zone transitions and signal artifacts reduces the computational burden during the inversion process, allowing for precise pipe thickness estimation without excessive processing time.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical inversion processes with optimized computational algorithms. By using multi-zone correction and targeted inversion methods focused on specific zones, the system achieves high measurement precision while reducing overall processing time compared to applying full inversion methods to the entire log continuously.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple casing strings are employed in well installation, then operational versatility is improved, but corrosion detection and data interpretation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the wellbore into multiple zones corresponding to different pipe configurations created by multiple casing strings. Each zone is analyzed separately with appropriate correction algorithms, allowing the system to handle complex multi-string configurations while maintaining manageable data interpretation complexity through systematic zone-by-zone processing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal multi-zone correction framework that can handle various pipe configurations (single pipe, double pipe, triple pipe, and different concentric arrangements). This universal approach allows the same basic methodology to be applied across different well installation scenarios, maintaining operational versatility while standardizing the corrosion detection process.
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 approach enables accurate and efficient detection of metal loss and gain, as well as estimation of pipe properties, even in complex multi-string configurations, improving the reliability of corrosion monitoring and pipe integrity assessment in oil and gas operations.
Implementation Method 1
transmitting an electromagnetic field from the transmitter into a pipe string to energize the pipe string with the electromagnetic field thereby producing an eddy current that emanates from the pipe string
Implementation Method 2
measuring the eddy current in the pipe string with the receiver on at least one channel to obtain a plurality of measurements
Data Source
AI summary
A method and system for estimating a pipe property for a plurality of nested pipes. The method may comprise disposing an electromagnetic logging tool in a wellbore. The electromagnetic logging tool may comprise a transmitter disposed on the electromagnetic logging tool and a receiver disposed on the electromagnetic logging tool. The method may further comprise transmitting an electromagnetic field from the transmitter into a pipe string to energize the pipe string with the electromagnetic field thereby producing an eddy current that emanates from the pipe string, measuring the eddy current in the pipe string with the receiver on at least one channel to obtain a plurality of measurements, forming a log from the plurality of measurements, zoning the log into a plurality of zones based at least in part on a well plan, and extracting a representative signal for each zone of the plurality of zones.