Manual RFID Antenna Tuning for Riser Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Manual tracking and management of riser segments in oil and gas extraction systems are prone to errors, leading to decreased longevity and increased costs due to the inability of automatic RFID antenna tuners to function effectively in environments with large moving metallic objects.
Innovation Solution
Employing a manual RFID antenna tuner that is pre-tuned to match the inductance of RFID tags before deployment, allowing for accurate communication between RFID antennas and tags despite the varying inductance caused by metallic components, and using low-frequency RFID tags to penetrate coatings and contaminants.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If automatic RFID antenna tuners are used, then tuning speed and productivity are improved, but reliability deteriorates due to inability to function in environments with large moving metallic objects
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the operating frequency parameter from high frequency to low frequency (125 kHz), which allows the RFID signal to penetrate through coatings and contaminants on metallic surfaces. This parameter change enables reliable communication in the presence of large moving metallic objects while maintaining automated tuning capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces low-frequency electromagnetic waves as an intermediary that can penetrate through metallic coatings and contaminants. This intermediary enables communication between the RFID antenna and tags even when large metallic objects are present, resolving the reliability issue while maintaining automated operation.
2Ease of operation
If manual tracking and management of riser segments are performed, then ease of operation is maintained, but measurement precision deteriorates due to human errors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements RFID tags on riser segments that automatically transmit their identification information to RFID readers. The system self-services by automatically tracking and managing segments without requiring manual intervention, thereby eliminating human errors while maintaining operational simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical tracking with an automated RFID-based electromagnetic system. RFID readers automatically detect and track segments using low-frequency electromagnetic waves, substituting human-operated mechanical processes with automated electronic systems that provide higher precision.
3Speed
If high-frequency RFID tags are used, then communication speed is improved, but object-affected harmful factors increase due to inability to penetrate coatings and contaminants
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the frequency parameter from high frequency to low frequency (125 kHz), which fundamentally alters the penetration characteristics of the electromagnetic waves. Low-frequency waves can penetrate through coatings and contaminants on metallic surfaces, eliminating the signal blocking issue while maintaining adequate communication speed for tracking applications.
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 configuration significantly reduces errors in tracking and managing riser segments, extending their useful life and reducing costs by ensuring reliable communication between RFID antennas and tags in the challenging drilling rig environment.
Implementation Method 1
an RFID antenna may be tuned prior to installing the RFID antenna in an operational environment
Implementation Method 2
the inductance of which is adjusted to match an inductance of the RFID tag
Data Source
AI summary
A system, in certain embodiments, includes a radio frequency identification (RFID) antenna configured to communicate with an RFID tag. The system also includes an antenna tuner electrically coupled to the RFID antenna, and configured to manually tune the RFID antenna to match an inductance of the RFID tag.