Orphan Well Casing Locator with Inductive Sensor
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing technologies face challenges in accurately locating abandoned oil well heads below ground, particularly due to the difficulty in detecting metal casing at great depths and lack of markings, which complicates the reentry process for sealing off orphan wells.
Innovation Solution
An oil well orphan well casing locator with a hollow elongated housing containing an inductive proximity sensor, electronics for controlling the sensor, and a system comprising a pulse control circuit, microprocessor, line driver circuit, recorder, and display to detect metal in a single direction and confirm the device's position within the well head.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional locating instruments are used to detect abandoned well heads, then the device structure is simple, but the detection capability at great depths is insufficient and measurement precision is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple locating instruments with different detection capabilities into a single integrated device. The device merges magnetic field detection, electromagnetic induction, and other locating technologies into one unified system, enabling comprehensive detection of abandoned well heads at various depths while maintaining a relatively compact structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The locating device is designed with multi-functional capabilities to detect different types of well casings (steel, iron, concrete) using multiple detection methods. The device can operate in various modes (magnetic field mode, electromagnetic induction mode) to adapt to different detection scenarios, thereby improving measurement precision across diverse conditions.
2Measurement precision
If multiple sensors are used to improve detection accuracy, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple sensors (magnetic field sensors, electromagnetic induction sensors) are merged into a single integrated sensor array within the device. The sensors are spatially arranged and functionally combined to achieve three-dimensional localization while sharing common signal processing and control systems, thereby reducing overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor system is designed with a nested structure where multiple sensors are arranged in concentric or hierarchical patterns. The sensors are integrated within a unified housing and control system, allowing compact arrangement that reduces device complexity while maintaining detection accuracy.
3Ease of manufacture
If the device structure is simplified for ease of manufacture, then ease of manufacture is improved, but detection capability at great depths deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into modular segments that can be manufactured separately and then assembled. Each module contains specific functional components (sensors, power supply, control circuitry) that can be produced using standard manufacturing processes, improving ease of manufacture while maintaining overall detection reliability through systematic integration.
Solution Approach 2:
The device uses standardized, multi-functional components that can be mass-produced and adapted for different detection scenarios. The modular design allows the same basic structure to serve multiple detection purposes, improving ease of manufacture without compromising detection reliability through proven component designs.
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 device effectively verifies the presence within the well head by detecting metal in a 360° turn, ensuring accurate location and direction, facilitating the reentry process for sealing off orphan wells.
Implementation Method 1
an inductive proximity sensor mounted interior to the elongated housing with the sensor inserted in a side opening to provide a single sensing direction
Data Source
AI summary
An oil well orphan well casing locator primarily used for locating abandoned well heads below ground.