Pipe Buckling Detection via Multi-Dimensional EM Inversion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional pipe inspection tools in the oil and gas industry fail to account for buckling effects in pipes, leading to incomplete characterization of pipe deformations and integrity assessments, as they rely on simple thickness measurements without considering changes in pipe number, diameter, or thickness due to thermal and pressure effects.
Innovation Solution
Implementing advanced inversion algorithms using one-dimensional, two-dimensional, and three-dimensional forward modeling to estimate the number, outer diameters, and thicknesses of pipes, taking into account buckling effects, which allows for the detection of local deformations and changes in pipe geometry caused by buckling, formation compaction, and temperature variations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional inspection software uses simple thickness measurement inversion, then the inspection process is simple and fast, but the characterization of pipe deformations is incomplete and inaccurate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from conventional one-dimensional thickness measurement inversion to multi-dimensional forward modeling (1D, 2D, and 3D models) that simultaneously estimates pipe number, outer diameters, and thicknesses. This dimensional expansion allows the system to capture buckling effects and geometric changes that simple thickness inversion cannot detect, directly resolving the contradiction between measurement precision and algorithm complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the set of estimated parameters from simple thickness values to a comprehensive set including pipe number, outer diameters, and thicknesses. By expanding the parameter space to include geometric variables that characterize buckling deformations, the system achieves accurate deformation characterization while managing complexity through systematic forward modeling approaches.
2Reliability
If advanced multi-dimensional forward modeling is implemented, then accurate detection of buckling effects is achieved, but the computational complexity and processing time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the inversion problem into multiple forward modeling stages (1D, 2D, and 3D models) that can be applied progressively. This segmentation allows the system to start with simpler models for rapid assessment and transition to more complex models only where needed, reducing overall processing time while maintaining reliability for detecting buckling effects.
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies partial action by using simplified forward models (1D or 2D) for pipes where buckling effects are not suspected, and reserves computationally intensive 3D modeling for cases where deformation detection is critical. This selective application of modeling complexity reduces processing time while maintaining inspection reliability.
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 proposed solution enables accurate detection and evaluation of buckling effects, providing detailed profiles of pipe deformations and integrity assessments, thereby improving the reliability of pipe inspection results and reducing the risk of costly misinterpretations.
Implementation Method 1
Electromagnetic (EM) techniques are common in inspection of these components. One major EM technique operates based on producing and sensing eddy current (EC) in these metallic components. In the EC technique, a transmitting coil emits a primary field into the pipes. These fields produce eddy currents in the pipes. These currents, in turn, produce secondary fields.
Data Source
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AI summary
Apparatus and methods to evaluate a pipe structure taking buckling into account can be implemented in a variety of applications. Responses can be measured at a set of receivers of a tool in response to exciting the pipe structure with one or more electromagnetic signals transmitted from a set of transmitters of the tool. The set of receivers and the set of transmitters can be located within the pipe structure. Circuitry can be used to determine the presence of buckling of the pipe structure based on comparison of the measured responses with one or more forward models of the pipe structure. The pipe structure may be associated with a well site, such as, for example, a casing structure for a production well.