Pipeline Tool Localization by Magnetic Wall Attraction Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for determining the precise cross-sectional location of a pipeline tool within a tubular conduit, such as a wellbore or pipeline, are impractical due to their complexity, resource-intensive requirements, and infeasibility in fluid-filled environments, while damage detection methods are cumbersome and resource-heavy.
Innovation Solution
A pipeline tool equipped with a magnet and sensors measures the force of attraction between the magnet and ferromagnetic material of the conduit to determine its position and detect corrosion, using a processor-based device to calculate distances and discrepancies in force over time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If existing methods for determining cross-sectional location are used, then positioning capability is provided, but device complexity and resource requirements increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the essential magnetic interaction component from complex positioning systems, using a simple magnet and force sensor combination to achieve cross-sectional location determination without requiring complex imaging or multiple sensor arrays
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical or optical positioning systems with a magnetic field-based measurement approach, where a magnet generates magnetic force that interacts with ferromagnetic conduit material to provide positioning information through force measurement
2Reliability
If existing damage detection methods are used, then corrosion detection capability is provided, but resource consumption and operational complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables continuous corrosion detection during pipeline operation by continuously measuring magnetic force variations as the tool traverses the conduit, eliminating the need for separate inspection operations and reducing overall resource consumption
Solution Approach 2:
The detection tool uses its own movement through the conduit to generate the measurement process, where the tool's traversal creates the magnetic force variations needed for corrosion detection without requiring external inspection equipment or separate operational phases
3Measurement precision
If complex positioning equipment is used in fluid-filled environments, then positioning accuracy is achieved, but feasibility decreases due to environmental constraints
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces optical or mechanical positioning systems that are sensitive to fluid interference with a magnetic force measurement system that operates independently of the fluid environment, using magnetic interaction between the magnet and ferromagnetic conduit wall
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the measurement parameter from optical or mechanical position detection to magnetic force measurement, which is not affected by fluid presence, allowing accurate positioning in fluid-filled conduits where other methods fail
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 accurate, efficient, and real-time positioning and damage detection within tubular conduits without complex equipment, optimizing drilling operations and identifying potential issues like corrosion and leaks.
Implementation Method 1
one or more sensors disposed at the body and configured to measure at least one force of attraction generated between the magnet and a ferromagnetic material of a tubular conduit
Data Source
AI summary
A pipeline tool includes a body, a magnet disposed at the body, one or more sensors disposed at the body, and a controller disposed at the body. The one or more sensors measure at least one force of attraction generated between the magnet and a ferromagnetic material of a tubular conduit. The controller performs operations which include determining, based on the force of attraction, a position of the pipeline tool within a cross-section of the tubular conduit relative to a wall of the tubular conduit within the cross-section.