Self-Powered Wellbore Motor Using Electromagnetic Induction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for monitoring production fluid levels in oil wells are limited by depth, have short lifespans due to energy depletion, require installation during drilling, are expensive, fragile, and susceptible to damage.
Innovation Solution
A well monitor system comprising an electrical generator with movable magnets and windings, an energy storage device, and a vibration transducer, which generates electrical energy from cyclical pump rod motion and transmits well condition signals through the tubing using stored energy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If existing monitoring systems are installed during drilling and completion, then they can identify production fluid level, but they are expensive, time-consuming, and cannot be retrofitted to existing wells
Solution Approach 1:
The monitoring system utilizes the existing pump rod motion to generate electrical energy through electromagnetic induction, eliminating the need for external power sources or complex installation procedures. The system serves itself by converting mechanical motion from the artificial lift system into electrical power for its own operation, allowing retrofittable installation in existing wells without requiring well shutdown or complex drilling operations.
2Duration of action of stationary object
If batteries are used to power monitoring systems, then they can operate at various depths, but they have limited lifespan due to energy depletion
Solution Approach 1:
The system generates its own electrical energy continuously through electromagnetic induction caused by the relative motion between magnets attached to the pump rod and windings in the monitoring device. This self-powered mechanism eliminates battery replacement needs and extends system lifespan indefinitely, as long as the artificial lift system operates to provide the mechanical motion for energy generation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from static energy storage (batteries) to dynamic energy generation through electromagnetic induction. The continuous relative motion between magnetic components and windings creates a dynamic power source that adapts to the operational status of the artificial lift system, generating energy whenever pump rod motion occurs.
3Length of stationary object
If monitoring systems operate at limited depths, then they can function with existing power sources, but they cannot identify production fluid level in deep wells
Solution Approach 1:
The self-powered design eliminates constraints imposed by battery capacity or surface power supply limitations. The system can be deployed at any depth where the artificial lift system operates, as it generates its own power locally through electromagnetic induction from pump rod motion, enabling monitoring in deep wells without power source constraints.
4Loss of information
If existing monitoring systems are used, then they can provide well condition data, but they are fragile and susceptible to damage during operation or maintenance
Solution Approach 1:
The monitoring system is integrated with the existing artificial lift system components, specifically utilizing the pump rod and tubing structure already present in the well. This merging approach eliminates the need for separate, fragile monitoring equipment that would be susceptible to damage, as the system leverages the mechanical strength and structural integrity of the existing lift system components.
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 continuous, reliable monitoring of downhole well conditions without the need for surface power supply, allowing for efficient fluid production optimization and reduced maintenance costs.
Implementation Method 1
an electrical generator mounted to a tubing in the well, the generator comprising magnets and windings movable relative to one another by a pump rod received in the tubing
Implementation Method 2
a vibration transducer electrically coupled to the energy storage device; and a controller for selectively powering the vibration transducer to produce a signal indicative of the well condition
Data Source
AI summary
A well monitor for monitoring a downhole well condition. The well monitor comprises an electrical generator mounted to a tubing in the well, the generator comprising magnets and windings movable relative to one another by a pump rod received in the tubing. The monitor comprises an energy storage device electrically coupled to the generator for storing generated electrical energy. A vibration transducer is electrically coupled to the energy storage device. The well monitor comprises a controller for selectively powering the vibration transducer to produce a signal indicative of the well condition for transmission through the tubing.